Offering an impressive range of formats, a host of different gluing and binding methods, simple operation and a compact design, the Pantera perfect binder from Muller Martini has quickly established itself as a best-selling product. The 100th line was recently installed in the USA.

One of the most significant benefits that the Pantera has to offer is the ability to apply several binding methods with great flexibility in the 4,000 cycles per hour performance range. And now, in addition to conventional hotmelt binding techniques, the Pantera can also process PUR Adhesive. This is a key benefit, as PUR binding is becoming increasingly popular in the mid-performance range. Removable glue trolleys accelerate the glue change process in the event of production changeovers.

Muller Martini has developed a VPN book spine nozzle that eliminates the need for glue pots. This nozzle applies the PUR adhesive sparingly, achieving even coverage and minimum thickness. Not only does this cost-saving method reduce glue consumption, it also enhances binding quality by virtue of the angular book spines it creates and the improved layflat. In contrast to roller application, a nozzle application system ensures that all pages of a book, from the very first to the very last, are evenly encased in the glue, thereby improving durability.

Simple Touch Screen Operation
The Pantera enables quick changeovers, resulting in extremely efficient production. The line is easy to operate via a touch screen, menu navigation is intuitive and the interactive Set-Up Companion is virtually self-explanatory. The Pantera is also available with AMRYS, the Automatic Make Ready System. This system delivers additional reductions in equipping and job changeover times. Perfect binders and gathering machines can be set up and operated separately for different orders thanks to positive drive technology.

The 100th Pantera line was recently installed at Gray Graphics, a trade binder in Capitol Heights, Maryland. The product offers a broad range of formats and a whole host of options that were not previously available in this performance segment, ensuring that Gray Graphics is now able to handle a diverse range of orders. In addition, a compact design featuring numerous variations is also possible, even if space is limited. Options range from stand-alone manual machinery right through to a complete industrial binding line with three-knife trimmer and counter stacker for three-shift operation.

Our Global Pantera Customers

Richard Berwick, Managing Director, Point Control, Accrington (England), the first bookbindery worldwide to invest in a Pantera: "We may be a small company with just eight employees, but we're all the more accurate for it. Our streamlined corporate structure gives us great flexibility, allowing us to respond quickly to our customers' requests. The Pantera makes it possible for us to continue using one-shift operation for efficient production."

David Jacobs, owner, H&L Bindery, Dorraville, GA: "We have produced over a million books in the two months since using the Pantera, and our customers are impressed by the quality. The production process has become much easier as we can make fine adjustments during a run. We already had a Panda and two Tigras, and we opted for the Pantera as well because it can also be used for PUR binding."

Zhaochun Su, General Manager, Hefei Wanhu Jingyi, Hefei Anhui (China): "Three compelling reasons prompted us to opt once again for a Muller Martini machine following our previous acquisition of two perfect binders, one saddle stitcher and one thread sewing machine. First (and most important), the Pantera delivers an outstanding price/performance ratio. Second, it is extremely flexible as well as being easy to use. Third, it is an exact match for our book production requirements."

Radu Ign?tescu, owner, Herris Print, Bucharest (Romania): "There is no better machine than the Pantera in this price category. In Romania, we are faced with ever trickier demands from our customers. For example, requests for the PUR process in soft cover production are becoming increasingly common. Two years after commissioning an Amigo perfect binder, we decided to install a complete Pantera line in a bid to stay on top of these changing requirements."

Francisco Jimenez, General Manager, Futura Gráfica, Mexico City: "In 1992, we decided to purchase a Panda perfect binder from Muller Martini, and were the first graphics company in the Latin America region to take such a step. Some 16 years later, the machine is still going strong. As a result of our positive experiences to date, we turned to Muller Martini once more when we decided to purchase a new perfect binder. Aside from the flexibility, what I really like about the Pantera is the quick changeover process."

Vipin Ramachandran, General Manager, Asiatic Printing Press, Ajman (UAE): "We have already enjoyed wonderful results with a saddle stitcher and an AmigoPlus perfect binder, and now the Pantera is our third Muller Martini machine. Ease of operation and the capability to produce outstanding book quality even at high production speeds are two particularly valuable aspects of our new perfect binder."