Phoenix Lithographing also switches to PUR binding for a better-quality end product 

Launched over 50 years ago with just a small press located in founder Barry Green’s basement, Phoenix Lithographing Corporation has grown into a robust $100M commercial printer that provides full-service printing capabilities, from pre-press, sheetfed, web, digital, fulfillment to mailing, for a variety of ultra-quality products geared toward a high-end audience, who expect the highest quality printing and binding.

In order to achieve better binding durability in art catalogs and other upmarket books, the company decided to switch to PUR adhesive, as well as upgrade their perfect binding solution. After thoroughly researching what was available, they chose Muller Martini’s Alegro perfect binder in November. The Alegro currently processes Phoenix Litho’s traditional offset work, although it’s well-equipped to handle digital printing as well.

Mr. Green, who is now The Phoenix Group Chairman, explained the company’s decision: “We never used PUR before, and we now run everything with it. The Alegro’s make-ready is extremely fast and we can switch between hardcover and softcover very quickly. Plus, the ASIR3 signature recognition system is a critical feature, especially considering the signature size of many of the products that we produce.”

What’s more, the Alegro is servo driven so independent motors control different capabilities. With 70% fewer chains and the elimination of the line shaft and complicated gearboxes, there is less wear and tear, fewer spare parts and lower maintenance requirements and costs, which is why Mr. Green added, “The bottom line is, we run this machine all the time, and I couldn’t be happier.”

The Alegro perfect binder enables the shortest job processing times, while forming the basis for a wide range of applications that can accommodate special sizes and production methods. Other benefits include:

• Maximum productivity. Motion Control Technology reduces the processing time of each job, lowering costs and generating additional production capacity.
• Timesaving access. The Alegro’s centralized control concept allows operators complete access to the entire binding line from one location.
• Future-oriented design ensures investment protection. A modular design affords unprecedented versatility to change the binder’s configuration to easily adapt to changing customer demands.

And Mr. Green is equally pleased with the know-how, service and support he’s received from Muller Martini. “It’s amazing how many people want to sell me a product, but they don’t really know their own product—or my challenges. Muller Martini has a highly knowledgeable, hands-on team of professionals who really understand bindery work and perfect binding. And, they even went the extra yard and made sure we received as much training as was needed. That meant a lot to our organization.”

The Alegro perfect binder was first introduced at drupa 2012, and today has over 77 installations worldwide. A growing number of North America printers have selected it as their perfect binder of choice, with nine new installations occurring within the past 18 months.