Saddle Stitchers — A Stitch In Time

Automation becomes a bigger factor for printers as runs shorten in an on-demand environment, according to Paul Steinke, marketing director for Duplo USA. The result is less overrun, which helps to reduce waste. More operator alerts are needed on stitchers as well, he notes.

"If stitches run out or a booklet is missed, they can be disposed of in a print overrun," Steinke states. "But in an on-demand environment—particularly in some cases where the books are personalized—it becomes an important issue."