Hauppauge, New York – Visitors to this year’s OnDemand Conference & Expo can see the very latest in commercial quality finishing for the digital marketplace by visiting the Muller Martini booth (#1995). The company will be demonstrating components of its GATF InterTech award winning SigmaLine system, the world’s first commercial-quality, totally modular, OnDemand digital book manufacturing solution. Scaleable SigmaLine digital OnDemand technologies enable printers, binderies, in-house operations and many other businesses to complement their existing book manufacturing capabilities by adding greater efficiency and diversity to individual areas of their operations. Or, they can implement a whole new strategy by creating an entire OnDemand platform. “SigmaLine is as versatile as it is innovative,” says Andrew J. Fetherman, Manager, OnDemand Solutions Division, Muller Martini. “Whether the decision is made to use a near-line or in-line workflow, book manufacturers can benefit from the in-line collation advantages and minimal make-ready times of SigmaLine technology. Jobs can be readied for production literally in seconds, allowing for more projects to be completed during a given production shift and making almost no deadline impossible to meet. Work in progress is also nearly non-existent, resulting in reduced inventory carrying costs both during the book manufacturing process and storage of the finished product.” Throughout the OnDemand show, Muller Martini will demonstrate a near-line workflow comprised of the SigmaBinder perfect binder, SigmaTower cooling tower and the Esprit three-knife trimmer. SigmaBinder produces perfect-bound books at up to 1,000 fully variable-sized copies per hour, with hotmelt utilized for separate spine and side gluing. A built in measuring station utilizes laser technology to acquire the dimensions of the in-coming book block. The electronic book size data is used to adjust the length, width and thickness settings of the binder. The result – the machine literally make-readies itself. Also part of the system at the show will be the SigmaTower, which ensures proper cooling of perfect bound books and optimal curing of adhesives, as well as the Muller Esprit Three-Knife Trimmer, the ideal complement for perfect binding systems. Esprit boasts automated make-ready to reduce changeover times and to help lower costs in short runs. The innovative Muller Martini SigmaLine consists of eight state-of-the-art modular components that are designed to be mixed and matched independently of one another or coordinated altogether as an entire digital system. Besides SigmaBinder and SigmaTower mentioned above, the full SigmaLine configuration also includes: SigmaPress totally integrated within the SigmaLine system, providing continuous-feed operation and printing each job in a single pass. SigmaFolder is a commercial-grade folder that produces signatures with extremely high accuracy. SigmaCollator gathers the folded signatures and instantly delivers them to the SigmaBinder for finishing. SigmaStitcher produces up to 6,000 saddle-stitched products per hour and features fully automatic make-ready. And SigmaControl utilizes a JDF interface to combine and coordinate all functions of the printing and binding process...including a highly sophisticated job definition tool as well as intelligent production supervision with line performance management, product tracking, and management information that provides critical job status while allowing for automated format and job changes. SigmaLine is completely scaleable, with several complementing technologies that offer a wide assortment of options. You could, for example, install just a SigmaBinder in a near-line configuration, then add a SigmaTower as your production increases. Or, you can create a totally integrated end-to-end solution where digital files and paper go in one end...and printed, bound product comes out the other. The choice is yours, and that's the beauty of SigmaLine, giving you the flexibility you need - how and when you need it, as your business grows. In addition to SigmaLine’s versatility and minimal make-readies, another important benefit of the SigmaLine solution is its ability to cost-effectively address the growing industry trend toward shorter runs. “With SigmaLine, printed and/or bound pieces can be created in smaller quantities that are utilized immediately instead of being packed away in warehouses, where demand forecasting was required and product spoilage can ensue,” continues Mr. Fetherman. Visitors to the 2006 OnDemand Conference & Expo are urged to stop by the Muller Martini booth (#1995) and view components of SigmaLine up and running, producing high quality perfect-bound books right on the show floor. Muller Martini OnDemand Solution experts will also be on hand to explain in detail how individual SigmaLine components can bring enhanced speed and productivity to operations large and small, and, how the complete SigmaLine platform can generate new sales opportunities and create added revenues for growing businesses. The OnDemand Conference & Expo runs May 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.