Pressline rolls out cutoff modification system
 

Pressline Services Inc. rolled out a cutoff modification system based on a cylinder engineered to print three, rather than two, sheets in a single revolution.

The patent-pending system, dubbed 3volution, or 3V, can be installed on any existing single- or doublewide press, said Jim Gore, Pressline’s vice president and general manager.

The system is comprised of specially designed cylinders, folders and associated components. It enables printers to modify their existing presses to produce newspapers and other publications with cutoffs between 14.5 inches and 15.75 inches, depending on their machines’ current cutoffs (straight mode only).

3V permits newspapers to keep their broadsheet formats, and thus retain sectioning, Gore said.

By exploiting the higher output generated by 3V, Gore said newspapers can realize a 50 percent boost in press productivity and, through the shorter cutoff, notch a 33 percent reduction in newsprint consumption.

“We looked at the installed base to see what we can do to go shorter. Everyone is looking at a Berliner, but (publishers) may not want to buy a new press. With this approach, they can install equipment that will give them the shorter cutoff,” he said.

Gore said Pressline worked with several newspapers over the past six months to develop and fine-tune 3V, which is available now.

Gore declined to disclose pricing.

Newspapers & Technology will have more information about 3V in the September issue.