What does it do?
This is claimed to be the world’s first modular sheet folder. It’s a B1 format with a wide choice of configurations and the ability to reconfigure at any time after installation. MBO says this reconfigurability is unique and makes the folder future proof. “It can grow and change with your business,” says Stuart Bamford, UK & Ireland sales manager for post press and packaging at MBO’s UK distributor Friedheim International.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
The M80 was first shown at an MBO open house event in Germany in October and was shown for the first time in the UK at Ipex in March. Bamford says that it’s available for order now, although he expects the first order to come after an open event at Friedheim’s showroom in Hemel Hempstead at the end of May.
Bamford says that the target market is mainly B1 printing companies, and perhaps users of B2 digital presses as they arrive. The M80’s roll-to-sheet option might be of interest to users of fast roll-fed digital presses too, he thinks. “We don’t see trade finishers buying it, as they usually know what they want in advance and their needs don’t change.” Printers are more likely to have changing requirements as their business evolves, he says.
A second modular folder, the B2-format M60, is due to reach the market in September.
How does it work?
“It’s a folder with any conceivable option,” says Bamford. It can be a buckle or combination folder and you can change from one to another. It can be supplied with or without automation, or it can be added later.”
A base M80 module has four or six buckle plates and can be configured with interchangeable modules. The current list is: R80 Continuous Feeder; FP80 Palletised Feeder; F80 Pile Feeder; S80 Sheeter; FW80-2 Folding Unit II; FW60-3 Folding Unit III; DB60 Threefold Unit; KB80 or KBT80 Crossfold units.
Options on the base module include an extractable slitter cassette that’s said to reduce changeover times considerably; and a high-speed guide for buckle folding, intended to reduce marking. There are also optional edge trimmers, and perforation devices.
Configuration changes and additions have to be carried out by MBO engineers and most will take a day or so, says Bamford. “It’s likely to be about a week after you put in a request. The whole point is quick reaction.”
How does it differ from previous models?
It’s a completely new machine, although it draws on MBO’s previous systems and components, for example the belt drive.
How fast is it?
The top speed is 230m/min.
What’s its USP?
Again, the modularity and upgradability, with a very wide choice of configurations. There’s also a completely new control system, the M1, developed to handle the modularity.
How easy is it to use?
The M80 features the new M1 touchscreen control system and can plug into the MBO Data Manager, which offers the option of various degrees of remote set-up and JDF links if you want them. Jobs can be selected from a list of pre-sets and it’s easy to set up a new type of job manually and then save this as a pre-set for next time.
What training, service and support are on offer?
All service and support is handled by Friedheim with a choice of service contracts. Training can be onsite or for an extra fee at MBO in Oppenweiler, Germany.
How much does it cost?
This varies widely because of the number of module configurations. Bamford says it starts at about £50,000 for the base unit and goes up to £250,000.
What’s the sales target and how many are installed?
There have been about 14 installations worldwide, but none in the UK so far. Bamford says that Friedheim’s first-year sales target is six to 10 machines, growing in future years.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max sheet size 830x1,240mm
Min sheet size 150x200mm
Min folding length 60mm
Max speed 230m/min
Price £50,000-£250,000 depending on spec
Contact Friedheim International 01442 206100 www.friedheim.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Heidelberg Stahlfolder KH 82
This is a four- or six-plate folder with a choice of three feeder types: flat pole, pallet or round continuous; and a large choice of deliveries. There’s automation, touchscreen control and links to the Prinect print factory network.
Max sheet size 820x1,280mm
Min sheet size 140x180mm
Max speed 230m/min
Price Around £80,000
Contact Heidelberg UK 020 8490 3500 www.heidelberg.com
Horizon AFC-746A
The largest in Horizon’s folder range, this features automation with a large colour touchscreen control panel, with integration options for JDF and Horizon’s pXnet bindery network. Three types of feed units can be selected for various work environments: flat pile feeder, pallet pile feeder and round pile feeder.
Max sheet size 740x1,100mm
Min sheet size 210x297mm
Max speed 36,000sph (A4 parallel fold)
Price From £55,000
Contact IFS 020 8997 8053 www.ifsl.uk.com
Shoei SPK 82-4K TLTT
Shoei folders in this class range in size from 740mm to 1,120mm width, with 820mm being the nearest size equivalent to the M80. All buckle folders are available, but the one here is a combination machine. There’s a huge choice of configuration options, for instance for all buckle-, multi- fold, signature fold, miniature folding.
Max sheet size A1 to B0
Min sheet size 150x200mm
Max speed 210m/min
Price From £50,000 to £250,000
Contact Encore 01582 562518 www.encoremachinery.co.uk
USER REVIEW
“We had five folders from an Asian manufacturer before. We were satisfied but convinced the M80 could be even more efficient and reliable. The level of automation is exactly what we need” 5/5
Veljo Vihmann Director, Tallinn Book Printers, Tallinn, Estonia
