A complete kit for home photobook making. How to choose photobook production equipment

A complex technological process, including the use of the most modern and materials. A variety of equipment, its capabilities allow you to make a photo book using various technologies. The design of any photobook is the same regardless of the equipment used. A photo book consists of a photo book, on the pages of which photos are placed, and a cover (cover). Already at the stage of obtaining an image, two fundamentally different printing technologies are distinguished - printing on and printing printing. Let's consider the operations included in the typical technological process of making a photobook.

Photo printing of spreads

Modern technologies make it possible to make an original photo album from real photographs printed in a chemical process and rolled onto a dense base. Adjacent photo pages are printed on one sheet and are called spreads. In this case, a photobook block consists of photos pasted onto a base (plastic or cardboard) in succession, forming pages. The pages of a photo book assembled using this technology have the ability to open 180 degrees, forming a flat surface. Now the brightest frames can be placed not only on individual pages, but also on the entire spread, using the entire area without restrictions. When laying out spreads, it is necessary to take into account the technical requirements for files imposed by the manufacturer of photobooks. The geometric dimensions of the spread are calculated based on the size of the photobook itself. For example: if you ordered the production of a photo book 20x20, then the spread size should be 203x396mm. The final dimensions of the block after trimming are 3mm. on three sides it will be 197x197mm. Additionally, the manufacturer indicates the characteristics of the printing device: color reproduction color model, resolution (number of dots - elements bitmap per unit area), bit depth of the color palette. For example: to print pages on a standard digital lab, you must specify the following parameters. RGB, 300 dpi, 8 bit/channel.

Reversal scoring

After printing, the spread of the future book is folded in half. But the fold may be uneven or not neat enough. Moreover, photographic paper at the fold can be damaged ink layer and there is a high probability of cracking the emulsion layer. To avoid this, scoring is used - the process of punching a thin convex strip with a special tool - a cliché. If the center of the turn was determined correctly when laying out the layout, then the big will coincide with it. Without violating the sequence, spreads are scored in the middle, bent at the place where the big is applied and folded, maintaining the order of assembling the spreads.

Block assembly

Further, the spreads, folded in half, are glued onto a dense base, the dimensions of which are slightly larger than a page (half of the spread). Depending on the base material and the glue used, there are three technologies: "wet" (using liquid glue), "dry" (without liquid glue) and combined (both liquid and dry types of glue are used). The base material on which the spreads are glued is plastic or cardboard. With the "wet" technology, the formation of the book block is carried out by applying liquid glue to the surfaces of the spread and the base. Glue is applied using a special gluing machine. "Dry" technology involves the use of a base with a pre-applied adhesive. It is only necessary to remove the protective layer and the base is ready for assembly (hence the name "self-adhesive"). The base material can be either cardboard or plastic. The assembly sequence is as follows: turn - base - turn - base .... etc. If endpapers are planned for the future book, then the assembly begins and ends with endpapers. After mounting the next turn or base, it is necessary to fix the block with special clamps. The base is glued with a slight indentation, which makes it possible to open 180 degrees.

Block crimp

After assembly, the block is placed under a press. According to the "wet" technology, it is necessary to immediately squeeze out the remaining air between the spreads and the base of the pages. Further, the exposure of the block under pressure sometimes reaches 48 hours. This is necessary so that the cardboard, which has absorbed moisture from the applied glue, is completely dry without deformations and warping caused by the action. internal stresses. To reduce the drying time, special presses built into the drying chambers are used. "Dry" technology does not require a long exposure of the block under pressure. In this case, the crimping time is significantly less. If hot glue is applied to the base, then the block is placed in a special heat press, where the sintering process takes place. The cooling of the block is also carried out under pressure. It is worth noting that spreads printed on glossy paper are more likely to stick together. Books collected by different technologies have significant differences that are not obvious at first glance. The difference is in the materials themselves, from which the block is assembled. Cardboard is a hygroscopic material that absorbs water vapor (moisture) from the air. If a book assembled on cardboard is wetted or placed in a room with high humidity, then the book block will deform (bend). Under normal conditions, the probability of such bending is quite low. Plastic - an artificial material is not a hygroscopic material. In connection with this, another problem arises. A photograph pasted on plastic is a hygroscopic material and continues to absorb and release moisture. The following situation arises: if the humidity is low, then the photo decreases in size, if it is high, it increases. Therefore, spreads with a photo pasted on one side will be curled. After several cycles of reduction-increase in size, the photo peels off the plastic. It is also worth noting that books assembled on plastic are heavier than books on cardboard. The assembled blocks are glued with gauze at the folds of the spreads (spine), with access to the spine fields of the endpapers, to increase the strength of the book when opened. The fabric material, as it were, tightens the block, eliminating the appearance of gaps between spreads, and prevents the book from falling apart.

Block pruning

To align the pages, the block is cut off on three sides. The bleed allowance is approximately 3-5mm. For decorative trimming, a colored base is sprayed or glued onto the ends of the pages. The edging is done on a special machine designed for polishing and foiling the ends of book blocks. The decoration of the block is completed by gluing a captal, which gives the book a finished look.

Making a cover (cover)

To understand the technology, it is necessary to define terms. The cover is a flexible paper covering, one-piece or composite, in one way or another (paper clips, hot-melt glue) attached to the spine of the block. The binding cover is the outer shell of the block. Being integral or composite, it is connected to the book block with the help of endpapers or extreme spreads. The spine of the block is not glued to the lid. For the manufacture of the simplest photo books, the so-called soft photo cover is used. This is an ordinary photo, to give reliability to which lamination or varnish is applied. In this case, the block cropping process occurs after the block is inserted into the photo cover.

Cover photo lamination

Cold and hot lamination is applied. In cold lamination, self-adhesive films are used, on which the adhesive layer is protected by a detachable substrate. For hot lamination, films are used, on one side of which a layer of polymer glue is applied. Passing through the heated shafts of the laminator (about 100 degrees), the film acquires adhesive properties. Speaking about the "minuses", we note that when applying the film by hot lamination, the dark pigment in the photograph "boils" (bubbles appear). This shortcoming manifests itself in photographs printed on an inkjet printer that uses water-soluble dyes. The "minus" of cold lamination is the high cost of the film.

Cover photo varnishing

The process is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in both types of lamination. The lacquer coating does an excellent job of protecting it and increases the contrast of the image by about 10%.

Binding cover manufacturing

For the manufacture of the cover, you can use more reliable materials made on the basis of fabric and artificial leather. The assembly of the cover is carried out on a special cover-making apparatus (covermaker). The device allows you to accurately position the cardboard sides and back (spine) relative to the cover material of the binding cover, automates the process of trimming corners and bending flaps. The "face" of the cover can be decorated with a photo by making a cut-out for it. The cover material is tucked inside the cutout and a laminated photograph is inserted. If equipment such as a calender is available, it will not be superfluous to pass a cover through it for the final pressing of the cover material. The original design of the spine of the cover will make the book more presentable. Additional use of several materials in the design of the lid, embossing, installation of decorative corners provide unlimited possibilities for personalization. For as a cover material, a photographic image is used.

Installing the unit in the lid

This operation completes the photobook assembly process. Endpapers are successively glued to the sides of the lid. When installing, you must carefully monitor the accuracy, otherwise all the work done will be in vain. To improve disclosure and give structural strength, the book is hatched.

Hatching (rolling) of the scar

This method of finishing consists in applying depressed scars with blunt heated knives - in-depth lines on the front side of the binding cover along the spine margin. The block is pressed under pressure, which ensures high-quality fixation of the decorative relief. The operation is carried out on special hatching equipment.

Package

An important detail in the production of photobooks. After the book is made, it is necessary to pack the book. If this rule is neglected, then after transportation from the workshop to the customer, due to the hygroscopic properties of the materials discussed above, the book may be subject to deformation.

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. It can be like household jet printer, printing with paints on photographic paper, and exposing the image to . 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 good choice- 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 is planned production program, 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 and pinion mechanism of such a scoring machine is sufficient for through breakdown of material with a density of up to 250 g/m2. printed layer. 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 to assemble blocks of photo books. 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 served with 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. At the initial stage of work, membrane is quite suitable. 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, during rotation, thin layer glue. 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 the appearance of the print, increases 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 enters drying chamber where it dries with a UV lamp. The process has a 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 design pass-through type, providing 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 necessary 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 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. with help special form(cliche). 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 (back side up) with an adhesive layer is placed on the fixture table. 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. A special device allows you to precisely 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 of the model range provides the presence of a mechanical and electric clamp, 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, it has a reliable metal structure, a large working 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 roughening, to give the block a roughness, as a special type of artistic finish. With adhesive seamless bonding, the spine of the block is subjected to torchonization. It makes no sense to purchase such equipment with small volumes. This operation can be ordered from other companies specializing in gilding the spine.

Monoblocks, photo assembly stations

Various design variations for placing several of the above devices in one case form a huge army of all kinds: photo book station, album machine, probook, binding center, collamatic and even coffee table book. Obviously, the main advantage of such equipment is compactness. By purchasing such a device, there is a high probability of producing a limited range of products. The units included in such a "machine" have low technical specifications, and some may not be required at all. The main parameter of such equipment is naturally performance.

With the development of digital technologies and in connection with 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 is ideal for storing 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 variant that graduation albums that are in every home today. This is a hardcover book, the front side of the 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 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 your own photos, distribute them in 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 produce a high quality product, it is necessary special equipment for making a photo book.

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 in the selected colors design appearance(covers, 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!

Possibilities:

• 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!

Possibilities:

• 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 new standard offering innovative services for attractive price – New Product which will increase the loyalty of your customers and become a source of permanent 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. Software Photobook Maker makes this task easy - even for an inexperienced computer user!

Possibilities:

• 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 Consumables 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

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 time, 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 photobook?

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 photobook

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 correct 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 photo book

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, excess decorative ornaments, like any excess, may not decorate, but on the contrary, make the page tasteless.

What else is important to think about when designing a photo book?

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 photobook

As a result of the work, it will be possible to accomplish 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 so much want 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" hue, "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 editing 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 cities, this business can be done by independent artists, for whom making a photo book with their own hands is additional source income.

Some aspiring entrepreneurs doubt that such a business line is promising, because modern people photographs are stored primarily 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 enjoys in great demand among those who take care of pictures dear to their hearts.

The production of photobooks is also often interested in:

1. Models, designers and other professionals who want to make a portfolio of their work;
2. Parents who wrote a fairy tale or poem for their baby. Such books have recently become in great demand;
3. 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?

The photobook maker that has it all necessary equipment, can conclude a cooperation agreement with different design studios ready to accept 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:

1. Photo studios;
2. Private photographers;
3. 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 shopping malls, children's shops or in 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 additional tool sales will become 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:

• Develop a layout for a future book with photographs;
• 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?

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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

Absence large investments, a high margin on products, as well as the relevance and high demand for the idea, allow you to return the initial capital in one season.

You can engage in the production of photobooks in your spare 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.

Photobooks are such products, the popularity of which will not dry up soon. They are 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.

It is understood in this situation as plain paper, and double-sided self-adhesive cardboard for the production of photo books. 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. He 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 maximum height crimp 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 the cover making machines for the production of photobooks. They can simplify the binding process. These machines can work with the most different materials. In this case, the output will be a ready-made layout of a 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, such universal installations as photo ministations have recently begun to be used. If they are used, it is possible to combine several technological devices required to perform different tasks 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 souvenirs of this 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.