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Describe your business
We are a book printing company who print, bind and cover both soft- and hard-cover books for private authors and large publishing firms in both the UK and the rest of the world.

What does the machine do?
We use it to laminate the covers of the books and brochures that we produce for our clients.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
We felt it was the most robust on the market and it is perfect for digital printing.

Did you look at any similar machines?
We looked at all the other machines out there, but we felt that this was the best suited to digital applications and was the most efficient machine available.

Why did you make the purchase?
It was purely an upgrade, replacing two other machines. Also it could be run by one person instead of the two.

What features do you particularly like?
It’s very user-friendly, easy-to-use and robust. It also doesn’t need to be serviced and seems to just keep running.

Is there anything you dislike?
No, it’s pretty good all-round.

How fast is it?
It runs at about 12m per minute.

Is it reliable?
Yes, it’s really reliable and the guys love it.

What is the quality like?
It’s really good.

How easy is it to use?
It’s very user-friendly.

How much time or money has it saved?
It produces covers at twice the speed of each of our old machines, so it is four times more efficient than the equipment we had before.

Has it won you any new work?
It has helped reduce our turnaround time from 72 hours to 48 hours, so we can take on more work.

Does it offer you value for money?
Yes.

Did you experience any difficulties during installation or after?
We had quite a few issues, but this was mainly in setting it up to use our digital material.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Companies with short- to medium-run laminate needs.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
This machine should keep us going now for several years.

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Conclusion
User’s verdict    
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response     
Alan Harrison, technical director at Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) says: "Although the name Komfi might be new to the UK print industry, it has been manufacturing for more than 20 years, but largely marketing under OEM agreements. The machine has many users in the UK and more than 350 worldwide, largely because this system has proven to be so efficient. Laminating may appear a straight­forward process, but there are significant features to look out for that make a big difference in control of application. For example, a zonalised heated application drum and the range of materials that can be used which impact on the equipment's versatility."
Price around £46,000
Contact IFS 020 8997 8053