The KB2000 makes tiny slits in spines up to 60mm thick and 320mm long to allow the glue to penetrate more deeply, said sales manager John Clason. Two rollers in the glue assembly then apply hot-melt adhesive and then press into a smooth finish.

"The kit is ideal for digital firms and commercial printers, many of which are thinking of moving into the digital arena," he said. "It is designed mainly for the A4 and A5 finished-document market."

Clason said the 7,875 machine, which is manufactured by FKS Hamburg in Germany, attracted two pre-orders from digital firms at Ipex, one in Great Yarmouth, the other in north-west England. He added that the offline system was "more than capable" of coping with most digital print engines and rolled out 320 books an hour.

"We have been looking to add a perfect binder to our range and this is the first time we have found one we can happily recommend for use with digitally printed stock."

The binder, which is available exclusively in the UK through Morgana, uses pneumatic action to form the book covers and clamp sheets during binding. No pre-creasing is needed except for very heavy stock. According to the firm a "simple-to-use" automatic control panel ensures no special operator skills were needed.

"It can handle conventional litho-printed material but the big thing was to provide for the ever growing digital print market," said Clason.

KB2000 factfile
Speed 320bph
Max spine lengths 320mm
Max spine thickness 60mm
Price 7,875