Unveiled for the first time at IPEX 2010, the Bolero B9 perfect binding line from Muller Martini features a 13% increase in cycle time, new PUR SPN side glue nozzle and the electrostatic attachment of inserts in the new 3694 rotary gatherer. The Bolero B9 is designed to meet up-to-the-minute perfect binding requirements.

The Bolero, which has established itself as a successful product since its first appearance six years ago, has become an even more appealing perfect binder thanks to an increase in performance from 8,000 to 9,000 cycles per hour, particularly for magazines and catalogs in the mid-range market. The declining run sizes seen throughout the world over the past few years have meant that bookbinders have had to produce an ever-increasing number of jobs per shift. At the same time, production has become more demanding, as the attractiveness and therefore the complexity of perfect-bound products using special covers, inserts and cards has become increasingly important.

3694 Rotary Gatherer: Electrostatic Card Attachment
This presents new challenges to rotary gatherers in particular. The new 3694 rotary gatherer from Muller Martini, which was presented alongside the Bolero at IPEX 2010, fulfills these requirements in several aspects. Designed for a flexible product make-up and with the ability to process a wide range of signatures, the new rotary gatherer not only offers the possibility of loading from both sides and quick changeover times, but it is also equipped for the electrostatic attachment of cards, eliminating the need for a separate inserting procedure.

VPN and SPN: Substantially Lower Glue Costs
As a result of its outstanding quality characteristics, in particular with coated papers, polyurethane (PUR) is becoming increasingly popular. The Bolero B9 line can increase melting capacity by 30 percent using the new PUR VPN book spine nozzle (Volumetric PUR Nozzle), which represents a significant increase in production for thick and two-up products. The excellent quality is maintained from one book to the next, even at high production speeds, as the PUR adhesive is always freshly melted, produced in optimal volumes and of consistent viscosity.

The PUR SPN side glue nozzle (side PUR nozzle) also guarantees high binding quality, in particular with coated and laminated covers "VPN and SPN ensure a high binding quality, even on books with a thickness of 80 mm, and also a consistent, minimum glue film thickness with precise glue cut-off and low glue costs," explains Stefan Zürcher, Head of Marketing at Muller Martini Bookbinding Systems.

An important factor for quality assurance is a high level of automation throughout the entire perfect binding process - from the rotary gatherer to the stacker. The result: Shorter setup times and perfectly functioning quality checks that minimize waste and optimize efficiency. "Bookbinders cannot afford high levels of waste when producing small runs," explains Mr. Zürcher. "This is why we can't afford any errors."

Book Data Center: Setup Times Reduced to a Minimum
As with all perfect binders from Muller Martini, the motorized size adjustments and the Book Data Center (BDC) featured on the Bolero B9 reduce the risk of human error. Thanks to the BDC, not only can all of the relevant measured data for the entire perfect binding line be recorded quickly and accessed by the individual machines, it can also be reproduced. The BDC always measures in the same way, regardless of the machine operator or shift. Setup time is thus reduced to a minimum. In addition, the Orbit three-knife trimmer, which was demonstrated at IPEX, can be setup in only three minutes; and the CB 18 counter stacker is operated by the three-knife trimmer. As a result, the Bolero B9 is not only the most flexible perfect binder of its performance class, but also the most automated.

Book Verification System: Ensuring a High Level of Security
The Bolero is equipped with a book verification system to deliver an error-free production process with correctly assembled books, magazines and leaflets. Comprising the Asac signature thickness measurement system, the ASIR signature scanning system (both in the rotary gatherer) and the ASIR cover checking system (in the perfect binder), the verification system ensures that the signatures are gathered in the correct order and the appropriate covers are attached.