What is the machine? The PhotoSlit was specifically designed to satisfy the demands of the growing photobook market. The machine, designed and built in Sheffield, essentially cuts photobooks to the correct size directly from a digital press, but can also be used to cut other products such as business cards.

How does the machine work? The PhotoSlit is usually fitted directly in-line with a digital unit, although it can be used nearline and offline. As each sheet is fed in, the machine analyses the print mark or barcode and processes it accordingly to a finished size.

How does it differ from previous models? This system is specifically configured to suit photobooks, rather than other applications, and, with that in mind, has a number of specialist features, most notably the ability to change sizes almost instantly. To illustrate, if a prospective customer has four recurring sizes of photobook, then the PhotoSlit can be pre-configured to match. By reading a mark or barcode on each sheet, the system can change slit sizes to suit a different job in a fraction of a second.

"We have a variety of rotary slitting blades available giving high quality to the cut edge of the book and long blade-life, for instance more than three months is not unusual," explains Rollem managing director Stuart Murphy. "It also uses its own control system that can be configured so that the system can be integrated mechanically and electronically with most digital presses. This is very important for the quick turnarounds required for the web-to-print market where batch and batch finishing are just too time consuming."

Murphy says Rollem can tailor the system to match each customer’s particular needs and help them achieve unique benefits in their production process.

How fast is it? "I am cautious when describing the speed, 8,000 sheets per hour (sph) is our usual speed for business cards," says Murphy. "Photobook paper can be the same thickness or thinner and thinner paper has to run more slowly as it is not as stiff, so I say 5,000sph. However, some photobooks are prepared from card rather than paper so our machine can run at up to 8,000sph when photoslitting."

What’s its USP? The machine has a number of selling points. Productivity is one strong suit as it will out-run many digital presses. Another, according to Murphy, is that it has the "best cut edge quality, even if the stock is coated or laminated" and that it is "incredibly accurate. Every sheet is identical and sized ready for binding." An example of the quality of the machines can be found in the US where Rollem machines are used to manufacture the majority of playing cards used by the Las Vegas casinos, who represent a very exacting customer demographic.
 
How easy is it to use? Once set up and calibrated, the machine works automatically with no need for user intervention.
 
What training and level of service support can users expect? Training is provided on site at installation, but further training is available if required. Remote diagnostics is available if the customer has a suitable system and internet access on site.
 
When was the machine launched and what market is it aimed at? A few systems were configured initially for the US market from standard machines in 2010. The first installation in Europe happened last month at Sense Creative.

How much does it cost? The PhotoSlit is available from around £55,000.

What’s the sales target and how many are installed? "It is difficult to comment when you are dealing with a customised machine," says Murphy, "but I would like to be selling around one a month worldwide. I think, if we were selling two or three a month we could run out of market."

SPECIFICATIONS
Input Standard sheet size: SRA3, optional up to B1
Output Max size: SRA3
Min size: A7
Speed Up to 8,000 sheets per hour
Footprint 1,600x2,800mm to 4,500x3,500mm (depending upon max sheet size)
Pile height If operated offline with a feeder, then the max pile height is 900mm.
Delivery options Collection table, shingling conveyor, descending stacker
Price from £55,000
Contact Rollem 0114 246 8981

ALTERNATIVES
Duplo DC-745 According to Duplo, the DC-745 does similar work so it can be compared. The company says the 745 is slower, but more suited to web-to-print set-ups, where a number of different jobs are run off in a single batch. The DC-745 operates at 3,000sph, but can run without manual intervention between jobs as, like the PhotoSlit, it can be controlled via barcodes.

Note: Traditionally the work of the PhotoSlit would have been carried out offline on a guillotine. When looking for alternatives it is certainly worth talking to the guillotine suppliers about what they can offer you.