Perfect Binding Equipment Answers Need for Speed and Flexibility

by: Staff

With increasing pressure for faster production and turnaround times, as well as changes that on-demand printing has created in the graphics world, new equipment developments in perfect binding has changed as well. Manufacturers have rolled out machinery to perfect bind papers at a variety of speeds and in a variety of manufacturing environments, from desktop to the large high-speed equipment on the bindery floor.

BindIt has recently released the PERFECTBIND II desktop perfect binding machine. The PERFECTBIND II is designed to create professionally bound presentations and reports in small office settings. The PERFECTBIND II features a compact stream-lined design that binds up to 250 sheets. The machine contains auto shut-off, visual and audio indicators, a built-in cooling rack, and a selector button for normal or high capacity. Unique U-channel technology assures firm adhesion of all sheets.

Rosback Company has two perfect binders on the market, the 850 and the 882. The Rosback 850 perfect binder is ideal for the short-run, on-demand market. The 850’s heavy-duty single clamp adjusts in seconds for spines from 4 sheets up to 2′ thick. In-line notching produces the strongest binds by allowing adhesive to penetrate the spine. Notching can be turned off with one switch and pads can be produced with equal efficiency. The 850’s precise cover nipper adjusts to the book thickness automatically to produce square, tight spines on books up to 15′ long. The Rosback 882 includes the best features of its predecessor, the 880 Book Binding unit, such as the unique ability to produce consistent, strong square spines, fast cycling speeds, and a hefty 2′ clamp capacity. The 882 adds a new operator interface that provides a central master control for quick setup and total system monitoring. The 882 includes cover joggers, a self-adjusting nipper, and an integrated book counter.

PRINT 05 in Chicago marked the world premier of the Standard Horizon BQ-470 fully automated four-clamp perfect binder from Standard Finishing Systems. The BQ-470 requires minimal operator training and produces up to 1,350 perfect bound books per hour, with four clamps that travel on a vertical elliptical track. The BQ-470 binder’s 10.4′ LCD touch-screen is used to provide servomotor-controlled automation to the professional-quality mid-range binding market. The BQ-470 can bind books up to 2.5′ thick and optional interchangeable glue tanks support both EVA and PUR adhesives to meet varying customer requirements.

The new generation of KOLBUS perfect binders offers the ideal solution for a variety of production requirements, including the binding of special products or large commercial runs. Economic efficiency, quality, and versatility are the distinctive features of KOLBUS perfect binders. Included in the KOLBUS line is the Perfect Binder KM 470, which runs at 6,000 cycles per hour and includes 21 or 27 clamps. This model includes fast format changes due to manual adjustment aids to meet practical requirements, as well as an optional gripper carriage delivery to carefully handle delicate products. The KM 473 has the capabilities of running at 8,000 cycles per hour and includes fully automated adjustments. It also includes touch screen, graphic operator guidance, and a remote diagnosis. The KOLBUS KM 411 is the high-production model that runs at 12,000 to 15,000 cycles per hour. It includes a fully automated format and block hang out adjustment. It has a central input and operating unit as well as touch-screens conveniently located around the machine for easy operation. All KOLBUS binders can be equipped with cold, hotmelt, or PUR glue pots. The KM 473 and KM 411 binders also include KOLBUS’s new spine processing technology. The 8, 12, and 15 thousand cycle per hour perfect binders are controlled by the Copilot System. The operator is guided through the operating procedure by an interactive dialogue.

New from Baum is the BaumBinder 1500 Perfect Binder, featuring a top-loading, bottom-feeding cover feeder and a two-part conveyor system for flexibility of finished book delivery. The BaumBinder 1500 offers efficiency and accuracy from clamping, spine preparation, and glue application, through delivery. A multi-tooth milling blade handles spine preparation and the thermostat-controlled glue tank features an application roller and back spinner. The BaumBinder 1500 operates at 1,500 cycles per hour.

Muller Martini perfect binding systems deliver advantages to bookbinding operations of all sizes. The company-s latest innovation is the 8,000 cycle per hour Model 3028 Bolero, introduced at PRINT 05. Bolero raises the production efficiency bar to a new notch, providing the highest levels of automation ever offered in a Muller Martini perfect binder, including the ability to perform its own makereadies. In addition, the Corona line is now available in three speeds – 12,000, 15,000, or 18,000 c/hr. The Corona C18 has a new generation touchscreen and is now more user-friendly. The CoronaCompact C12 is engineered for limited spaces. The Muller Martini family of perfect binding technologies also include the Acoro A7 (7,000 c/hr) and Acoro A5 (5,000 c/hr), each allowing timesaving on-the-fly adjustments of individual machine settings; the Tigra (3,500 c/hr), featuring menu-guided controls for easy operation and rapid makeready; and the AmigoPlus (1,500 c/hr) for short runs.

Perfect binding equipment continues to change and improve, driven by the needs of customers who want a professionally bound product in the fast-paced printing environment of today.