Multi-process finishing at Print & Finishing Solutions (PFS) is the cornerstone of high-efficiency digital production. By combining slitting, cutting, and creasing into a single-pass workflow, these systems eliminate the manual labor and registration errors associated with moving jobs between multiple machines. We provide three world-class paths: MBMfor high-performance desktop and floor-model versatility, Morgana for heavy-stock digital expertise, and Horizon for industrial-scale automation.
Slitter/Cutter/Creaser Technology Comparison
1. MBM AeroCut Series (Precision & Versatility) The MBM AeroCut line is engineered for digital print environments that require extreme accuracy and the ability to handle a wide range of custom templates.
- AeroCut G2/Velocity: Features a unique "tri-suction" feeding system that handles coated, glossy, and static-prone digital stocks without marking or double-feeding.
- Intuitive Template Management: Includes an easy-to-use touch screen and a PC-based layout tool, allowing operators to set up business cards, postcards, and complex flyers in seconds.
- Flex Mode: Allows for the processing of varied document sizes on a single sheet, maximizing substrate utilization for "gang-run" digital work.
2. Morgana AutoCut & DigiMulti Series (Heavy-Duty Digital Finishing) Morgana systems are designed with a focus on heavy cover stocks and the high-wax toners prevalent in modern digital presses.
- Non-Crack Creasing: Utilizes Morgana’s patented blade-and-matrix technology to ensure that even the heaviest toner coverage does not crack during the folding process.
- High-Capacity Feeding: Equipped with advanced vacuum-pile feeders that accommodate long sheets (up to 27.5" or more on select models), making them ideal for landscape brochures and 6-panel mailers.
- Modular Slitting: Features high-grade rotary slitters that provide "gutter-cuts" to remove bleeds, ensuring a clean, retail-ready edge every time.
3. Horizon SmartSlitter (Industrial Automation Series) The Horizon SMSL-100 represents the pinnacle of "smart" finishing, designed for high-volume shops where JDF integration and zero-waste setup are critical.
- Automated Registration: Uses a CCD camera to read every sheet's registration mark or barcode, automatically adjusting the slitting, cutting, and creasing positions in real-time to compensate for print image drift.
- Custom Pattern Creasing: Capable of both horizontal and vertical creasing in a single pass, allowing for the production of complex accordion folds and T-shaped retail packaging.
- Industrial Build: Engineered for continuous production, providing the highest mechanical torque and long-term durability for 24/7 commercial environments.
Solving Multi-Process Failure Points
Q: How do I prevent my business cards from "creeping" or losing alignment during the cut? A: Print image drift is a common issue in digital printing. The Horizon SmartSlitter and MBM AeroCut utilize barcode and registration mark readers. If the print shifts by even a fraction of a millimeter, the machine "re-zeros" its blades to the actual printed image, not the edge of the paper.
Q: Can I process 130lb cover stock without damaging the machine? A: Yes, but only on systems with industrial-grade creasing modules. The Morgana and Horizon systems are specifically rated for stocks up to 350-400 gsm. They use heavy-duty mechanical pressure to compress the fibers, ensuring a clean fold without straining the drive motors.
Q: Is there a way to automate the removal of "slugs" or scrap between cards? A: All three manufacturers utilize integrated scrap deflectors and "gutter-cut" systems. This ensures that the small strips of paper removed to create full-bleed products are automatically diverted into a waste bin, preventing them from jamming the delivery conveyor.
Technical Specification Matrix
|
Feature |
MBM AeroCut G2 |
Morgana AutoCut Pro |
Horizon SmartSlitter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Feeding System |
Tri-Suction Air |
Vacuum Pile |
Suction Belt w/ Camera |
|
Max Paper Weight |
400 gsm |
350-400 gsm |
350 gsm |
|
Registration |
Barcode / Mark |
Barcode / Mark |
CCD Camera (Full Adj) |
|
Max Sheet Size |
14.3" x 20.4" |
13" x 27.5"+ |
13" x 26.3" |
|
Best For |
High-Mix Digital |
Heavy Toner / Long Sheets |
Industrial Automation |
Critical Risk Assessment
While the MBM AeroCut offers the most user-friendly interface for small-to-mid-sized digital shops, its linear speed may become a bottleneck for shops running 10,000+ SRA3 sheets daily. The Morgana series is the lower-risk choice for shops primarily focused on high-end, heavy-stock photo books and invitations where "non-crack" creasing is the most important quality metric. For high-volume, "lights-out" production, the Horizon SmartSlitter is the only solution that provides the level of camera-driven automation required to eliminate manual QC on long runs. Failing to utilize a registration-mark reader on any of these systems will result in significant waste, as digital print engines inherently shift images during the fusing process.



The Horizon SmartSlitter is an all-in-one smart sheet processing system that can slit, gutter cut, edge trim, cross-cut, perforate, and crease all in one pass.