User Reviews

Paul Williams, production manager at Welsh-language printer Y Lolfa, has found the new MB folder has upped his firm's competitiveness and output

What does the machine do?
The MB Prestige Foldnet 52, distributed in the UK by Encore Machinery, has an extensive automatic set-up system. This includes automatic positioning of the setting elements for the flat-pile feeder, fold-plate stops, deflector, alignment rails and delivery roller.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
The Foldnet is quicker and easier to set up than our previous folder. Also, it doesn’t require a specialist operator because the set-up is automated and the folds are shown on the display screen.

Why did you make the purchase?
We had been using a mechanical folder, which took a long time to set-up and adjust. It also required a specialist folding operator. After we bought a B2 Komori Lithrone 228 two-colour perfector, the old folder was not quick enough to handle the volume of material we were producing.

What features do you particularly like?
One of the major benefits of this folder, besides its automation, is its versatility, which is important because we are a publisher and a commercial printer. We specialise in Welsh language and tourist publications and also print a range of material from business cards to magazines.

How reliable is it?
It’s solidly built and everything seems to be designed for longevity.

How fast is it?
The machine is very quick and this is important as it has to be able to keep up with the five-colour press and perfector. We can fold 20,000 A4 sheets per hour, which is quicker than having one operator taking them off the conveyor and boxing them.

What’s the quality like?
It’s very accurate with fold correction to within 0.1mm while the machine is running.

How easy is it to use?
This is one of its main benefits because it doesn’t need a specialist folding operator. The set up is automated and the folds are shown on the display screen. Three different operators can now run the machine as well as me, which give us maximum flexibility as they are all multi-tasking.

How much time or money has it saved?
It’s saving us a lot of time because it’s three times faster than our previous folder. We can also put repetitive jobs or particular folds in the memory, so we can come back to them again a week later and bring them up on screen.

Has it won you any new work?
It has made us a lot more competitive due to the fact that makeready times have been reduced considerably. Through-put speed is also faster.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
For anyone doing repetitive work. We are a multi-purpose printer and publisher; our work range is enormous and this folder was the answer to all our prayers.

Has it proved value for money?
It has definitely been a worthwhile investment for us.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
I would have no hesitation in purchasing another, but, in saying that, I have every confidence in this one carrying on producing quality work for the distant future.

CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed *****
Quality ****
Reliability *****
Value for money *****
Supplier’s response
Encore Machinery managing director Mike Biggs says: We are delighted that the MB Prestige Foldnet is fitting in so well at Y Lolfa. It’s the ideal folder for a multi-purpose printer, where automated makeready speeds up production and ease of set-up means that they don’t have to employ a specialist operator. The machine is a real workhorse. It will fold day and night with no problems at all.
Price from £30,000 (depending on configuration)
Contact Encore Machinery 01582 668900