MAILCENTER: Mail Standouts at Graph Expo

At this month's Graph Expo Mailing and Fulfillment Center, multiple exhibitors are launching new product and software campaigns.

Pitney Bowes (Booth 2263) introduces the FlowMaster Rotary Servo Flex, a high-speed inserting system capable of processing up to 16,000 mail pieces per hour. The FlowMaster uses modular rotary and friction feeders, allowing mailers to process a range of materials. The machine's design is said to deliver consistent productivity and maximize uptime with features such as selective sealing and remote control. Reporting and network connectivity enhance the output of the inserting system.

Presenting a new method for mail finishing is MegaSpirea (Booth 3080), with its Mailliner 100, using Dynamic Envelope Creation. MegaSpirea claims that the real value of the Mailliner 100 is the ability to add marketing messages directly to the envelope before printing.

The Mailliner creates an envelope using the same roll of paper upon which the inside documents are printed. The machine diecuts, folds and glues inline, and then adds the marketing message—saving money that would be spent on pre-manufactured, pre-ordered envelopes. It's also more secure and private than inserting, the company says.

Longford International (Booth 2063) features the C350/C700 Friction Feeder series, which are high-speed feeders designed to fit all packaging and print finishing lines. They can feed coupons and leaflets for industries such as food and pharmaceutical. Thin sheets to multi-folded books can be dispensed in excess of 450 pieces per minute. Multiple units can be combined for collation applications, including software kits or selection collating systems. Longford machines are compatible with a variety of over wrappers, shrink wrappers and cartooning lines and can accommodate larger product dimensions of up to 17´´ in width.

Videojet Technologies (Booth 3858) launches the G4100, a digital imaging system that reportedly combines high print resolution and easier throughput use. The G4100 was developed with HP thermal inkjet technology, featuring a 4´´ printband in a single head that allows mail-piece customization of addresses, message text and graphics at up to 1,200 dpi. High-resolution print jobs can be completed at speeds up to 600 ft./min., and Videojet Technologies' G4100 features self-wiping printheads for less hands-on cleaning and maintenance.

Videojet's G4100 also includes a system controller, which requires passcode sign-in to ensure proper access. This means data is more secure and operators can only change parameters they are allowed to access, saving time by restricting them to assigned functions.

Additionally, Videojet Technologies' Auto Address Block trait in the G4100 references standard field headers in the database and enables creation of a standard fine-line address. According to the company, PDF proofing turns the finished layout into a PDF for easy e-mailing and also simplifies variable-data placement by using a scanned image of the preprinted mail piece as the background.

Mailstar (Booth 2396) introduces the Mailstar Production Tracking System, which allows users to communicate at different times with customers, track projects and manage capacities on equipment and fulfillment processes. Mailstar claims the tracking system simplifies job entry and processing, and also generates reports that show leftovers, setup time, run time, average time per job, average pieces per hour and percentage of capacity usage per operation. The company also states that users can navigate from screen to screen with more ease by tracking jobs with fewer clicks and without pull-down menus.

BCC Software (Booth 2286) shows its Mail Manager 2010 mailing software, which the company says allows users to obtain maximum postage discounts. It comes with unlimited telephone support, user forum rights and access to list-enhancing services—and also lets the operator make presort choices from a single on-screen window, choosing multiple SCF, BMC and DDU postal discounts, then printing the documentation required to finish one mailing and move on to the next.

Böwe Bell + Howell (Booth 600) displays the largest multi-vendor online connectivity ever featured at Graph Expo. The Connectivity Showcase includes Web-based tracking of other vendors' equipment on the show floor in real time, which illustrates their open architecture and integration capabilities. The Showcase utilizes the firm's enterprise management software, which was used to connect to various finishing, printing, sorting and converting suppliers exhibiting at the show, including MegaSpirea, Window Book (Booth 2297), BCC Software and Xerox Corp. (Booth 1219 and XPS Land Showcase, Booth 5451).

The Connectivity Showcase provides a live demonstration of the integration between products, which gives attendees a truer representation of how the equipment could operate in a production print or mail center environment.