Düsseldorf, Germany — At drupa 2004, in addition to the introduction of a new perfect binder for the medium performance range, Muller Martini will also be presenting the Frontero, a new face-cut trimmer for efficient production of brochures with gatefold covers in a single in-line operation. Travel guides, paperback books and even annual reports are increasingly produced with six- or eight-page covers on which important information can be clearly displayed for the readers. Until now the manufacture of brochures with gatefold flaps required two labor-intensive production steps: The first step involved production of the book block with face trim, and in a second pass the cover was applied and the head and foot was then trimmed. With the new Frontero face trimmer both these operations are combined to shorten processing time considerably. On perfect binding lines that are equipped with a gatefolding station, brochures with gatefold covers can be produced in a single operation, in-line, cost-effectively and in the best quality. In addition, thanks to a performance rate of up to 6,000 cycles per hour, the Frontero ensures a high net output. Furthermore, its unparalleled capability to handle a large range of product sizes enables it to process two-up books with spine lengths of up to 460mm (18 1/8“) as well as oblong formats up to A4. Excellent trim quality thanks to shear-action trimming The Frontero works with the proven swing cut principle against cutting sticks to guarantee superior trim quality. The quality of the end products can be optimized, and the face trim of the book blocks can be aligned flush and close to the edge of the cover, even while the machine is producing. A key advantage that will be of interest to current perfect binder users: Existing perfect binding lines can also be retrofitted with the Frontero face trimmer. The new Frontero face trimmer, working in-line with a new perfect binder, will be demonstrated to drupa visitors - live at the Muller Martini exhibit (Hall 14, Stand A52).