FAQ fastBlock 06 Roll / Sheet
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What is the fastBlock 06?
The fastBlock 06 is a fully automatic 5-in-1 system for producing LayFlat book blocks, combining cutting, creasing, folding, pressing, and gluing in one workstep. The 6th generation is the fastest, most versatile, and most compact version of the fastBlock family. It is available as a roll-fed machine (max. roll diameter 850 mm / 33”) and as a sheet-fed machine (max. stack height 660 mm / 26”).
For which applications is the fastBlock 06 suitable?
It is ideal for high-quality LayFlat photo books, premium books, product catalogues, presentations, and all applications requiring panoramic double-page spreads.
Which materials can the machine process?
It processes silver halide photo paper, digital print paper, offset paper, and is able to use inlays made of cardboard, PET, PVC, or PP. Inlays are glued between two pages to make the pages thicker, which gives the book block additional value. Any number of inserts can be glued between two pages. The sensor system is designed to handle both real photo paper with punch marks for image separation and papers with printed cut marks without requiring hardware changes.
Which book block sizes are possible?
Paper infeed width: 370 mm (14.5”). Maximum gluing width: 320 mm (12.6”), optional 351 mm (13.8”). Max. trimmed height: 320 mm (12.6”). Max. block length: 457 mm (18”), resulting in an opened book length of 914 mm (36”). Minimum book size: 102 × 152 mm (4 × 6”). The maximum thickness of the book block without inlay is 30 mm (1.2”), with inlays max. 45mm (1.8”)
How many book blocks per hour can the machine produce?
The maximum output is 2’750 cycles per hour. Each cycle glues one sheet (two pages). The number of book blocks per hour depends on block thickness, page count, page length, and the use of inlays (each inlay requires one cycle).
Are there requirements for the paper?
A list of tested papers is available upon request. We can also test your own paper for suitability for LayFlat binding. General requirements for the paper: Paper thickness 0.13 – 0.26 mm (unfolded sheet) Sufficient stiffness Foldable with low restoring force Print surface must resist cracking in the fold (white break) Paper must be airtight The surface tension of the back side must allow for adhesive absorption For printed papers: Coefficient of friction must be between 0.25 and 0.5 Toner-based prints often crack in the fold; coating or lamination is recommended.
Are there requirements for the inlays?
Yes: Thickness: 0.20 – 0.40 mm / Materials: cardboard, PET, PVC, PP Colors: white, black & colored Cardboard must be airtight
Are different book configurations supported within one roll or stack?
Yes. Barcode-controlled production allows variations in page length and page count between books within one roll. The use of inlays is also barcode-controlled. This makes it possible to produce one book without inlays and the next book with inlays. The number of inlays between two pages can be freely selected. The above features also apply to the processing of single sheets. Although the page length may vary from book to book, all sheets in the stack feeder must be the same length.
How is the machine operated?
Operation is performed via an intuitive touchscreen interface, showing the processing progress for each module.
Can the machine be integrated into existing workflows?
Yes, e.g. inline with a 3-knife trimmer or other finishing equipment. An optional barcode print conveyor prints a barcode onto the finished block for downstream automation.
Available options:
Feeder for inlays or endpapers (variable quantity per order) An in-line barcode print conveyor prints the barcode onto the finished book block. Downstream systems can then process the book block using the barcode A glue dispenser allows automatic, clean refilling of the adhesive into the pre-melting device. This means that the operator no longer has to worry about refilling the adhesive in time. An in-line book press presses the finished book block during the cooling phase, ensuring a firm, compact book block Stacker for finished book blocks Transformer for alternative voltages
What connections are required?
fastBlock: 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 × 16A, 2.2 kW, air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 660 l/min (max. 1’100 l/min) Pre-melter: 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 × 25A, 7 kW, air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 100 l/min Optional transformer: 3 PH, 14 kW, 50/60 Hz, 208 V/400 V
Is remote maintenance possible?
Yes, with a network connection and Teamviewer installed
Is a maintenance contract available?
Yes, customized maintenance and service contracts are offered
Who manufactures the machine?
fastBlock 06 is developed and manufactured 100% by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland
FAQ GraphX nG
What is the fastBlock GraphX nG?
The fastBlock GraphX nG is a fully automatic 4-in-1 system for producing LayFlat book blocks, combining creasing, folding, pressing, and gluing in one workstep. It is available as a sheet-fed machine (max. stack height 660 mm / 26”).
What is the difference between a fastBlock GraphX nG and a fastBlock 06?
Unlike the fastBlock 06, the fastBlock GraphX nG consists partly of used modules from older fastBlock generations, which have been completely refurbished. Other modules, on the other hand, are new. As a rule, the stack feeder and the modules for creasing, folding and pressing are new, while the gluing module is refurbished. fastBlock GraphX nG is available exclusively as a machine for processing single sheets.
For which applications is the fastBlock GraphX nG suitable?
It is ideal for high-quality LayFlat photo books, premium books, product catalogues, presentations, and all applications requiring panoramic double-page spreads.
Which materials can the machine process?
It processes silver halide photo paper, digital print paper, offset paper, and is able to use inlays made of cardboard, PET, PVC, or PP. Inlays are glued between two pages to make the pages thicker, which gives the book block additional value. Any number of inserts can be glued between two pages.
Which book block sizes are possible?
Paper infeed width: 370 mm (14.5”). Maximum gluing width: 320 mm (12.6”), optional 351 mm (13.8”). Max. trimmed height: 320 mm (12.6”). Max. block length: 457 mm (18”), resulting in an opened book length of 914 mm (36”). Minimum book size is 152x169mm (6x6.6’’). The maximum thickness of the book block without inlay is 30 mm (1.2”), with inlays max. 45mm (1.8”)
How many book blocks per hour can the machine produce?
The maximum output is 1’800 – 2’000 cycles per hour. Each cycle glues one sheet (two pages). The number of book blocks per hour depends on block thickness, page count, page length, and the use of inlays (each inlay requires one cycle).
Are there requirements for the paper?
A list of tested papers is available upon request. We can also test your own paper for suitability for LayFlat binding. General requirements for the paper: Paper thickness 0.13 – 0.26 mm (unfolded sheet) Sufficient stiffness Foldable with low restoring force Print surface must resist cracking in the fold (white break) Paper must be airtight The surface tension of the back side must allow for adhesive absorption For printed papers: Coefficient of friction must be between 0.25 and 0.5 Toner-based prints often crack in the fold; coating or lamination is recommended.
Are there requirements for the inlays?
Yes: Thickness: 0.20 – 0.40 mm / Materials: cardboard, PET, PVC, PP Colors: white only Cardboard must be airtight
Are different book configurations supported within a roll/stack?
Yes. Barcode-controlled production allows variations in page count within one stack. The page lengths may also vary from book to book, but all sheets in the stack feeder must be the same length. The use of inlays is also barcode-controlled. This makes it possible to produce one book without inlays and the next book with inlays. The number of inlays between two pages can be freely selected.
How is the machine operated?
Operation is performed via an intuitive touchscreen interface, showing the processing progress for each module.
Can the machine be integrated into existing workflows?
Yes, e.g. inline with a 3-knife trimmer or other finishing equipment. An optional barcode print conveyor prints a barcode onto the finished block for downstream automation.
Available options:
Feeder for inlays or endpapers (variable quantity per order) An in-line barcode print conveyor prints the barcode onto the finished book block. Downstream systems can then process the book block using the barcode A glue dispenser allows automatic, clean refilling of the adhesive into the pre-melting device. This means that the operator no longer has to worry about refilling the adhesive in time. An in-line book press presses the finished book block during the cooling phase, ensuring a firm, compact book block Stacker for finished book blocks Transformer for alternative voltages
What connections are required?
fastBlock: 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 × 16A, 2 kW, air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 1’100 l/min Pre-melter: 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 × 25A, 7 kW, air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 100 l/min Optional transformer: 3 PH, 14 kW, 50/60 Hz, 208 V/400 V
Is remote maintenance possible?
Yes, with a network connection and Teamviewer installed
Is a maintenance contract available?
Yes, customized maintenance and service contracts are offered
FAQ fastBook Professional
What is the fastBook Professional?
fastBook Professional is a fully automatic 4-in-1 system for producing LayFlat book blocks from single sheets combining creasing, folding, pressing and gluing in one workstep. It is ideal for small and medium-sized photo labs and printing houses that use a wide variety of papers and produce different book sizes.
For which applications is the fastBook Professional suitable?
It is ideal for high-quality LayFlat photo books, premium books, XXL-LayFlat albums, product catalogues, presentations, calendars, business cards, post cards etc.
Which materials can the machine process?
It processes silver halide photo paper, digital print paper, offset paper, and is able to use inlays made of cardboard, PET, PVC, or PP. Inlays are glued between two pages to make the pages thicker, which gives the book block additional value. Any number of inserts can be glued between two pages.
Which book block sizes are possible?
The minimum block size is (H x L) 200 x 208mm (8 x 8.2"). The maximum block size is 457 x 457mm (18x18"), i.e. the open book has a length of 914 mm (36"). The maximum block thickness without inlays is 30 mm (1.2’’), with inlays max. 50 mm (1.9’’)
How many book blocks per hour can the machine produce?
The maximum output is 1’000 cycles per hour. Each cycle glues one sheet (two pages). The number of book blocks per hour depends on block thickness, page count, page length, and the use of inlays (each inlay requires one cycle).
Are there requirements for the paper?
A list of tested papers is available upon request. We can also test your own paper for suitability for LayFlat binding. General requirements for the paper: Paper thickness 0.15 – 0.30 mm (unfolded sheet) Sufficient stiffness Foldable with low restoring force Print surface must resist cracking in the fold (white break) Paper must be airtight The surface tension of the back side must allow for adhesive absorption For printed papers: Coefficient of friction must be between 0.25 and 0.5 Toner-based prints often crack in the fold; coating or lamination is recommended.
Are there requirements for the inlays?
Yes: Thickness: 0.30 – 1.00 mm Materials: cardboard, PET, PVC, PP Colors: white, black & colored Cardboard must be airtight
Are different book configurations supported within one stack?
Yes. Barcode-controlled, the book configuration can vary within a batch. This means that both page lengths and page counts can vary from book to book. However, all printed sheets within a staple must be the same length. The use of inlays is also barcode controlled. This makes it possible to produce one book without inlays and the next book with inlays. The number of inlays between two pages can be freely selected.
How is the machine operated?
Operation is performed via an intuitive touchscreen interface, showing the processing progress for each module.
What options are available for the fastBook Professional?
An in-line book press presses the finished book block during the cooling phase, ensuring a firm, compact book block Stacker for finished book blocks
What connections are required?
Power: 110–230 V, 50/60 Hz, 1'500 W. Compressed Air: 0.55–0.7 MPa, 100 l/min.
How big is the machine?
Dimensions: 2.70 × 1.20 × 1.50 m (106 x 47 x 59") Weight: ca. 700 kg (1'550 lbs)
Is remote maintenance possible?
Yes, with a network connection and Teamviewer installed
Is a maintenance contract available?
Yes, customized maintenance and service contracts are offered
Who manufactures the machine?
fastBook Professional is developed and manufactured 100% by Imaging Solutions AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland