Over 200 customers were won over by the latest bindery innovations at Muller Martini’s bookbinding academy in Felben, Switzerland.  The spotlight was on the new SPN side glue nozzle and the 3696 Gathering Machine, which was unveiled for the first time at the Open House event.

Be it complex products such as magazines, or simple book printing, the new 3696 Gathering Machine, which was showcased in combination with the Bolero binding line, processes the broadest range of products in its class at a speed of up to 12,000 cycles per hour.  In terms of flexibility, not a trick has been missed:  Not only does the line allow bookbinders optimum flexibility to respond to varying orders, it also enables extremely efficient production.

When producing complex magazines and brochures, single sheets and fold-out signatures can be fed reliably, cards can be electrostatically charged and inserts can be applied in-line.  With simpler products such as two-up paperbacks and book blocks, the 3696 wins fans thanks to its compact design and impressive size range.

Flexible Feeder Range
The flexible feeder range is a new feature for this performance range.  The modular construction of the 3696 means that it can be perfectly adapted to meet each customer’s individual requirements.  The base-unit is equipped with two twin feeders as standard.  These feeders can be replaced at any point with a sample gluer, a specialty feeder with longitudinal action or – a completely new feature – a handfeeding station.

The control also includes functions for sample gluer, specialty feeder, reject gate and transfer elements, ensuring extremely short set-up and job changeover times.  Thanks to a feature supporting loading from both sides, the changeover time required between jobs can be further reduced by loading and producing on one side while preparing the next job on the opposite side.

High Product Quality with the New SPN Side Glue Nozzle
The SPN side glue nozzle for PUR side gluing produces high-quality, durable products, while opening up new make-up options for bookbinders.  With this product, Muller Martini is complementing its continuous offering for PUR processing in adhesive binding.  The specific characteristics of PUR adhesive mean that side-glued products are also much more resistant to high temperatures and aging processes.

The required PUR adhesive is adjusted volumetrically based on the specified glue quantity and the binder speed.  Thus, the application nozzles apply a constant and precise glue film to the book block.  The glue application height can be adjusted easily and reliably, as can the distance between the glue lines, simply by angling the application nozzles.  Contact-free application makes it possible to process a wide range of products, such as quality brochures and thread-sewn products, without the need for interchange parts.  The side gluing unit is extremely easy to operate and is controlled via the perfect binder Commander system.