Worldcolor to launch integrated print-on-demand system

Worldcolor has announced a partnership with Kodak and Muller Martini to create a digital inkjet publishing system  that can produce up to 1,000 books an hour and could well become a print-on-demand solution for magazines and back issues. The FastBook digital system integrates and automates prepress, digital printing and finishing in-line to achieve a seamless files-in/books-out solution. While it is pitched at short-run book publishers, the system can also produce versioned and variable magazines, catalogs and high-end direct mail.

It seems that such digital solutions could be an answer to the perennial problem of printing and storing back issues of expensive-to-produce literary journals. For instance, a magazine which costs $10 to print a copy now could be keeping on hand hundreds of copies for back issue requests, presenting both a storage and a cash flow problem. Though there isn't information yet about the actual cost per copy, the company says in a release that runs of up to 3,500 copies are expected to be competitive with other print-on-demand systems.

"FastBook Digital reflects our continuing commitment to innovation, speed and efficiency as a way of helping our book publishing customers succeed," said Brian Freschi, President, Worldcolor North America. "FastBook Digital is also part of our 'Pressroom-of-the-Future' initiative that will be transformational in terms of how our book and other operations will better serve publishers and their changing needs in a digital world. The same systems approach also will deliver unique applications and benefits to our magazine, catalog and direct mail customers. "

The first FastBook Digital installation will be in Worldcolor's Dubuque, Iowa, facility and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of this year.