Kolbus UK supplied the device, which was installed at the Stockport-based firm’s 4,645sqm factory last week.
The 520mm-long saddle will enable Deanprint to produce a range of products from multiple up books to A3 portrait sketchpads. The machine operates at up to 200 cycles/min.
Deanprint production director Kevin Lee said the Aster Pro52 is faster and more efficient and has a greater size range than two older sewing machines that it has replaced.
The business also considered alternatives from Smyth and Muller Martini but found the Aster device to be the best fit for its requirements.
“This machine gives us the automation up to a 520mm spine so a lot of A3 portrait books we can now sew automatically,” said Lee.
“We had an Aster and a Muller Martini from the mid-1980s, which have been part exchanged. It gives us flexibility on size and we’re already seeing the benefit of the faster makeready and running speeds.
“The new Aster will handle our current product range more efficiently and also open up opportunities for new products. We’re increasingly being asked for larger spine lengths and people also increasingly want larger case-bound books."
Product quality is enhanced with a computer controlled active thread cutting system, which ensures no tearing of the signature spine, according to Aster.
Deanprint offers a wide range of print and finishing services and produces items including ringbinders, slipcases, boxes and folders for the education sector, government bodies and agencies as well as general commercial customers and trade printers.
The company, which has 42 staff and a turnover of just under £3m, operates more than 110 printing and finishing machines.
These include two two-colour Heidelberg Speedmasters and a Heidelberg MO on its litho side and Konica Minolta digital kit including a bizhub Pro C6000 and a bizhub Press 1052.
The business, which recently celebrated its 125th birthday, has also recently purchased a bespoke Smyth Magnum 75 large-format book sewing machine and two Baumann-Wohlenberg 115 high speed cutters.
