The HSB 13.000 will replace the existing HSB 10.000.

According to Hohner, the new machine has been designed for ease of handling and reduced manpower requirements and features a high-level of automation

The added automation enables the machine to switch automatically between a number of different formats, which now extend as far as DIN A3, with little impact makeready times.

It is equipped with a new drive technology, managed by Hohner’s Proprietary Motion Control technology, which optimises automation. According to the company it was developed to offer service support and provide an "integrated operating data acquisition system with diagnostic tools", with the added possibility of remote servicing by video.

An optional optical recognition system, using either image comparison or barcode reading, is also available.

The 13.000 features a graphically enhanced colour touch screen which controls all single units (feeders, cover-feeder, stitching unit, trimmer and stacker) of the machine. Individual control of each unit, however, is also affected by the use of independent touch panels, positioned at each station.

Hohner UK managing director John Sykes said: "We have spoken to a lot of UK customers and certainly there will be some interest in the machine at Drupa. Its predecessor was perhaps a little slow, even with the quick changeover, which is minutes rather than say half an hour, there has been intense work at the factory to get it to 13,000cph."

Also at the show Hohner will show the 43/6-2, its latest stitching head, which is now offered in a die-cast version.