The Tandem solution is based on two PrimaPlus saddle stitchers working individually. In the event of orders with few signatures, each machine is used separately. For orders with a large number of signatures, both saddle stitchers are coupled together by means of the Tandem connecting element to form one big machine. This means that all feeders can be used for production. The system is therefore also suitable for the production of periodicals with higher signature counts.
In practice it can appear as if two saddle stitchers were working independently of one another and different products were being produced simultaneously. A customer suddenly wants a bulky product with lots of sections at short notice. Up to now, the print finisher would have had to produce such orders by putting it through the machine twice, which is very time consuming. He may even have had to turn the job down – a problem that no longer has to be considered today, thanks to the Tandem solution. He can run both saddle stitchers until they are empty, switch to Tandem mode at the touch of a button and run production via the Tandem connecting element on a complete line with all the feeders at his disposal.
Müller Martini claims that changeover times with this system are ‘unbeatable’ due to Amrys, the Automatic Make Ready System. Also, thanks to Amrys, the data from interrupted orders can be saved so that the previous production run can be very quickly resumed at a later stage.
Finishers also get the opportunity of manufacturing extremely bulky products with the Tandem Connecting Element. At the same time, this does not affect having the flexibility of two stand-alone machines.
With a PrimaTandem system, orders can be scheduled particularly flexibly. Because the combination of two saddle stitchers increases performance potential and makes faster delivery times possible. All data is CIP4-compatible, meaning the system can be very easily integrated into an existing workflow.
An important feature of the PrimaPlus Tandem is that products can be pre-stitched separately in-line. This takes place before the actual printed signatures of the main section are gathered. For example, a TV guide or an independent printed commercial insert can be pre-stitched in this way. Both products are then finished with one another. This reduces by one operation the manufacturing process with a stitched insert.
High product quality is also guaranteed in the Tandem version. When production starts, the feeders are switched on one after another, just as when running the saddle stitchers alone, and when production finishes, switched off again in a similar fashion. The Copy Control system detects any missing sections and stops the signature infeed to the subsequent feeder. This reduces the waste rate to a minimum.
Using the SEMKO lateral thickness measurement system, the gathered products are scanned laterally and a check is made that all the signatures are there. Further quality checks, such as oblique sheet monitoring and long book control, staple and trim monitoring, as well as the “Asir” optical signature control system, ensure faultless products.
Throughout Asia, 15 PrimaTandem systems are already successfully in use, and the concept has now taken a foothold in Europe, with the first three installations in Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom.
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