Efficient cutting and smart processes in the lettershop
With the programmable stack cutter THE 56, IDEAL offers a solution that is specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern digital printing workflows. Equipped with intuitive controls, user-friendly technology and a robust construction, THE 56 impresses in terms of efficiency, speed and convenience, among other things. Uwe Fenner, owner of the specialised digital printing company mailingdruck24.de in Erfurt, also benefits from this and shares his experiences with this machine as well as with the Speedcut cutting software.
“Our old stack cutter, an IDEAL 5255, broke down at the beginning of December 2024 – right in the middle of the Christmas business”, recalls Uwe Fenner. “It was repaired, but that was the trigger to think about a new stack cutter solution. It was meant to be a bit faster and more modern.” After intensive research and consultation with the trusted graphic specialist dealer, REGA, the decision was made in favour of the IDEAL THE 56 stack cutter. It has since been in use at the Erfurt print shop. This investment in cutting machinery was complemented by the Speedcut cutting software.
Precise performance for digital printing
At mailingdruck24.de, the THE 56 stack cutter is primarily used to process SRA3 printed sheets into various formats such as A4, DL, Maxi or A6. “As we do not need to cut large formats or high volumes, the THE 56 stack cutter fits our production profile perfectly”, says Uwe Fenner. “It delivers a significant increase in performance compared to our old system. We cut around twice as fast as before. The safety equipment with a light barrier ensures higher throughput with greater convenience.” Uwe Fenner, managing director at mailingdruck24.de in Erfurt. This increase in efficiency is due not least to the well-thought-out design of the working area and the comfortable operation of the stack cutter “Made in Germany”. The combination of ergonomic design, optimised user guidance and digital support ensures higher throughput – without compromising on quality.
Digital touch display as the central control element
Uwe Fenner has particular praise for the generous 15.6-inch multi-touch display, which is positioned centrally at eye level: “This is a huge step forward compared to the small display on our old machine. Input is completed much faster.” The modern user interface allows intuitive control of all functions without having to navigate through complicated menus. Colour contrasts and iconography are clearly structured – a real help in everyday production.
Comfort, safety and automation in focus
In addition to the high level of user-friendliness, Uwe Fenner also praises the integrated safety mechanisms of the machine: “In the past, we had to open and close the safety cover before every cut – today, light barriers enable a significantly faster workflow.” The quick operational readiness after start-up and the ergonomic control elements also contribute to the positive user experience.
Another highlight is the option to load cutting programmes directly via QR code using the Speedcut cutting software. “It’s lightning-fast with a handheld scanner – scan, start, done”, says Uwe Fenner enthusiastically. Programming new cutting sequences is also easy, ensuring consistently precise results for recurring tasks. “I particularly like the uncomplicated handling and the quick readiness for operation after start-up.”
In addition, the use of the new Speedcut cutting software reduces set-up times and costs at the cutting machine, and finishing processes can be further digitised and automated. In a matter of seconds, the cutting programme is created, transferred to the THE 56 stack cutter and then called up job by job by the operator.
Digitisation with speedcut – optional and time-saving
Alongside the THE 56 stack cutter, Uwe Fenner also opted for the Speedcut cutting software – as part of his consistent path towards digitisation. “Everything that can be digitised ultimately saves time. And that is crucial for us. Speedcut simplifies operation and avoids errors – a real advantage, especially in finishing. Integration via QR code works absolutely smoothly.”
Another important success factor for Uwe Fenner was the cooperation with REGA Binde- und Laminiertechnik from Berga, which has been supporting him in the areas of cutting, creasing and perforating for around ten years. “REGA recommended this IDEAL stack cutter to us – based on our requirements profile. Advice and service are spot on – and the chemistry is right too. That should not be underestimated.”
Conclusion: Clear recommendation for digital printing
After six months of use, Uwe Fenner draws a clear conclusion: “I would definitely buy the THE 56 stack cutter together with Speedcut again. Of course, the system has to match the respective production profile – for an offset printing company it would probably be underdimensioned. But in a digital printing environment, it works perfectly.”
mailingdruck24.de is an owner-managed lettershop from Erfurt with more than 25 years of experience. The company sees itself as a mailing manufacturer with its own digital printing department. Online, the company can be found with its self-developed mailing calculator at https://mailingdruck24.de. With three Xerox printing systems as well as a wide selection of printing and lettershop devices for finishing, the lettershop produces mailings, postcards and self-mailers. With the existing finishing machines, addressing can be carried out, envelopes can be printed in colour, creased, folded and perforated. And, of course, self-mailers can also be tabbed. The team at Fenner Com / mailingdruck24.de consists of eight long-standing employees. To handle the often small-volume orders, the company relies on very good advice and customer support provided by a personal contact person, as well as on comprehensive and continuous digitisation of operational processes.