Customers are enjoying the multiple benefits of a highly advanced stitching solution with a pioneering yet easy-to-use control system developed by Tolerans and DCOS.

When leading Swedish stitching manufacturer Tolerans began looking to enhance control system technology for their range of SPEEDLINER 2.0 in-line stitching systems they found the perfect partner in DCOS, a fellow Swedish company with over 15 years experience at the top of their field. The joint project delivered a state-of-the-art prototype in just nine months and has proven to be a commercial success.

"For us, this is a stitching solution with complete satisfaction," says customer Tom Undheim, production manager from Ålgård Offset A.S. in Norway. "The control system is almost deceiving; highly sophisticated but at the same time simple to operate and manage, which results in an efficient stitching process."

The choice of specialist competence
Rather than expand technological expertise in-house, Tolerans remains convinced of the competitive advantages a partnership with DCOS offers. "Our lead time was minimal," says Tomas Annerstedt, head of R&D at Tolerans. "There was no learning curve, we started work directly and built on the innovative qualities and long experience of DCOS in developing controls systems for machines in the graphics industry."

"We started with a green and red button – start and stop," says Mattias Andersson, managing director of DCOS. Yet from the start, a unique design specification was the foundation for a shared vision. "We both have high levels of knowledge in the areas we operate," Andersson adds. "And having been able to learn a lot from each other we were keen to push the boundaries to get the most out of the system."

State-of-the-art control system
The control system is part hardware and part user interface. Together Tolerans and DCOS have upgraded the control panel with usability and simplicity at heart, optimized with a number of new service features.

"If you look at comparative models, this is beyond what any other can offer," says Mattias Andersson. "And when it comes to usability it's the best on the market."

An improved remote control function allows Tolerans to monitor stitching machines, owned by an international customer base and operating globally. Additionally, maintenance is managed more efficiently with information automatically sent from stitcher to service department. In turn, any spare parts required can be dispatched immediately.

Future collaboration is clear
The control system was launched with Tolerans' series of SPEEDLINER 2.0 stitching systems at the end of 2009 to positive response. Now, Tolerans and DCOS are set to continue and expand their working relationship.

"We have a roadmap to develop the control system in the future and also work on new products," Tomas Annerstedt says. "We aspire to make a worry-free stitching process and this collaboration means we are a much stronger player for our market and towards our customers."