With predictions pointing to 10-15% of books being printed digitally within the next 3-5 years, there is no better time for printers and binderies to take a closer look at the type of technology that will make that prediction not only possible, but also profitable.  They can do so by visiting Muller Martini Booth #637 during Graph Expo, where Scalable SigmaLine technology will be producing books using various styles of book blocks (cut sheet and signatures).

Muller Martini's Scalable SigmaLine technology consists of a 1,000 cycles per hour system featuring the SigmaBinder, a four clamp perfect binder with a measuring station that uses lasers to capture the dimensions of the incoming book block.  These measurements are used to automatically set the binder's length, width and thickness dimensions in real time.  The book is then transferred to the SigmaTower to both cool and allow curing of the adhesive prior to trimming.  From there, the book moves directly into the SigmaTrimmer where three independently driven knife elements automatically trim books of varying sizes and thickness without makeready, i.e., there is no changing of pressing pads or cartridges.

Scalable SigmaLine will be operating live at Muller Martini Booth #637 during Graph Expo.  Visitors will get a unique, up-close perspective on what makes Scalable SigmaLine technology so powerful, in particular:
- Fully automatic setup of the entire system through a laser measuring station that determines the incoming untrimmed book block dimensions for setting up the SigmaBinder.
- When installed in-line, the laser measuring station allows book blocks to be handfed into the SigmaBinder.  This enables the Scalable SigmaLine technology to have both the flexibility of a near-line configuration and the efficiency of an in-line workflow in the same system.
- Barcode intelligence guarantees book block to cover matching integrity and automatically relays the final trim dimensions to the SigmaTrimmer.  This means that one-off books can be produced by eliminating almost any makeready between books except for feeding covers into the cover feeder of the SigmaBinder.

With the Scalable SigmaLine solution, printers can enjoy the flexibility of a near-line configuration, productivity of an in-line workflow and the intelligence to guarantee book integrity in one system.  SigmaLine technology significantly streamlines the production of one-off and short-run books creating much greater productivity in the line resulting in a complete system that can manufacture 1,000 fully variable length, width and thickness books per hour.

Graph Expo takes place October 3-6, 2010 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Illinois.  Muller Martini engineers and experts will be on hand at Booth #637 to provide insight and ideas about how Muller's innovative technology and workflow solutions can help printers and binderies grow their businesses.