cutting padded mini calendars

[jsodom]

We are producing mini calendars, 3 x 3, for a sister company. We print these 120 up on a 25 x 36 sheet and then collate and cut them down to 3 x 18 strips and pad them, then we cut them down to final size 3 x 3. The problem we have is that it's a slow process and the final size isn't consistent. We need to find a better way, process or equipment that will allow us to be more efficant and to have a better consistany with final size. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Jeff

[Brausse Group]

Hi Jeff,

We have a process that might work well. Watch this link: brausse-group.com • View topic - BSP-40 STRIP 'N PACK[24.42MB][WMV][8:20min]. I've actually been talking to Dave about this machine already anyway. I'll give him a call today.

Jake

[ondemandbindery]

I would be curious as to the quantity for this. Are you printing the entire job up on one sheet or are you using 12 different sheets or how ever many and collating them that way? There are alot of ways to skin that cat for sure. As for the size inconsistency, maybe the approach for the final cutting needs to be looked at a different way. I myself have never seen a machine capable of handling something this small with good consistent product but I am sure something is out there. If you can eliminate gutters if it has them would help since that will create less cuts on the 18" strip. Small piece and they are always challenging.

[jsodom]

We are currently printing four months per sheet 60 up each. The video above I thought would be a good solution; we could print all 13 months (Dec 2010-Dec 2011) on one sheet reducing the press runs to one and one set of plates, no hand collating, and no cutting on the cutter. I've been talking with Brausse and it sounds like the 40lb uncoated stock we are using is too light weight for the machine to handle; to bad it would have been a great solution.