Horizon presented new automation features at drupa08. Its AFC folders are controlled by from a colour touch screen where the operator uses the icon driven menu to enter the sheet size and the desired folds. The folder calculates the necessary changes for a new set up and performs a fully automated changeover in 30 seconds. The AF-406T6A small format 6-buckle folder with pile feed, suction head, and optional 6-buckle unit that can be added straight or cross-wise, was unveiled at drupa08. Also shown for the first time was the AF-566F 6-buckle folder with a pile feeder, suction head, and optional 4-buckle unit, which can be added straight or cross-wise. CCD cameras can be added to Horizon AFC folders for sheet-by-sheet scanning and verification of folded signatures.

Aiming at the digital press and short run market, Horizon showed the new larger colour touch screen and ergonomically designed digital calliper on its already popular in India BQ-270 single-clamp binder. Horizon’s high automated BQ-470 4-clamp binder was shown with interchangeable EVA and PUR adhesive tanks, an SI-470 digital calliper to measure book block thickness to automatically change set-ups including the convenient new PM-470 pre-melt tank. Horizon also showed its fully automated Stitchliner 6000 and a new hardcover book binding system that are expected to be commercialised in 2009. Horizon’s postpress and finishing systems are JDF ready with the i2i Bindery Control System providing the job specs and parameters entered on a central console to all Horizon equipment on the network.

CP Bourg
Aiming at short run and digital printers, CP Bourg showed the new PUR version of its BB3002 single-clamp perfect binder connected to a Challenge CMT330 3-knife trimmer. With automated set-up, an adjustable suction cover feeder this system can produce 6 cm book blocks at 400 books an hour. The BB3502 online binder, with EVA or PUR glue systems and integrated cover creaser is well suited for the production of digitally printed covers. CP Bourg’s automated online BB4040 4-clamp binder features an integrated cooling tower and can be configured with an in-line 3-knife trimmer. The company also introduced a new heavy-duty booklet maker for use with its BST-d+ collator towers.

Muller Martini showed its new generation of equipment at drupa08 using new product design to emphasise ergonomic and environmental features. The new curved covers are designed to make all working processes accessible to the operators from above with unrestricted leg movement below. Developing its pre-drupa theme of ergonomics, operation has been optimized across the equipment line with legible touchscreen menus with simple navigation that puts the most frequently used operations on the top layer.

The new Primera saddle stitcher series with automation and speeds from 9,000 to 30,000 cycles an hour were shown at drupa. Designed for small and mid length runs the fully automated Presto E90 saddle-stitcher runs at speeds to 9,000 cycles an hour while the Supra saddle-stitcher can produce up to 30,000 copies per hour. The high performance Supra line can be extended with as many as 30 feeders for selective binding applications. Muller Martini’s Pantera perfect binder is now offered with the AMRYS automatic makeready system. Other highlights at drupa included new servo motor controls on the in-line Diamant 35 MC bookline and Ventura MC book sewing machine.