February 20, 2004 -- The new Collibri backgluing machine for spine gluing and pressing of hard cover books will make its international trade exposition debut at drupa 2004 in Hall 14. Collibri has a modular design and can be configured for in-line or off-line operation in different line lengths, giving book producers the option of one- or two-shot gluing. In operation, lining material is fed from a wide roll that unwinds perpendicularly to the book block. That results in more precise alignment and fewer roll changes to improve book quality and significantly reduce job preparation time. The unique technique also simplifies the stocking and handling of rolls. Completing the process, Collibri’s integrated liner pressing station ensures perfectly constructed book blocks. Among the system’s advantages. . . - Collibri delivers the world’s fastest backgluing makereadies. Only the book block format needs to be entered and Collibri does the rest automatically. So printers and binderies can handle shorter runs more productively. - Collibri quickly shifts between gluing methods, allowing facilities to offer their clients more product flexibility and versatility. - Collibri assures high-quality output with a series of built-in quality control devices and clamping and transport processes that gently handle every book block. - Collibri is a modular system, enabling it to productively fit into virtually any hard cover workflow. Collibri (Col = glue, Libri = books) can be configured with Muller Martini’s RPM (spine Roller Pressing Module) or the TPM (Infrared Spine Drying & Pressing Module). The heart of both systems is their unique, patented roller system that accurately compresses the spine area of the book block. Three conveniently installed control panels simplify data entry, makeready and operation from any panel. When necessary, settings can be fine-tuned while a product is running to further increase production speed. Collibri can accommodate a broad range of products, able to handle thicknesses from 0.11 inches to 3.1 inches and spine lengths up to 20 inches. For quality control, the system’s glue level sensor, a pneumatic glue pump and temperature monitoring system combine to ensure that the glue application remains consistent. For cold emulsion and combined two-shot gluing processes, moisture is extracted from the glue via an integrated infrared/air circulation system. “Collibri delivers all of the attributes required for fast, precision hard cover production, ” said Werner Naegeli, President and CEO of Muller Martini Corp. “Consistent glue application, intensive drying, accurate liner positioning and optimum block pressing — no other system can accomplish all that more productively.” Commenting on how Collibri fits into Muller Martini’s customer-focused philosophy, Naegeli noted: “The primary design goal for our new hardcover line was to meet the industry’s requirements to be able to produce shorts runs cost effectively. So at drupa, we’ll be setting a new standard for the industry with the Collibri and the complete in-line manufacturing concept for hardcover books.”