PALACE Green Library, which forms part of Durham University, has snapped up a new Zünd S3 M-1600 cutter that will help craft protective packaging and boxes to safeguard and preserve the learning institute’s historical collection.
Lying at the heart of a World Heritage Site, Palace Green Library cares for a wide range of historical collections including manuscripts that pre-date the Norman conquest, early and rare printed books, parchment documents, and a huge breadth of museum objects held at the Oriental Museum and Durham Castle. From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia.
In early 2023, the collections department at the library undertook a review of its conservation processes, seeking more efficient methods that balance flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Tony King, senior collections care and conservation manager at Durham University, emphasised the ‘integral’ role of protective packaging. While recognising the time-intensive nature of hand-crafting custom boxes and the expense associated with purchasing specialised ones, Tony researched digital cutting techniques adopted by fellow universities and museums, which led him to Zünd.
“We were aware of digital cutting techniques used by other universities and museums, so we did some research and came across Zünd digital cutters,” Tony explained. “We found the Zünd appealing for our low volume box making requirements.”
Palace Green Library engaged with Zund UK to organise a product demonstration with the support of Arden Software, a developer specialising in packaging design CAD software.
Tony added, “During the demonstration, we were introduced to the Zünd G3 and S3 digital cutters, but quickly concluded that the S3 stood out as the optimal choice for our needs. I was thoroughly impressed by the design and build quality of the Zünd. We conducted rigorous tests on a variety of materials, including archivable box, dense millboard, protective cloth and foam.”
Following the demonstration, Tony secured university approval to acquire a Zünd S3 M-1600, equipped with PackZ by Arden Software. Since acquiring the cutter late last year, Palace Green Library has recruited Isabelle Morse as the Zünd operator. Isabelle stated, “As someone with a background in laser machinery, the Zünd is a dream come true. Having an array of tools at my disposal for working with various materials allows me to explore beyond my comfort zone when crafting customised packaging.
“Additionally, I can provide support to other departments within the group for their cutting needs. For instance, just last week, we used the Zünd for digitally cutting protective materials used to cover ancient books before they are placed in an archive box.”
