Describe your business
Hollingworth & Moss is a family company based in Leeds specialising in academic library binding. We have built on our skills and expertise in traditional bookbinding to diversify into new markets and new technologies, the latest of which is the launch of a photobook division.
What does the machine do?
It produces lay-flat, edge-to-edge photobooks with a rigid card feel to the page. Photographic or digitally printed sheets are printed as spreads, creased and then folded ready for the FotoMount. It builds the page block by inserting a self-adhesive card mounted sheet (200 or 850 micron) between each folded spread. The Mountinglift device controls the accuracy of the page block while it is being assembled.
Why did you make the purchase?
We realised that there was a big, untapped market for high-quality photobooks where we could use our skills as traditional bookbinders. The FotoMount 46e was the most versatile and affordable machine in this class. Other finishing equipment we have include a Fastbind BooXter photobook maker and Elite XT perfect binder, as well as a KAS CreaseMatic 150 creaser and an MD-650 roll laminator.
Did you look at any similar machines?
Not really, because we would be looking at spending about £80,000 for a more automated machine.
What features do you particularly like?
The lay-flat feature is the most important one. It makes it ideal for a wide range of applications where we can produce bespoke covers and custom-made sleeves and boxes.
Is there anything that you dislike?
Not really other than the fact that the operator has to ensure that they have the folded sections in order and the right way up as the images are on the inside.
How fast is it?
As it’s manually operated, speed isn’t really applicable. It is quite a time-consuming process, but there is no makeready time required.
What’s the quality like?
The quality is very precise. It’s part of a package including a Xerox AP5000 and an Epson 9900 to print the book block and the covers.
How reliable is it?
So far so good. There isn’t much to go wrong with it.
How easy is it to use?
It’s very straightforward – just plug and play.
Has it won you any new work?
Yes. We are confident that the photobook division will become a significant part of our business. We know a lot of photographers have photobooks produced overseas with a delivery time of eight to 10 weeks, while we can turn jobs around in two weeks. We are offering the service to other printers, photographers, our current clients and end-users, who can download the images and use our free software.
How was the installation and the pre- and after-sales service?
The installation and training went smoothly and the supplier Ashgate Automation came back to give us a refresher course. We have developed a good partnership with them and they supply the Fastbind consumables.
Who do you think that machine is right for?
Anybody wanting to produce large-format lay-flat books.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
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Supplier’s response
Lewis Price, Fastbind product manager at Ashgate Automation, says: Hollingworth & Moss is an excellent example of a traditional bookbinding family business which is now expanding into new markets, embracing unique Fastbind photobook binding methods.
Price from £3,595
Contact Ashgate Automation 01865 891904
