Ferag AG

The UTR Universal Conveyor is the robust backbone of postpress processing. The high-quality, single-copy gripping systems are the most widely sold in the world and guarantee the dependable transfer of print products from the press and from postpress processing in the mailroom at up to 100,000 copies an hour.

Conveying system for postpress processing:

• Universal Conveyor UTR

With the MultiStack and PostStack compensating stackers, Ferag covers bundling requirements in all performance brackets. Both models are distinguished by their robust construction, their functional and compact design, and their high-efficiency servo drive technology without pneumatics. As an option, the compensating stackers can be equipped with an inline topsheet printing and the automatic format adjustment system.

Compensating stackers for postpress processing:

• MultiStack MTS
• PostStack PSK

MultiDisc is a high-performance, space-saving storage system for newspaper and magazine processing that is gentle on products. The system is format-independent, and all adjustments to changing product lengths are rendered unnecessary. In addition to intralogistic applications, the mobile disc carrier is also suitable for interconnection with external users.

Storage system for postpress processing:

• MultiDisc

When it comes to the efficiency of a modern mailroom, added value like stitching, trimming, folding, gluing, foil wrapping and addressing are now factors that spell success. They offer both publisher and advertiser new ways to promote the publisher's own products and produce them in a magazine-like quality. Innovative special advertising formats also generate interactivity between the reader and advertiser and turn the newspaper into an attractive advertising platform. The return on Investment of a mailroom thus becomes equally attractive. All components in the area of added value can also be integrated into an installation as a modular retrofit.

Added Value for postpress processing:

• Stitching
• Trimming
• Foil wrapping
• Folding
• Addressing 
• Gluing
• Infix
• Tapefix
• MemoStick

Only the rotary inserting concept from Ferag is able to dependably meet today's demands for performance, stability and inserting volume without compromise. Next to the compact EasySert and Rollsert models for the lower and middle circulation ranges, several versions of the MultiSertDrum inserting drum cover the whole spectrum of modern newspaper production, up to the very top. The two RollStream and Flystream precollecting systems enable a phased upgrade to a maximum of 40 hopper stations for commercial brochures and magazines.

Inserting systems for postpress processing:

• EasySert ESR
• RollSertDrum RSD
• MultiSertDrum MSD

For the industrial postpress processing of magazines and periodicals in the high-speed sector, the UniDrum system is unsurpassed in terms of speed and flexibility. With production speeds of up to 40,000 copies an hour for A4 products and 32,000 for A3 products, the UniDrum achieves maximum efficiency while lowering costs per copy to a minimum. What's more, PreTronics for fully automatic format presetting makes for extremely short set-up times, while QualityEye detects skewed copies or incomplete sections, which in turn ensures very low levels of waste. In combination with the high performance SNT-50 trimming drum and the tried-and-tested inserting drum, trimming and inserting can be accomplished without a loss of performance. So net output comes very close to gross output. Single-copy addressing and foil-wrapping of products can also be integrated as and when required.

Gathering / Stitching for postpress processing:

• UniDrum UDR
• TriServer TSR

When processing advertising inserts for freesheets and weekly newspapers, in terms of efficiency Ferag is setting new standards. Whether it's with a cover, TapeFix, foil or folded insert – EasySert, RollSert in combination with FlyStream and one2out are the perfect solutions. The feeder processes all kinds of advertising brochures and magazines ergonomically and with high precision. And the repair system is a huge advantage. It returns incomplete collections to the loop and thus guarantees 100% quality. In addition, gap-free zoned production increases efficiency and boosts net output by a multiple factor. Time and money can also be saved at the planning stage thanks to the Optimizer, a Navigator control application. At the press of a button, numerous algorithms run in the background to calculate the perfect production strategy in a matter of seconds.

Systems for processing advertising inserts:

• EasySert ESR
• RollSert RSD
• One2out

Foil is increasingly attracting criticism in public debate. With a further development of its Tapefix technology, Ferag AG now wants to offer an environmentally friendly alternative for sealing print products.

Climate neutrality and the conservation of fossil resources are increasingly taking centre stage in political debate and the resulting legal requirements. With this in mind, major companies in the branch – such as postal companies, magazine publishers and distributors of direct advertising – are on the lookout for suitable alternatives.

Over the past few months, Ferag AG – a provider of innovative finishing technology for high-circulation print production – has been casting a critical eye on foil wrapping, which has been used for packaging print products for decades. This has led to a further development of Ferag’s Tapefix technology, which offers a reliable alternative to the foil wrapping of newspapers, magazines and booklets.

Foil wrapping is not only used for freesheets and newspapers, but also for packaging individual, high-quality periodicals. Additionally, preferred periodicals are wrapped in foil both at home and abroad, and bundled advertising supplements delivered to customers directly in plastic bags. In Germany, one of the most well-known examples of this is the “Einkauf aktuell” periodical delivered by Deutsche Post.

The approximate cost of the foil used is around €6.50 per 1000 copies, depending on the amount of advertising material to be wrapped.

Detachable adhesive strips

Tapefix from Ferag has proven a popular solution for several years now. Every week, millions of advertising supplements that have been collected via machine are then fastened and bundled with detachable adhesive strips using this technology.

Tapefix is currently undergoing further development at Ferag, with the goal of also offering the possibility of sealing on the open side – the cut-edge. This step is then made online at production speeds of up to 30,000 copies per hour. In the process, two custom-fit adhesive strips are fed in via a mobile device. The positioning of the strips can be adjusted according to the product. The product, which is suspended in the Ferag universal conveyor, is then sealed on the open side. Additional operating personnel are not necessary for the gluing module.

The product size can vary between 420 x 300 cm (approx. DIN A3) and 210 x 148 cm (DIN A5). Collections with a thickness of between 2 mm and 12 mm can be processed. The 19-mm-wide Tapefix adhesive tape is wound on reels measuring 8000 metres in length. A pallet with 48 reels (minimum quantity) is priced at €14,160. Assuming a tape length per copy of 2 x 40 mm, this results in material costs of €2.95 per 1000 copies – less than half the costs seen when using foil.

Smaller environmental footprint

The added value in economical terms not only comes from cutting material costs in half, but also in the need for fewer personnel during production and the significant increase in production speed. This is in addition to the smaller environmental footprint.

Tapefix technology uses a specially developed material made of natural fibre that can be removed without leaving residues. It is thus fully recyclable and can be composted or disposed of as waste paper. Ferag is also pushing for “Cradle to Cradle” certification for the Tapefix material.

On a socio-political level, foil wrapping is clearly not seen as an acceptable solution in many countries. As a result, the reputation of the packaging company suffers. The new technology not only avoids this, but also achieves a significant increase in quality.

Ferag is currently in discussions with numerous postal service providers, with their requirements all included in the development process. The start of the concept phase is planned for the second quarter of 2021 and Ferag is eagerly awaiting the feedback from potential users. The product should then be ready for the market at the end of 2021.

With a retrofit package, you can modernize your system quickly and efficiently so that it can cope with its demanding tasks over the next few years. Our retrofit services can be applied to individual machines as well as to an entire production system. You benefit from the latest developments in mechanics, electronics and software. Retrofitting prove to be worthwhile investments in the future. At the same time, they extend the service life of your system.

Your profit:

• Modernisation of your system with the latest technology
• Increased production reliability
• Increased machine availability
• Extension of the service life of the system
• Investments can be planned and budgeted

Production stoppages cost a lot of money. Our qualified service technicians can counteract this in a targeted manner. With the help of condition analyses, we determine the actual condition of your system and point out where possibilities exist for increasing performance. At the same time, by replacing obsolete components, we bring existing systems back up to date.

An integral part of the analysis is a report in which we work with you to define short-, medium- and long-term measures. Adequate maintenance will provide you with additional operational reliability so that you can continue to produce at a high performance level in the future. At the same time, you preserve your investment.

Your profit:

• Optimization of machine utilization, reduction of unplanned downtime
• Improving quality and productivity
• Proactive detection of productivity problems
• Identification of obsolete components and recommendation of replacement components
• Development of long-term strategies to maintain the investment

Systematic maintenance detects weak points at an early stage and thus helps to avoid operational bottlenecks. We tailor our maintenance contracts to your individual needs and cover all necessary services. While our service technicians maintain your system, they also share their know-how with you so that you can make optimum use of your system. All maintenance costs are transparent and plannable during the term of the contract. Thanks to preventive maintenance, you minimize the risk of system downtimes.

Your profit:

• Early detection of vulnerabilities
• Increased production reliability
• Prevention of failures
• Customer-specific maintenance contracts
• Transparent and predictable service costs

Your production system is based on proven Swiss mechanical engineering quality. All parts are optimally matched to the machines and systems. We therefore exclusively recommend the use of original parts in order to guarantee the high demands on reliability and value retention. In return, you will always benefit from the latest development status of our original parts. Their precise manufacture ensures high machine availability and reduces downtimes. Our specialists will support you in identifying suitable parts and assist you in efficient order processing.

Your profit:

• Highest safety and quality due to original parts
• Spare and wear parts optimized for your machine
• Tested and precision-manufactured parts
• Long service life of the parts
• Twelve months warranty for each spare part

In order to operate a system efficiently, to avoid downtimes and to adapt faster to new challenges, qualified and trained operating personnel is indispensable. When commissioning a new installation, we train your employees on the new technology. We attach great importance to the fact that your personnel learn in theory and practice and are prepared for all possible scenarios. We will work out our training offers and refreshing courses together with you so that the know-how in your company is not only retained but also systematically expanded.

We are happy to support you with individually tailored services so that you can concentrate on your core competence and your customers. Our specialists analyse your production requirements and select the optimum solution for you from an economic and technical point of view.

Your profit:

• Thorough training
• Increased personnel safety
• Improved response time of your operators
• Refresher courses
• Training according to your wishes
• Consulting in all technical and economic questions
• Optimization of your production process

Market access through trusting relationships is the foundation of our long-term orientation. With our sales and service organizations, we have a global presence and support you in your own language. Whenever you need technical support, our service technicians are on hand to solve problems in the shortest possible time. In addition, we support you with our 24/7 hotline around the clock via telephone and remote support. We can check the condition of the system and eliminate malfunctions as quickly as possible.

Your profit:

• Available at any time, 24/7 hotline
• We speak your language
• Local services worldwide
• Competent contact persons on site
• Large network

E-marketplace for used machines in the graphic arts industry

Everything from a single source:

• This means not only buying or selling, but also the associated services.

Benefit from:

• Condition assessment, professional relocation, commissioning, maintenance, upgrades & retrofits, process optimisation and training & consulting, according to your needs!

Request a brochure:

• You can conveniently order the individual brochures or the entire service catalogue free of charge via our contact form.

Spare parts and components:

• Market for spare parts and individual components of machines (“clickandbuy”)
• With clickandbuy, spare parts can be purchased immediately.
• The seller sends his offer to GraphicScout24 in accordance with point 6. GTC. Spare parts from damaged, defective or excessively used machine systems cannot in principle be offered for sale.
• The seller is liable for the proper functioning and good condition of the spare part, and for delivery within 5 working days.
• The buyer selects a spare part using clickandbuy and immediately pays the price to GraphicScout24 including delivery in advance. GraphicScout24 confirms receipt of payment to the seller, thereby triggering delivery to the seller.
• The buyer immediately notifies GraphicScout24 of the receipt of the spare parts delivery. GraphicScout24, after confirming receipt and after expiry of the buyer’s cancellation period, forwards the purchase price payment, less the commission, to the seller.
• GraphicScout24’s commission amounts to 9% of the purchase price, in any case for a spare part purchase at least CHF / USD 150.
• The buyer will raise any complaints with GraphicScout24 immediately.
• The buyer has a free right of withdrawal within 5 working days of receipt of the delivery. If he exercises his right of withdrawal, he must notify GraphicScout24 and the seller in due time and hand over the returned goods within the withdrawal period to the public postal service or to a licensed postal service for return to the seller. The buyer will bear the cost of the return delivery and half of GraphicScout24’s commission. GraphicScout24 will return the payment to the buyer when receipt of the return delivery has been reported or when the buyer provides proof of the return delivery by means of proof of posting.
• GraphicScout24 is entitled to temporarily or permanently exclude sellers and buyers who have outstanding debts from a clickandbuy transaction from the e-marketplace.