Commercially available with immediate effect, the system unwinds, cuts and stacks four- and eight-page printed signatures. These are then folded and accumulated to form larger signatures and sewn together.

The Tecnau input channel, which is composed of an Unwinder u10 and a Cutter TC 7000 HS, enables fully-automated processing of variable page lengths, without any operator intervention, and with a feeding capacity up to 600 signatures per minute.

The cutter is equipped with a precise dynamic cutting system to allow instant speed changes and stoppages, simplifying the book-block separation process during sewing.

Smyth’s DX-70 Plus folding and sewing system facilitates further cost and production time savings. This kit, which features two parallel pockets followed by the collating station, also enables the production of multiple 16-page signatures printed on a single sheet.

The manufacturers said the system “guarantees dramatic time and cost reductions during production while offering extreme ease of use”, and allows the entire production process to be managed by a single operator.

Tecnau marketing manager Maurizio Gianetto said: “The addition of the roll-fed possibility is quite interesting. Switching from roll to different signature lengths was previously really difficult.

“You can now manage printed signatures on four- and eight-pages in this way and optimise the book-block.”

Smyth chief executive Sabrina Pronotto added: “This thoughtfully engineered solution can easily manage a wide array of applications from short to medium runs for book-on-demand production.

“It’s an integrated process that combines extreme reliability and a very highly precise productivity.”

The system is available from Tecnau’s UK agent Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) as well as direct from Tecnau and Smyth.