In the last issue (Oct 2--yes I missed a couple of weeks)
we talked about the use of jogging blocks for high-volume
cutting.
The Problem: now that you've got the row of small pieces
cut without spilling them, how do you move them quickly
to the side table? Usually you can use the jogger block
as a support, and move the cut pieces plus jogger in
one smooth motion. With very small pieces, sometimes
any movement is enough to send them flying.
A Solution: Simply use a piece of chipboard on the bottom
of the lift being cut. This provides something of a rigid base
for the cut lift to ride on. Periodic silicone spray on a
clean table also helps.
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Point of View
Observation is like a muscle. It grows stronger with use and atrophies
without use. Exercise your observation muscle and you will become a
more powerful decoder of the world around you.
~ Joe Navarro, former FBI agent
When you look in the mirror, you are looking at the problem;
but remember, you are also looking at the solution.
~ anonymous
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Feedback on Folding Aqueous Coated Jobs...
Plenty of great feedback on this issue...it certainly touched a nerve!
Although I can't always respond individually to every email, they all
get read and my thanks to all who took time to write!
I'll break the feedback in to three categories:
equipment, environment and technique.
Before we get to those, one lone respondent said he runs aqueous
jobs the same as regular uncoated jobs and never has a problem.
He added he's going to keep his fingers crossed! This highlights
the complexity of printing and finishing. If you experiment enough,
you can probably find the right combination of paper, ink,
coating and machines to run without a hitch.
Until then, here are a few ideas to consider.
Technique
==> The simplest and most common suggestion was to
use more fold roller pressure. Adjust manually or use thinner
sheets in the calipers.
==> Check the register belt on the infeed table. If it's worn
and too smooth, register can be an issue when you get to
a slick, coated stock. A simple test: wet the belt slightly.
If the register problem goes away, you've found the culprit.
==> "Desperation" cures, or "how do I get this job to run
right now?" Most suggestions here involved spraying a very fine
mist of water/alcohol directly on the fold section. A warning:
this will promote rust on metal parts! (WD40 or Pledge polish
lightly applied can help prevent rust.) Be sure to dry equipment
when the job is done.
Another emergency suggestion sent in: use Shower to Shower body
powder on the fold rollers. Of course, a fine powder in a machine
is not a good combination. These are definitely NOT manufacturer
recommended answers to the problem, they are emergency
solutions. But if plan to stick around the industry, a bag full of
tricks like this goes hand-in-hand with the territory.
Next week...manufacturer recommended solutions (equipment)
and environmental cures.
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Equipment Leasing Can Put Cash in Your Pocket
Thinking about investing in equipment? It pays to do it this year.
The Section 179 deduction from 2008 was extended with the
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.
What's it mean? Let's say you want to invest $12,000 in a
outfitted with 2 Tri-Creasers and a
Micro Perforator.
Buy before the end of the year and you
can deduct the entire $12,000 this year.
If you're in a 35% tax bracket, that's a
real, cash savings of $4,200.
Cost of equipment is lowered to $7,800!
PLUS...many leasing and finance companies are offering deferred payment
leases, which makes an even better case for purchasing this year:
- Buy it now and start earning a return immediately
- Start paying for example, in March 2010
- Get the full deduction of $12,000 this year
- Your tax savings pays for most or all of first year payments
- No out of pocket costs
finance company or email info@technifoldusa.com for a listing.
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