Wohlenberg Quickmax

What is it?

The Quickmax is a perfect binder that can operate at 2,000-3,000 cycles per hour (cph). The machine is part of the same range as Wohlenberg’s Quickbinder, but is designed to be more flexible, enabling users to modify it to meet their specific needs.

When was it launched?

The prototype was first shown at Drupa in May last year.

How does it work?

Rayne Simpson, general manager of print & finishing at Ferrostaal Australia, says the machine is designed to be “future-proof” for the short- to medium-run book market as it can be upgraded as the customers business grows.

“Users could have it specified as a conventional machine with the normal feeding elements, such as a gatherer or a book block feeder, or it could be fitted with special digital features, such as a loose block feeder, automatic clamp adjustment from one book to the next, and cover to book block matching,” he says.

The cooling and curing process features a cassette delivery system to allow a three knife trimmer to run inline instead of a stack conveyor and Simpson says the machine can apply all glue types.

It is equipped with a second servo-driven spine preparation head, to improve spine preparation for maximum page pull strengths. For loose digital book block output, the machine can be fed with a dedicated hand-feed system.

What are the machine’s advantages?

Simpson says it offers end user customers a point of difference in book size and thickness, with runs of anywhere from one book to 5,000. He adds that printer or finishers can start with the standard compact edition of the Quickmax then add further options as demand grows.

The Quickmax can be equipped with EVA hotmelt, PUR, cold glue and with a gauze-feeding unit to allow for book block spine production for short-run hard case production with commercial quality. Simpson explains that construction of the Quickmax is different to other Wohlenberg models. “The clamp, the tracks and drive system are derived from the Champion 8000 CPH binder making the Quickmax one of the strongest binders in its class” he adds.

How easy is it to use?

“With its fully automatic makereadies, and with training support by Ferrostaal’s bindery demonstrators, any operator would find it very easy to use,” he says.

The machine has an automated set-up system, which enables users to determine width and thickness in real time using a touch screen control, he adds.

What is its unique selling point?

“The main difference is that the Quickmax has been developed with digital production in mind, but is equally at home with conventional work. No other machine in its price range offers that versatility,” says Simpson.

“Some of the bigger binders do gauze feeding and most of them work with a range of glues, but this is the only machine for this price that is specifically developed for short to medium runs.”

What support is on offer?

Ferrostaal has a team of engineers and bindery demonstrators who offer support and spare parts to users. “Tele-diagnostics is a standard feature and software and electronics problems can be investigated directly through the manufacturer.”

How are sales going?

“We have sold three of its sister machines, the Quick Binder, with various options, including PUR. However, the Quickmax is a new product on the market and we have only recently started to discuss the machine with our prospects,” he says.

 


 

Specifications

Max book size 430x110mm

Max book thickness 70mm

Max speed 3,000cph

Contact Ferrostaal, (02) 9338 3900, rayne.simpson@ferrostaal.com

 


 

The alternatives

Heidelberg Eurobind 1300

According to Heidelberg, the 1300 PUR has the flexibility to handle everything from long-run catalogues to one-off digitally personalised photobooks.

Max book size 300x360mm

Max book thickness 45mm

Max speed 1,300cph

Contact Australia: 1300 135 135, NZ: 0800 803 865, au.heidelberg.com

 

Horizon SB-07

The SB-07 is designed to be flexible and able to cope with short-run digital work.

Max book size 400x320mm

Max book thickness 45mm

Max speed 3,200cph

Contact Currie Group, (03) 9810 1331, enquiries@curriegroup.com.au

 

Muller Martini Pantera

Muller says the Pantera is intended to be versatile, able to perform a range of binding processes and benefiting from automated makereadies.

Max book size 380x120mm

Max book thickness 50mm

Max speed 4,000cph

Contact (02) 8707 7300, mullermartini.com

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required

Advertisement

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Advertisement