Photobook equipment. Technological process of making a photobook
Photobooks are such products, the popularity of which will not dry up soon. They enjoy in high demand. Souvenir products, namely, photo books can be attributed to this type, imply colorful publications in which many photographs are collected. Taking into account the wishes of customers, as well as using special equipment for the production of photobooks, specialists carry out the layout and editing of each page.
Distinctive feature
It should be understood that these books differ from simple photo albums in the manufacturing technology itself. Pictures in such publications are not glued to the page. First, they create layouts - and each of them is individual. However, it should be noted that the equipment for the production of photo books and photo albums is exactly the same.
What should be purchased without fail?
So, what equipment will you need to use in order to set up the production of photobooks? The main machines should be listed. First of all, you need to buy a creaser. This device helps to carry out such a procedure as punching a sheet for subsequent bending of products characterized by different densities.
In this situation, both plain paper and double-sided self-adhesive cardboard for the production of photo books are implied. The functions of different models may include performing an operation such as line perforation. This procedure should be understood as the creation of a special tear line.
"Wet" assembly technology
In the process of manufacturing products, it will be necessary to assemble pages on a pre-prepared basis. It is necessary to choose equipment for this procedure depending on what glue and material will be used. In order to establish a "wet" assembly, which uses a liquid adhesive solution, you should purchase a special glue machine. With it, an adhesive layer will be applied to the base.
What other assembly technologies are available?
The "dry" production technology refers to the use of the base on which the adhesive layer has already been applied. A combined method can also be used. The most optimal equipment for the production of photobooks in such a situation is gluing machines.
With their help, you can apply a uniform layer of adhesive solution of a certain thickness. Some models can work with hot glue. They are equipped with a special heating element for this. There is also a forced ventilation system in such devices.
The use of the press in the production of souvenirs
In order to crimp the block, you should use photobook production equipment such as a crimping press. It is the best option. If it is based on "liquid" technology, the products must be under pressure for two days.
Only in this case can we talk about the complete drying of the base. With "dry" technology, a long stay of products under pressure may not be required. However, in such a situation, you will have to buy such equipment for the production of photobooks as a heat press. With it, pages are assembled under pressure.
Crimping press can be mechanical, electrical, electromechanical or vacuum. A device of this type not only provides pressure on the product, but also does it evenly. The main characteristic is the maximum height of the crimping block.
What is the best cutter to use?
In order to trim the previously created block, you need to use a guillotine-type cutter. It allows you to make the pages more even and beautiful. Why the guillotine type? Because by using cutters of a different variety, layouts can be ruined. Guillotine equipment falls from above, the quality of its work is higher. But this cutter needs to be sharpened thoroughly from time to time.
Outer shell manufacturing process
Do not forget about the manufacture of binding. It should be understood as a rigid outer shell in which all pages are located. It is necessary to thoroughly approach the purchase of raw materials. Consumables for the production of photobooks in this situation must be of high quality. Usually either fabric or artificial leather is used. To get perfectly high-quality products, you need to make your own binding, and not buy a ready-made version of it.
In order to make the outer shell, you should use automatic cover making machines for the production of photobooks. They can simplify the binding process. These machines can work with a variety of materials. In this case, the output will be ready layout given size. When choosing equipment, you must be guided by the dimensions of the binding cover. However, one should not forget about such additional parameters as power and trimming method.
Minimum production lines
Increasingly in Lately such universal installations as photo ministations began to be used. In the case of their use, it is possible to combine several technological devices necessary to perform different tasks at once into one group. Among the main advantages of the equipment are compactness and efficiency. However, there are also disadvantages. The equipment has lower operating parameters compared to the above devices.
Conclusion
This review lists the main devices that you will need to purchase if you want to set up your own own production souvenir products of a similar type. In addition, do not forget about the constant improvement of your own enterprise. Only in such a situation can we talk about a stable high income.
With development digital technologies and due to computer accessibility, making photobooks at home is becoming commonplace. The photobook is gaining more and more popularity, replacing the usual photo album with pockets for photos.
This is a great gift for family and friends, friends and colleagues for an anniversary or any event. You can personally participate, or even completely create the design and layout of the book.
Do-it-yourself photobooks are made in two types: with a digital block and a photoblock.
Such a book is printed on soft flexible sheets, with a density not exceeding 160gsm. m., double-sided printing, which allows us to make a book up to 200 pages.
Memory Business: Photobook Production
It's perfect for storage family photos.
This type of book can be ordered or made by yourself (with the right printing equipment and skills in bookbinding) in the form of the following manufacturing methods:
- staple binding with soft and hard covers;
- stitching on a spring;
- staple binding with soft and hard cover.
Photobooks with a digital block are distinguished by their low cost, variety of manufacture and light weight with a large number of pages.
Photobook with photo block
This is a classic type of production. It is in this version that graduation albums are made, which are in every home today. This is a hardcover book, the front cover can be made in the form of a laminated image or photograph. It can also be decorated using another material, such as leather or suede, embossed fabric, or simply beautiful paper.
Inner rigid sheets open 180 degrees to form a flat surface. As a rule, a single image is placed on these spreads.
The number of spreads can vary from 5 to 30, which does not allow such a book to be just a repository of family photos. It is more suitable as a gift or as an album for a significant date (wedding, anniversary, graduation, and so on).
Photobooks with a photoblock are distinguished by the highest image quality. This technology is ideal for placing panoramic images, as it opens 180 degrees and has a flat surface. Since its sheets are made on hard cardboard with a thickness of one to one and a half millimeters, they will not break while turning over the book.
Many manufacturing methods
Production of wedding photobooks is possible in any of the following ways:
- choose the photos yourself, distribute them in the right order, print the sheets and stitch the book, i.e. do everything with your own hands;
- choose the photos yourself, distribute them in the right order and order the production of a book in a professional studio;
- fully trust the experience of a professional who has his own technology.
The production of photobooks is possible through special programs, with the help of which sheets are formed for further printing. To make an amateur book, an ordinary printer that prints photographs is quite enough. But in order to make a high quality product, you need special equipment for making a photobook.
Printing a photobook
Today there are many ways to print a photo. Traditional chemical printing on photographic paper provides the highest quality, combining a wide color gamut and sufficient image stability. A technology used since the invention of photography and honed over the centuries to the smallest detail. These are the photos we are all used to.
We do not use print.
Equipment for making photobooks
Regardless of whether it is a toner or a dry offset, this is a print that only imitates a photograph. The reduced color gamut and thin pages of printing books do not initially have the quality of full-fledged photo printing. We consider it unacceptable to use technologies that are not designed for long-term operation in the production of a photobook.
Making a photobook
The traditional binding material is leather. This natural material has been used for centuries not only for the binding of the most valuable books, but also for the creation and decoration of other items. Practical, wear-resistant, having the widest range of possible textures and colors - leather is perhaps the ideal material for photobook binding.
Photo paper rolls onto the base, which increases the density of the sheet and allows you to calmly flip through the pages of the album without fear of wrinkling. Rolling on the base is carried out according to the author's technology using materials produced in Germany, Italy and Holland and specialized photoglue. We do not save on quality and do not aim to make our products as cheap as possible.
Wedding book design
The internal content, of course, must match the external design of the album. It will be rather strange to look like an album in which, with a chic cover and high-quality printing, faded and uninteresting photographs will be used, located without observing the rules of compositional construction.
It seems that the design of a wedding book should be entrusted to a professional. Ideally, the created design of the pages of the album should be combined with the chosen color scheme for the design of the appearance (cover, binding, endpapers).
That is why our albums are sold exclusively through professional photographers and designers.
When printing and designing wedding photo books, we use traditional binding technologies and exclusively natural materials.
A photo album ordered from us will delight your customers for decades. For a photographer, such an album will become an unconditionally status product, confirming the level of the master.
Business idea: making photobooks to order
Fujifilm Photobook Production Equipment
We present the following company products:
Photobook Builder
Photobook Builder allows you to create professional photo albums and double-sided postcards using prints from your mini photo lab. The device performs gluing, creasing and trimming of nested prints without the participation of the operator. In a matter of minutes, the system produces fully processed and designed photo albums, ready for delivery to the customer.
Business from scratch: making photobooks
All you have to do is load your photos into the output tray and press a button!
Opportunities:
- Product format - A5 (15x20 cm) - DVD-size, ideal for storing and viewing your favorite photos
- High profitability
Brochure, 0.39 MB: PhotobookBuilder.pdf
Specifications
Photobook Builder Multi
Photobook Builder Multi allows you to create professional photo albums and double-sided postcards using prints from your mini photo lab. Like its predecessor, this device performs gluing, creasing and trimming of nested prints without operator intervention. In a matter of minutes, the system produces fully processed and designed photo albums, ready for delivery to the customer. All you have to do is load your photos into the output tray and press a button!
Opportunities:
- Create paperback photo albums and double-sided postcards
- Product format - 15x20 cm or 20x20 cm - the ideal size for storing and viewing your favorite photos
- From 4 to 30 pages in a photo album
- Production time - from 2 to 5 minutes
- High profitability
- Special software allows you to automatically distribute photo images on the pages of the future album, set a background image, a photo for the cover, as well as sign the photo album
Brochure, 1.00 MB: Photobook_Builder_MULTI_Broshure.pdf
Specifications
photobook maker
The first compact and automatic solution to instantly create albums. Create a new standard by offering innovative services at an attractive price – New Product which will increase the loyalty of your customers and become a source of constant profit. The device prints, glues, scores and cuts nested prints without operator intervention. In a matter of minutes, the system produces fully processed and designed photo albums, ready for delivery to the customer. All you need to do is upload digital photos and create a unique photo album in 5 easy steps! Over 60% of those surveyed (Source: 2009 PMA Marketing Research) said they didn't order a photo album, not because it was expensive or of poor quality, but because it took too long! Consumers are ready to spend no more than 10 minutes to form an album, especially for ordinary events. Photobook Maker software makes this task easy - even for a novice computer user!
Opportunities:
- Create paperback photo albums and double-sided postcards
- Product format - A5 (15x20 cm) - DVD-size, ideal for storing and viewing any events, birthdays, holidays, sporting events
- Different design for every market and situation
- Albums are resistant to moisture and scratches
- Up to 30 pages and up to 90 photos in a photo album
- Production time - from 4 to 10 minutes
- Easy Loading: Consolidated error-free loading of consumables (paper, film, adhesive) in less than 3 minutes
- High profitability
- Rapid staff training
- Robust modular design
- Special software allows you to automatically distribute photo images on the pages of the future album, set a background image, a photo for the cover, as well as sign the photo album
Brochure, 2.2 MB: PhotobookMaker.pdf
Specifications
| NAME | TYPE | CHARACTERISTICS | PRICE, $ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhotobookMaker | Photobook production device | Configuration Intel® Celeron E 1400 2 GHz RAM 2 GB DDR2 Hard disk 80 GB, 7200 rpm CD/DVD Reader/Writer 32-in-1 card reader 17" touch screen Bluetooth® adapter Seal Sublimation printer 203 mm, 300 dpi, consumables loading 20x30 cm Album Format 20 x 14.5 cm Coupon printer Citizen ticket printer Expendable materials Adhesive set for 230 A5 pages cold bonding method acrylic adhesive Dimensions (cm) 46(w) x 96(d) x 162(h) Occupied area (sq.m.) 0.44 Power options 110-240V; 50-60 Hz; 3-6 A Certification CE, cTUVus, FCC, CB |
15800
230-sheet adhesive kit (includes sublimation paper with ink ribbon for the printer and a roll of adhesive tape for gluing): $390 |
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New life for old photos: photobook design
Why is it interesting for us to look at illustrated historical albums? Because, in addition to the text, these albums contain photographs and drawings - they help to feel the spirit of the times, to feel the atmosphere of places and events.
A well-designed photo book will be interesting not only for you - even a stranger will want to look at it. Through the history of a particular family, you can make recognizable details, preserve the flavor of the moment. Such a personal history of the country in miniature is definitely worth creating for the sake of your descendants.
For photobook design you can use "historical backgrounds" - photographs of streets, newspaper pages, some attributes of the era. This is a good reason to delve into the study of the little things typical of a particular time, to know the features of the moment.
What is the best way to make a photo book?
Let's start with the fact that the subject of a photo book can be anything: a wedding, the history of your baby for a year, impressions from an interesting trip, photos with your beloved grandparents, collected specifically for a gift photo book, and much more ... Photos can be of any size: large and small , full-page photos, accompanied by comments and commemorative notes. Photobook is a flight of creativity! And we want to give just a few of our professional recommendations for the design of a photo book.
Order a photo book
IN photobook design it is important to observe the principle of simplicity and contrast. For example, the "big/small" contrast looks very good, when a portrait of a person is placed on one page of the spread, and a full-length photo is placed on the other. By the same principle, a contrast in color is created when both color and black-and-white photos are located on the page. Also, on the spread on one side, you can place one large photo, and on the other, a series of pictures on the same topic.
In addition, it will be great if you devote a whole spread of the photo book to one of the photos. The main thing is to choose the right photo, because the larger it is, the more attention will be paid to it by those who will view your photo album.
Typical mistakes when making a photobook
We have identified some of the most common mistakes when creating photobooks and would like to warn you against them:
Firstly, it is not recommended to place two similar photos on the same spread. For example, if the difference is only in the direction of the person's gaze (in one picture he looks straight, and in the other photo - to the side), and the framing is the same in both photographs, then the principle of contrast is violated.
Technological process of making a photobook
When viewing such a turn, the viewer's attention is scattered and interest is lost.
Secondly, do not try to fit 20 photos on one spread - an excessive number of images on the page confuses the viewer, preventing them from highlighting the main thing.
Thirdly, an overabundance of decorative embellishments, like any excess, may not decorate, but, on the contrary, make the page tasteless.
What else is important to think about when designing a photobook?
It is necessary to make up a photobook taking into account technical requirements- observe all necessary indents and gaps.
The cover can be made of strict leather - it looks expensive and solid, but if you have several of these on your shelf, you will easily get confused in the topics of the books.
A photo cover is a variant of a "talking" cover, on which the theme of the book is immediately indicated.
The laminated surface will protect the surface from scratches and damage.
We recommend making a choice in favor of a book in a square format no more than 30x30 cm. It is in this option that it is most convenient to place photos in full spread (30x60 cm). In addition, the square format does not require re-layout to print reduced copies of the original book.
Pages can be printed on matte, glossy and silk photographic paper or on offset printing paper.
If the volume of the book does not exceed 20-25 pages, then it is better to use the option of photo printing on photo paper. Pages will be dense, durable with careful use.
The most practical option is matte paper. Such sheets do not stick together, as in the gloss version, there is no backlight effect, as with silk pages.
If you are planning to make a book of a large volume - more than 25 pages, then you need to print in a typographical way, on thick offset paper. Such a book requires more careful handling, but nothing more. But here you can place a large amount of material.
As a rule, the choice of photos is the most difficult thing in the design of a photo book. First of all, it must be said that it is worth sticking to a single idea. If the photo album, for example, is dedicated to one year of your child's life, then the photos can first be grouped by months, and then the key ones can be selected from them. For a photo album about a summer vacation, you should first note the key events, and then make a selection of photos.
Order a photo book
As a result of the work, it will be possible to realize the most pleasant thing - to pick up a ready-made photo book, which you will examine yourself or give it to someone close, and it will give everyone a wonderful mood ... In the Art-book studio, we do this every day and really appreciate the results of their work, the key to the successful implementation of which is the correct design atmospheric photobook design. Come to us for positive emotions!
Family archive in a photobook
Retro style is the best way to design a family archive of grandparents.
Black and white photographs with scuffs, cracks in themselves already create a nostalgic mood. For example, vintage wallpaper as a background can emphasize it. You can find old photographs of those places about which in question in the book, insert images of some objects of that era.
It makes sense to retouch badly damaged pictures.
You can pick up information about the events of those years. Working on a family archive involves not only solving design problems, but it is also an interesting research work.
Quite often, wedding photo books, pages in travel books are made in vintage style. But it is unlikely that this style will be appropriate when designing a children's photo book.
In our portfolio you can see an example of a vintage photo book.
Options for creating a retro photobook
The retro genre opens up a rich scope for creativity and the implementation of ideas. The past has given us an inexhaustible source of inspiration and many examples of sophistication and good taste that we would like to bring to our time. A photo book made in this style can be created on the basis of photographs of old years, in which the history of your relatives has been preserved. In addition, there is always the opportunity to make a retro-album from modern photographs, which are only stylized "antique". Most often, such photobook design options are used when creating wedding albums. The most popular ways photobook design in retro style are giving the photo a specific "faded" tint, "worn", "grainy" effects, as well as "torn edges".
Order a photo book as a gift
Creating a retro photobook from old photographs means caring for those who are depicted in them. Such a photo book can both please and touch both parents and children, and even grandchildren who will receive a retro photo book as a gift. The thing is that such a book shows the importance of the continuity of generations, caring for loved ones, as well as respect for the time they have experienced.
: housewives, as well as young mothers. You can create the very first masterpiece for yourself, because after the birth of a child, a huge number of photographs appear in the house. In addition, a lot of different events take place in life - weddings, birthdays, vacations at sea or in the forest, so there are materials for the first photo books in every home.
After you do the first work for yourself, certain knowledge and skills will appear, as well as valuable experience. Thanks to this, making a photo book like will become not only your hobby, but also a source of additional income. To print books, you need a quality printer and good paper. The binding can be ordered at a printing house or made by hand using the scrapbooking or decoupage technique.
Buying expensive equipment for single orders is not advisable. They can be printed in advertising agency or printing house. To choose a good publisher, you need to compare the quality and prices in different companies. This will help you choose the best option.
Cost of work
The cost of a photobook depends on the number of pages. The price of one page is 100 rubles, respectively, an album of 10 pages will cost 1000 rubles. Add another 400 rubles for the binding, and you get 1400 rubles. You will spend only 350 rubles to make such a photobook. From one product you can get 1000 rubles of net profit.Cover printing, text design and photo processing are additional services for which a separate price list should be drawn up.
Making a photobook to order as a business is a fairly profitable business that does not require large investments.
A variety of cover textures, design options and formats allows you to meet the requirements of any, even the most demanding client. It all depends on the financial capabilities of the customer.
Who orders photobooks?
Such a business will bring good income in metropolitan areas. IN provincial towns this business can be done by independent artists, for whom making a photobook with their own hands is an additional source of income.
Some aspiring entrepreneurs doubt that such a business line is promising, because modern people store photographs in digital form. But the paper version is more reliable, because a computer or other device may fail and you will lose your memories. In addition, it is very pleasant to pick up an originally designed photo book and show it to guests. Therefore, the production of photo albums is in great demand among those who take care of pictures dear to their hearts.
The production of photobooks is also often interested in:
- Models, designers and other professionals who want to make a portfolio of their work;
- Parents who wrote a fairy tale or poem for their baby. Such books have recently become in great demand;
- Travel agencies order photo books describing historical or cultural places.
Directions can be very different. Do not wait until competitors appear in this area. Hurry up to be the first to offer your services, and your photobook business will definitely become successful.
How to start a business?
A photobook producer who has all the necessary equipment can enter into a cooperation agreement with various design studios ready to take orders. They can be located in different cities, and send completed orders by mail.
Design studio staff can:
- Take orders;
- Engage in the promotion of services in your city;
- Develop the design of photobooks and coordinate it with the client;
- Take photographs.
You can start the production of photobooks from scratch, without starting capital. Two people are enough for work - a designer and Sales Representative. At first, page design can be done according to templates. You need to make some samples that you will show to clients. The most important thing is to organize as many points for receiving orders as possible. For example, in China, orders for photobooks are taken in any supermarket.
Advertising
Despite the fact that photobooks are aesthetically valuable and convenient items that can be ordered at a low price, many consumers are generally unaware of their existence. Therefore, if you decide to make custom photobooks, the business plan should include advertising costs.
You can offer your services:
- Photo studios;
- Private photographers;
- Schools and kindergartens;
Direct buyers are usually found on regional Internet forums, as well as through newspaper advertisements. Can be distributed Flyers or business cards in shopping malls, children's stores or amusement parks. There are many options for how to make money on the production of photobooks to order. The most important thing is not to stop there and look for new customers.
An excellent means of advertising and an additional sales tool will be your own website on the Internet. Here you can post examples of work, prices, design options and customer reviews. The more templates you can offer, the more customers you will get.
In summer, the production of wedding photo books is in great demand, and before the New Year, you can make money on children's photo albums.
Manufacturing technology
To make a good photo book, you need to carefully study all the stages of this process:
- Design the layout future book with photos;
- Print the cover and all the necessary pictures;
- Crop and assemble your photobook.
Equipment
First of all, decide what equipment for the production of photobooks you will use - manual or automatic?Related videos Related videos
Equipment for manual production:
- Cover assembly machine;
- Table for assembling a book;
- Bending machine - creasing;
- Corner rounder.
This equipment will have to spend 120-150 thousand rubles.
If you have a decent start-up capital, you can purchase an automatic machine for the production of photobooks, on which you can perform all the necessary operations. It costs up to 300 thousand rubles.
To test this idea for a business, you do not need to immediately buy equipment for making photobooks. Take photos and assemble them into a book using special programs on your computer. You can print them at any printing house. If things go well, you can start expanding production.
Benefits of a business idea
The absence of large investments, a high margin on products, as well as the relevance and great demand for the idea, make it possible to return the initial capital in one season.
You can make photobooks in your free time to get additional income. This service is often offered to visitors in photo salons. Many aspiring entrepreneurs choose this type of activity to start their own business. In any case, the production of photobooks is a fairly promising direction. It promises a good profit, and also allows you to constantly grow and develop.
Basically, the service for decorating photographs in the form of photo books is offered by printing houses in major cities, and in most regions this species products are represented poorly or not at all.
A photobook is a book edition with an original design, hardcover, in which the pages are photographs.
examples
The process of making photobooks consists of the following steps:
- Book layout preparation.
- Print (photos, cover)
- Cutting and assembling the book.
Equipment for the production of photobooks can be automatic and manual, here is a list of the minimum required set of machines for handmade books:
To purchase the above equipment, a budget of 120-150 thousand rubles is sufficient.
If the budget allows you to allocate a more significant amount of 350-400 thousand rubles for the purchase of equipment, then we recommend purchasing automatic equipment allowing you to perform all the necessary operations on one machine.
As an option, you can see the following models of machines for the production of photo albums and photo books:
The production of photobooks is ideal as an additional activity for an existing photo salon, as additional service offered to visitors, but it can also be used by a novice entrepreneur as the main activity. But with any option, the production of photobooks is promising business an undertaking that has significant growth prospects and promises good profits.
Viktor Stepanov, 2012-12-11
The production process, equipment and subtleties of creating photobooks
What is a photobook?
Photobook - This is an invention that appeared a few years ago, but has already gained wide popularity. In fact, this is a kind of photo album in which photographs, texts, comments on them are printed, and special artistic and graphic elements are often inserted.
Difference from the album
Contrary to popular belief, photo books are still different from photo albums. And the point here is not in appearance, but in the very technology of their manufacture. A photo album is a photograph pasted on the pages of the album, and in a photo book, the pictures are mounted directly on the page, thus creating a kind of digital layout.
Photobook business
Photobooks are becoming increasingly popular, despite the complexity of manufacturing and the expensive process of creating layouts. Equipment for the production of photobooks, as you know, is also expensive. But even if we make the most modest calculations, it becomes quite obvious that even such equipment will pay for itself in a couple of months of operation.
It makes no sense to save on staff. Professionals with at least a technical education should be engaged in the creation of photo books and photo albums. Only specialists will be able to work with rather complex equipment. We can only help a little by briefly describing the process of creating a typical photobook. The procedure for its creation is divided into several stages.
Stages of making a photo book
1) The first thing to prepare is the original - the layout. To do this, the client takes printed digital photos. Then connect the program to create a layout-blank.
2) The second stage of making a photo book is printing (or printing already brought by the client) covers or spreads of the book. To do this, you need to discuss the size of the future photo book with the client in advance, since after printing the size can no longer be changed. All parameters are set on the equipment. Typically, photobook production equipment works with the following types photo paper general purpose– glossy, matte and SuperGlossy. But due to its high cost and high quality, the latter is increasingly referred to as premium photo paper, so it is rarely used for single clients.
3) The third stage is the assembly of the spread (peel) of the photo book. To do this, a cover-making machine is included in the equipment for the production of photobooks, which will produce this peel or spread. If you have purchased an expensive cover making machine, then it will have built-in units such as corner trimmers and special benders that operate automatically.
4) The next stage in the production of a photobook is the compilation of internal blocks. There is nothing complicated in this process - it's just gluing cardboard and peel (spreads) onto the layout. These will be the pages of the photobook.
5) And finally, the fifth and last stage of making a photobook is the final cutting of corners and assembly. The most important thing at this stage is a sharp cutter. If it is not well enough sharpened, then your work will be irretrievably damaged before delivery. The dimensions of the future book should already be known exactly at this stage - their further change will be impossible.
Guillotine-type cutters are rightfully considered one of the best cutters.
The fact is that roller or reciprocating cutters, by virtue of their design, cut photo paper at an angle or in a circle, which cannot but affect the shape of the cut corners. And more often than not, it has the most negative effect. And guillotine-type cutters seem to fall on the material from above, which practically eliminates the possibility of an error. The only strict requirement is the maximum sharpness of the cutter blade.
Other related articles on Manufacturing process, equipment and subtleties of creating photobooks
We actively support new trends in the Ukrainian photo printing market. One of these areas is the production of photobooks. This popular print production and storage service is becoming more and more popular.
To meet the demand for such products, global manufacturers provide a wide variety of devices and devices that may be in demand depending on the needs of the local market.
This diverse equipment allows any photo businessman to participate in the production process, depending on the needs of a particular market.
As a rule, the production of photobooks is based on the principle of performing specific work on separate devices. Most often these are the following operations:
Creasing - bending the printed spread in accordance with the specified dimensions.
Assembly of the block - the formation of the internal block of the book with the placement necessary materials between sheets.
Pressing - compression of the manufactured book block for high-quality gluing of pages.
Trimming - alignment and giving the manufactured block a given size with a powerful knife - a guillotine.
Cover production - the production of the outer cover of the book, into which the previously made block is pasted.
Hatching - making a special outer groove at the inner edge of the cover.
All these operations can also be performed using special high-performance machines. Any photo businessman can, with our help, choose equipment for the production of photo books, depending on the needs and capabilities of a particular outlet.
Main / Catalog of Services and Goods / Materials for photobooks
PLASTIC and CARDBOARD FOR PHOTOBOOKS AND ALBUMS
We offer high quality consumables for the production of photobooks.
Each photobook is individual.
Beautiful photographs in designer processing, decorated in various covers make it unique. One of the main criteria in the creation or production of photobooks are consumables, right choice high-quality consumables and make the final result a beautiful and high-quality photo book.
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For the production of photo books and albums, we offer two types of consumables: double-sided self-adhesive sheets and double-sided thermal sheets.
As a basis we use high-quality wood pulp cardboard with a density of 250 g/m2 (thickness 0.3 mm) and plastics Rigid PVC Sheets, PVC Foam Sheets, White PET Rolls.
We offer more than 15 types of adhesive materials for photo books and albums from 10 rubles per sheet 21*31cm.
See price list:
The specifics of the production of photobooks in modern conditions requires the use of equipment adapted for the assembly of photographs printed both on traditional photographic paper with the possibility of one-sided printing of panoramic prints obtained in digital miniphotolabs, and the use of double-sided prints printed on various models of photo printers and similar equipment using the so-called "dry" technology print. In the first case, the Butterfly Binding technology is used to assemble photobooks, in the second case, Perfect Binding is used. For each technology in our catalog there are different types of equipment for the production of photobooks.
"Butterfly Binding"
Photolux presents technology "Butterfly Binding" for the production of photobooks based on printers digital printing CONTACT PhotoBookPrinter2301(2601) series, BEIJING HENGYIN MACHINERY MANUACTURING CO., LTD photobook production equipment and Event Album Maker™ photobook layout software.
Photolaboratory series KONTAKT PhotoBookPrinter2301 was created on the basis of a high-performance printer Contact 1217 N23, which allows printing up to 1400 prints of 89 mm x 127 mm format per hour with a resolution of 366 dpi, but is also equipped with additional Advanced Panorama Print software that allows printing panoramic images up to 305 mm x 840 mm. This panoramic format allows you to make a full spread for a 300 mm x 400 mm photobook. The lbnSender™ software allows you to correct images for color, density, contrast, crop images. Besides, in software additionally included is the function of automatic image correction using the i2e software.
The Event Album Maker™ software installed on the PhotoBookPrinter2301 and based on the standard LbnSenderX minilab software is universal remedy for layout of photobooks, focused primarily on professional photographers working in the market of wedding and studio photography, portfolio production. Thanks to the program's intuitive tools, quick navigation between image files, the direct ability to process images in Adobe Photoshop or any external photo editor, and a set of additional ready-to-use templates, the photobook layout process will not take much time, effort and will not require additional qualifications.
Pages created with the Event Album Maker™ software and printed with the PhotoBook Printer2301 are assembled into a photobook.
Universal station FL-18PBS is a complete solution for the production of photobooks and includes all the necessary equipment:
- Edge bending (creasing) machine
- automatic gluing machine
- size press
- Table for assembling photo albums
- Drying press
The universal station is easy to operate and can be operated by one operator, it occupies a minimum area of 1.3 square meters, which is very important in a real photo shop.
In addition, if necessary, a range of additional equipment is available:
This photobook manufacturing technology includes the following stages:
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"Perfect Binding"
If, for some reason, panoramic printing is not available to you, a photo book can be assembled using the technology "Perfect Binding" using hot-melt technology for assembling book spines.
In this case, you will need a hotmelt machine - manual hotmelt machines S320/a, S320D, S460 or electric hotmelt machine S460E.
In addition, photo paper laminating equipment is available - liquid laminators LM520, LMU650, LMU470.
This photobook assembly technology includes the following stages:
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"System (hardware, consumables and software) for making photobooks ClixxPixx® from PROMAXX® Innovative PC Print Media GmbH, Germany"
Created for photographers, photo studios and photo shops, the ClixxPixx® system allows you to offer photo business customers elegant looking photobooks assembled using a wide range of covers, including both elegant PRO2 series covers made using various leathers, leather substitutes or textured plastics as covers. materials, as well as more democratic "hi-tech" covers of the DIGI4 series, made of various kinds embossed plastic, including transparent and translucent options.
All opaque covers can be equipped with a window through which the first page of the photobook is visible.
Among the undoubted advantages of the ClixxPixx® system are:
- Minimum investment. 
— Large range of possible photobook formats: 10×15(4×6″), 13×18(5×7″), 15×20(6×8″), 15×23(6×9″), 20×20 (8×8″), 20×25(8×10″), 20×30(8×12″) and 30×40(12×16″).
- The unique assembly system on chrome rings allows you to get a durable photo book with a 180-degree opening of pages and the ability to add or change sheets.
— A wide range of covers made of plastic, coated cardboard in various materials and leather.
- The book can contain up to 16 double-sided pages when using KODAK ROYAL grade photo papers, but if printed on double-sided photo papers, the number of pages in the book can be increased to 29.
“With just two desktop fixtures, you can produce the entire range of photobooks.
- Convenient DesignSuite 5.0 program for creating a photobook layout. The program is Russified, including the instruction manual. Allows you to achieve excellent results in the process of creating your own photo book layout with little effort and time.
— The DesignSuite 5.0 program contains more than 200 ready-made templates developed by professional designers. Templates are visually balanced, which guarantees a "professional" look to your layout, even if you are not familiar with the basics of working in layout programs and composition theory.
Steps to make a photobook with ClixxPixx®
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Create a design |
Using DesignSuite, choose a template, fill it out by simply dragging your images into the cells, zooming and moving them as you like and adding captions |  |
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A mini photo lab is the only way to get excellent and durable pages of your future book. Available at any time. Excellent traditional quality. DesignSuite converts the finished photobook into regular .jpg files that you simply print as usual. |  |
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Page gluing |
To do this, there is a small smart device - DoublePageMaker. It will merge 2 photos so that they look like one page with images on both sides. The cost of glue is minimal. |  |
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Page perforations |
Use the DrillPunch to make the necessary holes. Unlike regular hole punchers, this device uses hollow punches just like any other professional puncher. With it, beautiful even holes come out, and you can punch the entire book block at once. |  |
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final assembly |
You can insert 3 double pages at a time into the cover to make a finished photo book. Not counting the page printing time in your mini lab, you will assemble a book of 32 pages 20x30 in less than 10 minutes (Including the time for gluing and punching pages). |  |
Equipment for the production of photobooks is the most dynamically developing direction in the photographic market. To date, the entire range of equipment necessary for the assembly of photobooks is presented. Many of the equipment described in this article are also used by our workshop.
Printing device
To obtain prints of page spreads, you need equipment that produces an image of the required photo quality. This can be either a household inkjet printer that prints inks on photographic paper, or one that exposes an image on. Spreads printed on such equipment are equally suitable for assembling a photobook. There are no restrictions related to photo paper heating or adhesive properties. Photos printed with water-based inks require additional protection - varnishing or laminating. The difference in the quality of images obtained by different printing devices is not considered in this article. With the purchase of this equipment, you can take your time, and print spreads on the side.Creaser
Designed for creasing printed materials of various formats (in our case, photographs). The main parameter is the working width of the creasing. For the production of small runs, a good choice is a manual creaser. Creasing is performed to prevent a break at the point of folding the turn. The system of double stops for creasing allows you to significantly speed up the process of rearranging the material from one indent to another. This is very convenient when, for example, the folds of the spine of a cover photo are scored. If further expansion of the production program is planned, then it is better to choose a more "older" model. Such devices are designed for creasing thick paper and cardboard in the manufacture of calendars. An additional option of such models is the possibility of applying dashed perforation, which allows you to create a tear line. On the reverse side of the creasing knife, perforation is applied, and to reconfigure the device, it is enough to remove and turn the knife over. Accordingly, the surface of the marzan changes, which is rearranged to the side intended for working with a perforating knife. The power of the rack mechanism of such a scoring machine is sufficient for through breakdown of material with a density of up to 250 g/m 2. For large runs, a rotary creasing system is used, which guarantees no stretching and tearing of the paper, does not damage the fibers, keeping the printed layer intact. The process is carried out using special scoring rollers mounted on the shaft.
Photo press machine SX-630 "Butterfly"
photo press machine
It is this "serious" name that has a device designed for assembling blocks of photobooks. In fact, this is an assembly table equipped with a pneumatically driven clamp. A special plate is built into the clamp, which regulates the indentation at the time of gluing the base of the page. The kit includes a special magnetic stop, which facilitates the fixation of the assembled block. On such an assembly table, assembly is possible both with the use of cardboard bases smeared with liquid glue, and with the use of self-adhesive plastic or plastic with a hot-melt adhesive coating. The clamping action is driven by means of a pedal included in the pneumatic circuit circuit. The pressure in the system must be at least 3 atm. Compressed air is supplied from external source- a compressor not included in the scope of supply.
The choice of compressor depends on the required performance, and is determined by the number of pneumatic equipment connected to the circuit. The membrane type compressor (air) is quieter in operation, but less productive. The piston type (oil) compressor has high performance combined with relatively noisy operation. On the initial stage work is quite suitable membrane. It will provide the required 3-4 atm, but with an increase in the volume of orders, it can fail due to overheating ("knock"). The fact is that the block head is assembled on thermal paste, which loses its properties from overheating. It is possible to purchase a two-cylinder membrane-type compressor with increased power at once. But this design is less hermetic and has losses in the system and does not give a noticeable difference in performance.
glue machine
The main function of this equipment is the application of a uniform adhesive layer with an adjustable thickness on the surface of a large-format sheet semi-finished product. The use of gluing equipment allows not only to increase productivity, but also to significantly reduce glue consumption. This equipment is required. Unlike other equipment that automates the process, increasing its productivity, the absence of a gluing machine will make the assembly process impossible. A manually applied layer of glue under pressure in the press will be squeezed out, which will lead to gluing the pages together. The principle of operation of the adhesive is as follows. Glue is poured into a special tray before starting work. A system of shafts is immersed in the pallet, on which a thin layer of glue is applied during rotation. The shaft, which is located above all, is the pressure one and recedes from the shafts with glue by the amount of the adjustable gap. This gap is adjusted depending on the thickness of the material on which the adhesive layer is to be applied. The thickness of the adhesive layer is regulated in two ways: by changing the distance between the shafts immersed in glue, or by moving a special plate that removes excess glue from the shaft. Special guides ("feathers") are provided for the removal of glued material from the shafts. The adhesive for the sticker must be selected so that it does not have a chemical effect on the photo paper. The adhesive should not contain acids, chlorine, sulfur, etc. Photo glue, rice starch glue, and most synthetic adhesives are harmless to photo paper. Depending on the adhesive used (a type of PVA or hot melt adhesive), a heating element can be installed in the machine. Working on a glue machine with hot glue requires forced ventilation of the room, because. an odor reminiscent of the smell of molten rosin is emitted. On some models, the speed of rotation of the shafts is adjustable. Sizing width is the main parameter of this equipment.
laminator
A device designed to apply a protective film on printed products. In addition to protecting the image from moisture, UV radiation, mechanical stress and other contaminants, the film changes appearance print, enhances contrast and color saturation. There is hot and cold lamination. For cold type lamination, a self-adhesive film is used, on which the adhesive layer is protected by a substrate. During operation, the substrate is separated, and the film itself and the print are rolled between two shafts of silicone rubber. High pressure in the zone of contact of these shafts provides a high-quality sticker of the protective film. For hot lamination, a film with an applied polymer adhesive is used, which becomes liquid and acquires high adhesive properties only when heated (about 100 degrees). Lamination can be one-sided or two-sided. If the image is laminated on one side, then, depending on the humidity of the room, such a sheet will bend (may be rolled up), which will complicate the process of assembling the cover photo. This is due to the hygroscopicity of paper. Double-sided lamination or installation of a moisture generator in the workshop will help to correct the situation. For cold lamination, heating to a temperature of 30-40 degrees is sometimes necessary. Therefore, a laminator with heating will allow the use of films for both cold and hot lamination. The main operating parameter is the width of the laminator rolls.
varnishing machine
Appointment - drawing a glossy or opaque varnish layer. The principle of operation of the equipment is as follows: varnish is fed onto hot rollers and evenly distributed, after passing through the rollers, the sheet falls into drying chamber where it dries with a UV lamp. The process has low cost, because varnish is recyclable. Compared to the coating obtained by lamination, the varnish layer improves the contrast by 10-15%. The machine, which has a chain drive mechanism, has a through-type design that provides an unlimited length of varnishing. Important parameters of varnishing machines are the width of the conveyor and maximum speed varnishing. More advanced models, thanks to the shafts with a special reflex, have the ability to apply a textured lacquer coating.
Crimp press. Foot height 0.5m.
crimp press
This type of equipment is used to carry out operations for sealing book blocks or notebooks, as well as for subsequent crimping after connection with the binding cover. Structurally, the press consists of two plates - movable and fixed. The blanks to be compacted are placed directly on the fixed platen, after which the movable platen is lowered to provide the required pressure. Special guides ensure uniform distribution of the load over the entire area of the slab. The main parameter is the height of the crimped foot. More productive electric ones for precise regulation of the crimping time are equipped with a dwell time sensor in the closed position. One of the varieties is a hot press. Serves for baking a book block under pressure at a certain temperature (0-110 degrees). For high-quality production of a binding cover with a complex volumetric relief, a vacuum thermo-press is required. Vacuum technology ensures uniform pressure over the entire required area. A special system of heating elements ensures fast and uniform heating throughout the work area. Samples are located over the entire area of the table, the size of which is the main characteristic of this type of equipment.
Embossing press
Embossing is the process of obtaining an image on paper, cardboard, leather, leatherette, etc. using a special form (cliché). The cliche, heated to a predetermined temperature, is lowered onto the printed material under a certain pressure. The resulting image may be colorful or "blind". According to the direction of deformation and the use of foil (metallized, pigment, holographic), three main types of embossing are distinguished: flat foil embossing, blinding and hot stamping. Foil stamping allows you to get a glossy rich image. The foil is used not as a film, but as a base, with the following applied to it: a dye, a metallized layer and a hot melt adhesive. Blind (blind) embossing is used to obtain an impression with a smooth surface without the use of foil. Relief embossing is obtained by using a counterstamp located at the bottom. Thus, a convex image is obtained. This type of embossing is used to imitate bandages - convex transverse stripes on the spine of old leather bindings. A cliché is a plate on which the space elements are deepened relative to the printed ones. The convex stamp used in relief stamping is a male (as opposed to a matrix). All binding materials have different characteristics in relation to embossing. Therefore, to obtain the final version, it is necessary to make samples on the samples, adjusting the temperature and pressure of the press.
Cover making machine
The equipment is designed to prompt the desired size based on different cover material. The device helps to accurately position the cardboard elements of the lid (spine and sides) relative to the cover material (photo or leatherette). A photo cover is placed on the fixture table ( reverse side up) with an applied adhesive layer. If the cover is printed on self-adhesive, then the protective backing is removed. Additional stops limit movement along two axes, and the backlight of the table from below allows you to control the center of the cover. A small vacuum created inside the table, due to the pressure difference, presses the material against the table surface. Special fixture allows you to accurately place the cardboard sides and lagging and press them against the cover material. After trimming the corners of the valve, they are bent from four sides in a special press clamp. Binding cover assembled. The whole process takes 2-3 minutes. Making a similar lid by hand will take about 30 minutes. Most of the time will be spent on calculations, and if a mistake is made, the cover will be sent to marriage. The main parameter of the device for the production of bound books is the maximum possible size of the binding cover. But the options have a great influence on the speed and accuracy of work: trimming the corners of the cover material, a press clamp for bending the valves. Some manufacturers produce models that integrate the creasing process.
Calender
This type of printing equipment is indispensable in the production of photo books. The machine has a system of horizontal shafts. The lower shaft is metal, the upper one is rubber coated. A gap is created between the shafts, which is regulated by special flywheels. The surface of the table is located at the same horizontal level with a gap, for convenient material supply. As a result of passing between the shafts, the material acquires the necessary density, and, if necessary, sticks together. In the production of photobooks, this equipment is used for pressing binding covers. The lid is evenly rolled, and the cover material is crimped evenly over the base. The main technical characteristic is the width of the fastened material.
Guillotine cutter
Any workshop for the production of photobooks should have a guillotine-type cutter. In such cutters, the knife is fed along the vertical axis, which ensures a high quality cut across the entire block. The main parameter is the length of the cut. To crop several photobooks at once, it is necessary to take into account such a parameter as the height of the foot when choosing a cutter. The simplest cutters are equipped with a manual backing drive (paper stop) and a manual clamp. Further growth model range provides the presence of mechanical and electrical pressure, which significantly increases the accuracy of the cut. Additional options: devices for cutting narrow strips, illumination of the cut line, protective screens or covers, mechanical blocking of the process in case of danger of injury, make work more comfortable. The replaceable knife has the possibility of micro-adjustments, which allows you to adjust it when worn.
Hatching equipment
Hatching is the process of applying a decorative hem that facilitates the opening of the side of the binding cover. A special system of adjustments makes it possible to adjust the desired indentation of the hem from the spine. Hatching knives made of a material with high thermal conductivity, under pressure corresponding to the thickness of the book, press the cover material in the place between the spine and the cardboard side. Heating profiles are provided for heating blunt knives. The temperature makes it possible to activate the adhesive inside the lid. A photo book with such a finish takes on a more presentable look. When choosing such equipment, the first thing to pay attention to is the width of the working area.
Corner rounding device
It is a table on which the block is horizontally located. A special stop allows you to quickly and accurately set the angle of the book block, and the presser foot automatically fixes it clearly. The knife installed on a vertical bed has a rounding. The kit includes 7-8 knives with different radii (from 2 to 8 mm.). The operation is controlled by a foot pedal, which is very convenient and greatly increases the productivity of the operation. The equipment is not complicated, has a reliable metal structure, large work surface. One of the advantages is the quick replacement of cutting knives and marzan. It is possible to round the corners of the pages of the block and the binding cover itself together and separately. This equipment will expand the range of additional options for finishing the photobook.
Book edge gilding equipment
The gilding technology produced on such equipment allows you to decorate any book, diary or other printed publication. Due to the finish in gold or silver tone of the edge of the block, such a book looks more attractive. The block is installed in the clamp, and special rollers apply the material to the end, creating a uniform pattern on the surface. As a rule, a special foil is used as a material. If desired, immediately before applying the dye, the edge of the block can be subjected to torshoning, to give the block a roughness, as special kind artistic decoration. With adhesive seamless bonding, the spine of the block is subjected to torshoning. It makes no sense to purchase such equipment with small volumes. This operation can be ordered from other companies specializing in gilding the spine.
