By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Print providers rely on a range of finishing options. Saddle stitching is one method with many benefits such as affordability, availability, and efficiency for digital print environments.
In part one of this two-part series on saddle stitching we discuss the benefits of saddle stitching as a method of binding for digital print environments. Here we highlight several manufacturers that offer saddle stitching solutions well suited for these operations.
C.P. Bourg
C.P. Bourg offers the Bourg Preparation Module (BPM). It is a fully automated, modular, and scalable sheet preparation unit that simplifies the creation of perfect bound and stitched books and booklets. BPM eliminates several time-consuming processes such as preparing media in multiple sizes, manually setting up machines, and trimming finished jobs. It offers bleed/trim, crease, cut, and fold functionalities.
BPM handles booklets of one to thousands per order. It connects to a variety of existing C.P. Bourg bookle makers. “Customizable and feature-rich options fit the users’ workflow,” adds James Tressler, VP of sales, C.P. Bourg Inc. The base solution is available for $50,000.
Duplo
The Duplo iSaddle System offers functions such as sheet accumulator, score, plow fold, face trim, and a two knife trimmer with an optional gutter cutter for two-up booklet making. It has a maximum processing speed of up to 4,500 booklets per hour and handles up to 100,000 booklets per month.
The iSaddle System is PC-controlled and can be connected to Duplo digital sheet feeders, collators, or a combination of both. The device allows users to save an unlimited number of jobs within the PC and recall these saved jobs for fast, easy, tool-less job changeover, points out Anthony Gandara, product manager, Duplo USA. Basic systems start around $140,000.
MBO America
MBO America provides digital print feeding solutions to Muller Martini for its Presto II Digital and Primera Digital saddle stitching products. “These solutions involve a range of final product types, paper grades, and formats,” shares Lance M. Martin, VP national accounts & marketing, MBO America. The general makeup of the product can be both self-cover and upgrade cover booklets with stock ranging from light open to very high-quality, coated papers. Sizes usually range in typical A4 and A5.
Muller Martini
Available from Muller Martini, the Primera MC digital saddle stitcher is an advanced and efficient device for the mid-performance range of up to 14,000 cycles per hour. “With its innovative Motion Control technology, the Primera MC Digital differentiates the position of graphic arts companies in a fiercely competitive market,” says Carlos Martins, solutions manager, digital saddle stitching, Muller Martini.
Muller Martini’s digital saddle stitching solutions are further enhanced with proprietary Connex Workflow software, which offers seamless job planning and job queuing as well as validation and reporting.
Standard Finishing
Released in 2017, the Standard Horizon StitchLiner Mark III saddle stitcher combines collating, scoring, folding, stitching, and trimming into one device. The system produces a range of products, such as A4 landscape booklets, 12×12-inch calendars, and 4.5×3.5-inch pocket booklets. The device handles up to 6,000 booklets per hour with a target volume run up to 100,000 books of one.
The Mark III also features a fully automated setup, including stitching head settings and book thickness adjustments at the trimmer. The system handles books up to 200 pages and is compatible with the Standard Horizon VAC collator or the HOF-400 high-speed sheet feeder for digitally collated sheets. The Mark III features a touchscreen display for easy job setup and job storage. According to Don Dubuque, director of marketing, Standard Finishing Systems, it’s available for $200,000 to $350,000 depending on configuration.
Solutions for Stitching
Print providers rely on a range of options for optimal finishing. Saddle stitching is one method with many benefits such as affordability, availability, and efficiency.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Stitch On.
Apr2020, DPS Magazine
