While currently only one binder in Australia, Trio Bookbinders of Victoria, are using the solution, PUR gluing has become a talking point among binders and printers alike in recent times. This was shown by the healthy turnout of interested parties hailing from all over the eastern seaboard and from as far away as Western Australia.
Presenting at the seminar was Cecil Wheller, Henkel account manager for TIC – paper and converting, and Hans-Dieter Ehlermann, Wohlenberg managing director. According to Wheller, there are quite a number of advantages that PUR gluing has over other gluing techniques such as hot melt.
PUR glue is applied at far lower temperatures than hot melt glues, at approximately 120C, which means less hazardous and toxic fumes are generated. It also has a greater resistance to temperature extremes of between 150C and –40C. Wheller says that other advantages include high tack on application, good aging and setting times, reacts well with air and paper moisture, is not affected by oils and printing inks, and will bond to a wider variety of papers, including short fibre and coated stocks.
It does have some disadvantages though, as full drying times can be up to 24 hours, and quality control cannot be performed on the job. However, Wheller says, “PUR is just so far ahead of all the rest, your customers wont mind the disadvantages”.
Ehlermann then gave attendees a detailed look at the Wohleberg finishing lines, particularly the Champion and Master series binders. Of importance to Ehlermann was the spine preparation systems that form part of the finishing systems, taking the opportunity to expound the benefits of the multiple knife head which roughens the spine, opening up the fibres in preparation for PUR application.
Attendees were then given the opportunity to see the system in action on a Wohlenberg unit in CPI’s showroom. The event generated heated discussion at times as attendees grappled with the details of the new technology, and many were surprised with the advantages it appeared to offer them.
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