Muller Martini equipment installations continue to meet on-going industry challenges – while paying a variety of dividends.   

Schumann Printers, Inc. in Fall River, Wisconsin, is a well-regarded printer of more than 350 monthly special interest magazines.  In 2008 and 2009, they upgraded their bindery operation with Muller Martini's eight (8) station Tempo-22 saddle stitcher and Orbit three-knife trimmer in order to improve efficiencies.  Each installation has greatly increased Schumann's productivity while satisfying the growing demands of their customers.

The Tempo-22 saddle stitcher is a highly advanced production system ideal for multishift operations.  Its rated top speed of 22,000 cycles per hour guarantees high net outputs for not only large runs of magazines, leaflets and catalogs, but also for shorter runs of similar size.  Deployment of Muller Martini's "AMRYS" automatic make-ready system into sections of the Tempo-22 allows printers to make-ready quickly without having to sacrifice speed.  In addition, the Tempo's sophisticated control system features operating data collection including a job management system and JDF integration to ensure efficient production.

According to Bill Kennedy, Schumann's Director of Post Press Operations, "In a very short time the Tempo-22 saddle stitcher has delivered increased in net throughput efficiencies that are far greater than most other saddle stitchers of the same class.  The automation that is integrated into the machine has reduced our make ready times by nearly 30%.  In addition, the Tempo-22 further raised our bindery's overall capacity because of its much faster run speeds."

And, as Schumann Printers also attests, the Tempo's modular design enables superior flexibility and provides for nearly unlimited expansion capabilities, including in-line inkjetting, tip-on production, flat pile feeders, vertical stack feeders, sample gluer and card blower.  Added Mr. Kennedy, "Having the ability to tip merchandise to forms inline on the Tempo-22 has also expanded our reach in the marketplace, continuing to position Schumann Printers as a highly competitive choice within today's changing industry."

Utilizing Muller Martini's Orbit three-knife trimmer, jobs with even the most stringent quality demands can be produced to perfection – and on time.  The Orbit is extremely easy to operate with full automation, clearly arranged controls and innovative, intuitive "SmartPress" technology that allows it to deliver rapid set-ups and high net output.  The Orbit produces superior, perfect bound products extremely cost effectively and is ideally suited for use in the upper performance range even with maximum net output.

The Orbit continues to exceed all expectations at Schumann Printers.  After replacing an older trimmer on an existing perfect binder, Schumann Printers has realized substantially higher trim quality, greatly improved knife life and the elimination of binder slow-downs due to trimmer concerns.  According to Mr. Kennedy, "We installed the Orbit three-knife trimmer because we needed to achieve a higher quality trim for our non-mailed high-end publication work and to completely eliminate spin chipping during trimming.  The Orbit has come through wonderfully on both counts."