Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will be showcasing the new Stitchmaster ST 450 saddle- stitcher at Ipex 2006. This machine boasts high levels of automation, flexibility, and productivity. A whole range of applications are possible as the saddlestitcher can be specifically adapted to a particular product. It combines high performance with reliable quality, offering a capacity of 14,000 cycles per hour. The Stitchmaster ST 450 processes untrimmed paper formats of 85 x 128 millimeters (3.35 x 5.04 inches) up to 320 x 480 millimeters (12.60 x 18.90 inches) and a maximum product thickness of 12 millimeters (0.47 inch). A special feature of the machine is that it can process A6 landscape in single sheet mode. The short make-ready time of the Stitchmaster ST 450 is ideal for frequent format changes, short and long runs, thin and thick paper and customized print products, and is thus geared to the target group of industrial printers and finishing specialists. The Stitchmaster ST 450 can be integrated seamlessly into the Prinect workflow from Heidelberg via the JDF-compatible control system. Presetting data is transferred from the prepress stage and is available for saddlestitching. Once production data has been saved, it can be accessed at any time for repeat jobs. The new saddlestitcher is available from fall 2006, when it will replace the Stitchmaster ST 400. Combining creative saddle- stitching with high automation The Stitchmaster ST 450 features mobile feeders fitted with servo drives which can be positioned at any point on either side of the saddle chain. With up to 16 feeders, the Stitchmaster ST 450 can process a whole host of products and support an extended range of services. For optimal results, one or more mobile sample gluers can be placed at any point on the saddle chain for attaching booklets, cards, merchandise samples and CDs. Optional features such as two-ups, multiple-ups, and hole punchers eliminate the need for additional passes. The newly designed sheet feeder ensures enhanced and reliable sheet transport for both extremely thin and extremely thick signatures. Heidelberg developed new, particularly low-wear stitching heads for the Stitchmaster ST 450. The machine stitches the product while it is motion, which helps boosts quality and productivity. The newly developed compen- sating stacker provides reliable delivery. The feeder and compensating stacker adjust to the specified format via an automatic format presetting. Make-ready times are significantly reduced, which pays particular dividends when working with frequent job changes. Tried-and-tested saddlestitcher range With the Stitchmaster ST 450 Heidelberg is expanding its saddlestitcher range for high-performance and creative applications. The Stitchmaster ST 100 opens the way to professional saddlestitching. Featuring a maximum of 9,000 cycles per hour and covering product formats up to A4+, it is ideal as a basic model for bookbinders and print shops who want to build up their saddlestitching capacity. The Stitchmaster ST 100 is particularly well suited to short and medium-sized print runs with frequent format changes. It is extremely compact and space-saving. Make-ready times when changing over to another format are kept to a minimum. The Stitchmaster ST 350 saddlestitcher, presented by Heidelberg at drupa 2004, is designed for a wide range of uses in the performance range of up to 12,000 cycles per hour. The machine delivers high quality, reliability, and ease-of-use. In addition, it can be integrated into the workflow using JDF. This makes the Stitchmaster ST 350 a cost-effective, flexible alternative for industrial printers and finishing specialists producing, for example, high-gloss brochures for industry and advertising.