AF Systems Unveils Horizon's Smart Post-Press Solutions at China Print 2025

During the 11th Beijing International Printing Technology Exhibition from May 15-19, 2025, AF Systems, the exclusive distributor of Horizon in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), showcased full-process smart post-press solutions under the theme "Create Value Through Books, Win the Future with Intelligence." Through four exhibition zones—Unmanned, Automation, Efficiency, and Workflow—the company demonstrated cutting-edge technologies driving the industry toward unmanned production.

Three Core Highlights: Redefining Smart Post-Press Standards

Fully Automated Integrated Production Line

• Combining AGV (automated guided vehicle) and robotics, the solution achieves end-to-end automation from printing to post-press, packaging, and logistics, addressing the challenges of multi-variety, small-batch production.

• Live Demonstrations: Horizon collaborated with Canon and Konica Minolta to showcase unmanned saddle-stitching book production; a robotic book-feeding system developed with RISO demonstrated fully smart production from blank paper to finished booklets.

iCE LiNK Post-Press Management System

• Leveraging IoT and cloud data, this system integrates printing presses with post-press equipment to optimize workflows, reduce manual intervention, and transform traditional production into digital management.

International Technical Collaboration Solutions

• Jointly developed with Japanese and European partners, solutions like FUJI FILM’s direct-connected bill processing and Konica Minolta’s personalized packaging demonstrate AI- and IoT-driven green sustainable production.

Global Premier Technologies: Opening New Business Frontiers

The exhibition featured several global premier innovations, including:

• A hardcover book block production system developed with Italian SMYTH;

• The upgraded NEW CABS perfect binding-packaging integration system, streamlining factory layouts by connecting front-end paper processing with back-end automated packaging.

Smart Transformation Path: From Automation to Unmanned Operations

Horizon outlines a five-stage transformation roadmap for printing enterprises, noting the industry is currently transitioning from automation to unmanned production. Its "Think Smart Factory" solution uses IoT to enable real-time data interaction among equipment, personnel, and products, with AI optimizing workflows to address labor shortages and personalized demand.

China Market Strategy: Customization and Rapid Response

Making its debut as a manufacturer in China, Horizon emphasized a strategic shift toward the local market:

• "Tailor-made" solutions for Chinese needs, such as the Smart Binding System with fully continuous operation;

• A dual-service model of on-site maintenance and remote online support to ensure equipment reliability.

President Hideharu Hori -san highlighted the "Change the Focus" philosophy, urging a shift from printing-centric investments to post-press optimization for overall efficiency. The company plans to explore Frontier issues like "unmanned-human collaboration" and "AI-driven job reconstruction" in 2026, advancing green and intelligent industry transformation.

Marking its 10th anniversary, AF Systems, together with Horizon, leverages technological innovation and global resources to chart a "high-efficiency, low-carbon, unmanned" transformation path for China’s printing industry.