BINDERY matters
High-Tech Diecutter Best Bang for Buck
FITCHBURG, MA—A trio of older model Bobst 1260 diecutters was recently replaced with a new Bobst SPeria 106-E Autoplaten diecutter at Seaboard Folding Box.
“The 1260s had been good machines, but it was time to replace them,” says Ray Falco, Seaboard’s GM. “The speed and lower setup times of the new machine allow us to exceed the combined productivity and quality of the three older machines. So, while we’re replacing equipment and enhancing quality, we’re also adding capacity.”
The SPeria 106-E has in-line stripping capabilities and can diecut and emboss at speeds up to 7,700 sph. It can also diecut paper with a minimum thickness of 0.004? up to 0.160? corrugated board.
The current economic state had little impact on Seaboard’s installation. “We’re staying busy,” reports Falco. “Our customers continue to rely on us to provide them with the best available service and quality, as quickly as we can. We chose the SPeria because its speed, capabilities and quality gave us the best bang-for-our-buck value.”
Two New Stitchers Pump Up Production
ST. CLOUD, MN—When commercial printer and direct marketing provider Nahan Inc. installed its first Muller Martini Tempo 22 saddlestitcher, equipped with 15 flat loading pockets and a folder feeder, in August 2007, the machine ran around the clock, seven days a week.
“The Tempo markedly exceeded our expectations,” says Steve Kirk, Nahan’s vice president of manufacturing. “The high production speed, which ranges from 18,000-19,000 cph, is impressive, and the speed doesn’t compromise quality.”
A month after startup, Kirk says, Nahan boosted its net production in relation to its other saddlestitchers by 34 percent. Then, shortly thereafter, it reached 70 percent.
With the success of the first Tempo 22, the company decided to invest in another. The second saddlestitcher was installed in November, and Kirk reports that the net output is now about 85 percent higher.
That type of output is extremely important to Nahan because the company manufactures a wide range of high-end promotional brochures for its clients, which include Fortune 500 companies, where run lengths can be higher than seven million copies.
Shown here, two bindery workers operate Nahan’s new Muller Martini Tempo 22 saddlestitcher.
New Saddlestitcher Is ‘Game-Changer’
SPENCER, IN—Binding is truly an art form at World Arts, which employs several hand-bookbinding craftsmen for its highly specialized binding assignments. The company recently introduced greater automation, speed and productivity to its postpress operations by adding a new Heidelberg Stitchmaster ST 450 saddlestitcher.
“Saddlestitching is the backbone of our bookbinding process,” explains Matt Leach, bindery manager. “I honestly can’t imagine life without it.”
The Stitchmaster’s flexibility is vital for the company’s orders for very small books, Leach points out, noting that bindery operators, who were working 60 to 70 hours a week, are relieved that the highly automated saddlestitcher has significantly cut production times. The ST 450 joins four Heidelberg Stahlfolders in World Arts’ bindery.
Matik NA Reps Web Finishing Line
WEST HARTFORD, CT—Matik North America has formed a strategic partnership with ESS Graphic, a Danish manufacturer of web finishing equipment, which includes glue and varnish application units, diecutting and stripping systems, patch applicators, sheeters with variable chip-out capabilities and star-wheel delivery, as well as web finishing lines for integrated and promotional products.
Matik North America will add ESS Graphic products to its current lineup, which includes a range of equipment from other European manufacturers.
Quick Cuts
After 20 years of continued use, the Polar cutter at Superior Binding, of Glen Burnie, MD, has been replaced with a new Polar 137 XT cutter.
A new pair of Browst folder/gluers are up and running at Apex Die in San Carlos, CA, bringing the total number of high-speed folder/gluers to five.
Little Rock, AR-based VESTCOM SOLUTIONS invested in six new Rollem 42? deep pile feeders.
In Bloomfield, CT, a new Polar 137 XT cutter, from Heidelberg, is now up and running at FINLAY PRINTING.
After installing a new manroland Rotoman offset web press, Clinton, PA-based KNEPPER PRESS purchased a material handling equipment package from Systems Technology (STI), which consists of a semi-automatic horizontal stacker bundler, full conveying line and Automatic Reject System (ARS).
PRESTIGE PRINTING, a general commercial printer in Austin, TX, recently purchased its first two pieces of Heidelberg gear: a Polar 78 cutter and Stahlfolder B 20 folder.
The LONGMONT TIMES-CALL, a daily newspaper in Longmont, CO, with a circulation of 24,500, recently installed a new Muller Martini SLS3000 inserting system.
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