Saddle Stitchers — A Stitch In Time
Customer input helped the Stitchmaster ST 400 "bring saddle stitching to the next generation. Their comments led to the development of a CIP3 interface and movable pockets," Calov reports.
"The CIP3 interface offers greatly reduced makeready times since the computer automatically sets the pockets, infeed, trimmer and compensating stacker from information created in prepress," he says. "It also sets the backstop, sideguides and folio setting without tools. The benefits are tremendous, reducing makeready times, in some cases, from 45 minutes to just two minutes, while allowing a single operator to set up the stitcher from a central control panel."
Bill Klansko, product manager of the print finishing division at Muller Martini USA, notes that customers are seeking machines that boast faster makeready times, improved reliability, self-diagnostic capabilities, improved speed and less needed manpower. "We have and continue to incorporate all of the above into our stitching systems across the product line," he remarks.
Werner Naegeli, president of Muller Martini USA, points out that a shortage of skilled personnel is raising the demand for user-friendly equipment, such as automated loading with integrated stream feeders as bundle loaders, and an operator/machine interface with touchscreen and instruction/help information.
Versatility of Machines
Muller Martini is touting its Prima-S, a 14,000 cph unit that features AMRYS (Automatic Makeready System) that is CIP3 compliant. Upgradable to include selective binding and ink-jet addressing, the Prima-S features movable vertical or flat-pile feeders.
Another vendor, Rosback is offering the 318 Lynx saddle binder, available with four or eight pockets. It automatically collates, saddle stitches and delivers three-knife trims. A heavy duty, modular, ball-bearing system, the Lynx is engineered for easy makeready, operation and changeover.
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.
