Started in 1995, Central Florida’s 3D Bindery began by selling bindery equipment and supplies to desktop publishing customers. Today, as technology and demands have changed, 3D still sells binding supplies, but they’ve also become a successful trade bindery producing everything from catalogs and magazines, to medical books, journals, school yearbooks and paperbacks. 

Of late, however, 3D Bindery found themselves missing out on some significant bindery opportunities. Many of their customers began requesting PUR binding on specific jobs, a process that 3D Bindery’s equipment did not offer. More and more, PUR (polyurethane reactive) binding has become an increasingly popular adhesive. Arguably, books produced with PUR have a greater shelf life because they stay stronger and more attractive than books produced with traditional hotmelts.

So after researching a number of manufacturers and machines, 3D Bindery chose Muller Martini’s Pantera Perfect Binder.  Running at speeds up to 4,000 cycles per hour, the Pantera processes conventional hotmelt binding as well as PUR adhesive, and features a compact space-saving design. The Pantera can handle a broad array of different size jobs and can be configured with up to 28 feeder stations. In addition, it’s specifically designed for fast and convenient set-up via its interactive Set-Up Assistant, the intuitively-designed touchscreen monitor, and the Automatic Make-Ready Systems (AMRYS) package.

Moreover, with the Pantera perfect binding system, the entire process is automated and completed in a single operation, from loading the printed signature to stacking the finished, packaged brochures—regardless of whether the job calls for a short- or high-volume run.

With the addition of the Pantera, 3D Bindery anticipates newer and greater opportunities.  Commented owner Dave Damato, “The Pantera will allow us to offer our current customers what they’ve asked for—PUR binding.  More importantly, it will reduce our makeready by about 80%. That’s going to substantially increase our turnover on the machine.  Since we can now accommodate our customer requests so much better, it’s going to bring us more business.  Our industry is constantly looking for a quicker turnaround, a better quality product, and increased volume — and our customers will realize that the Pantera means more to their bottom line as well.”

3D Bindery has scheduled an Open House for June 28 at which time they’ll not only demonstrate the Pantera’s capabilities, but also celebrate the future.  “Everyone is excited – from our customers to our employees,” commented Mr. Damato.  “To be able to have our customers see that we’ve expanded our capabilities, it shows them that there is growth and opportunity in the industry.  It’s definitely an exciting time for all of us.”

Those interested in attending the 3D Bindery Open House on June 28, or wishing to schedule a private demonstration, should contact Dave Damato at 407.831.2463.