Toronto-based Webcom, a leader in Canadian book manufacturing that’s been serving global and independent publishers for over 40 years, has expanded its already comprehensive digital inkjet production capabilities by investing in short-run casebinding machinery from GP2 Technologies – a New-Hampshire-based OEM specializing in casemaking machinery for the production of on-demand, photo books and short-run hard-cover books. The installations, which include a GP2 Technologies’ Cover-1 Automated Casemaking System, PräLeg Casing-in Machine and PräForm Book Press and Join-Setting Machine, will allow Webcom to produce short-run hardcover books in quantities from 1 to 1,000 – which integrates perfectly with its digital print and binding equipment.
“Today, publishers can combine the best digital inkjet book-printing technologies with the best short-run hardcover bookbinding technology available,” said Mike Collinge, President and CEO of Webcom. “The result is great-looking casebound books, efficiently manufactured in one plant at a low cost, to meet demanding turnaround cycles. Our new short-run casebinding solution is ideal for book publishers’ POD, automatic stock replenishment, end-of-life and niche market book challenges,” he added.
Like Webcom’s softcover products, text for hardcover books will be available in monochrome or four-colour printing. The casebinding equipment is designed primarily for book sizes from 5 ½” × 8 ½” to 8 ½” × 11” and spine thicknesses from 1/8” to 3.” In the first phase of the project, Webcom will produce flat-back hardcover books with optional hard or flexible spines. Durable four-colour covers will be produced using 100-lb. gloss offset paper with Mylar film lamination. The new casebinding equipment will also support BookOnDemand, Webcom’s popular print-on-demand solution. BookOnDemand produces books in logical batches to optimize cost savings and turnaround times for short-runs. In the coming months, Webcom said it will be adding more cover materials and will also produce dust jackets.
