drupa 2012 attracted 314,500 experts from more than 130 countries, making it the industry’s largest B2B tradeshow. And, this year in particular, visitors had specific investment objectives: nearly 50% placed orders, many directly on the show floor. 

Decision-makers to Muller Martini’s booth came to discuss configurations that fit their particular business needs.  On display were Muller’s latest technological innovations, workflow and machinery solutions, solutions that answer both the traditional and digital manufacturing needs of customers throughout all facets of the printing process, including:

Digital Solutions
At drupa, Muller showcased the flexibility and scalability of its SigmaLine digital book production technologies featuring truly zero make-ready.  Show-stopping innovations included the barcode driven SigmaTrimming Center, perfect for consolidating 1-off trimming requirements into a single operation. 

Also featured was the complete SigmaLine, a fully integrated, high-end digital softcover production system that starts with a preprinted roll or can be connected directly in-line with a digital web press and ends with a finished book—all produced completely in-line.  Its SigmaControl line control system powered by Connex, the only end-to-end digital workflow and data management system on the market, enables the seamless processing of multiple jobs back-to-back with the press of a button, in other words, “PDF-in, finished book out.”  All of the finishing equipment displayed in the Muller Martini booth was “Digital Ready and Proven” and could easily be integrated into the SigmaLine platform.

Supporting SigmaLine technology were several strategic partners who displayed various SigmaLine system configurations in their booths as well.  This multitude of system configurations provided show-goers with a real-world understanding of the flexibility that comes with Muller Martini’s Digital Solutions as SigmaLine technology can be customized to meet their particular digital finishing requirements.

Traditional Perfect Binding and Hardcover Solutions
A number of new innovations for mid-range perfect binding as well as for hardcover production were demonstrated, including the latest addition to Muller’s family of perfect binders, the Alegro, which offers faster setup, shorter production times, and higher product quality.

The binder was complemented by Muller’s latest three knife trimmer, the Solit. Based on the proven success of the Orbit trimmer, this mid-range trimmer utilizes many of the same design elements, including the patented SmartPress adaptive pressing system, tool-less changeover in less than three minutes, and separate servo drives for all major areas including the infeed, knife trimming action, and book delivery.

In addition, Muller Martini showcased new innovations for conventional and one-off hardcover book production on its Diamant MC Hybrid. For photo book production, Muller demonstrated several innovations that increase the operating productivity of the line, including a near-line case scanner that automatically scans batches of cases and a sequencing system at the infeed that reorders out-of-sequence book blocks. 

Press Solutions
Muller Martini introduced the new generation VSOP web offset printing press developed for printing labels, flexible packaging and folding carton products.  Boasting a decade of proven technological success, the new VSOP Press not only comes with a fresh new laser blue color standard in the Muller Martini platform, but numerous functionality and operational advancements including a new ergonomic construction which enables easier machine access for sleeve changes and daily operation, as well as an innovative electronic control technology which utilizes fewer components resulting in greater machine reliability.  In addition, the VSOP’s modular design philosophy enables flexible machine configurations for a wide range of hybrid packaging printing options.

Saddle Stitcher Solutions
drupa attendees were enthusiastically optimistic regarding investing in the near future in adding or replacing saddle stitching machines. There was sustained interest from attendees viewing the Primera E160 (16,000 c/hr) saddle stitcher running in-line with strategic partner Sitma’s inserting and wrapping machines. In addition, the entry level stitching solution was presented via the improved Presto featuring many of the benefits usually only found on high end stitchers.

“drupa 2012 was clearly a success for Muller Martini,” noted Werner Naegeli, President and CEO of Muller Martini Corp.  “We were delighted knowing that many of our customers were making the trip to Dusseldorf, and greatly encouraged by their enthusiasm, interest, and outlook.  It goes without saying that Muller will continue to lead the industry by developing innovative, smart and flexible process solutions that meet the needs of customers within an ever-changing marketplace. That’s always been our strategy and it will continue to be as we move forward.”