The compact table-top binder produces both soft and hard-cover bindings, using a choice of standard EVA or PUR interchangeable hotmelt cartridges depending upon the job.
It uses an electronic adjustable temperature control with single button operation when switching between glue types.
“We were previously having problems with heavy coated digitally printed stock and books were coming apart with the EVA glue, which was not sufficiently strong,” said managing director Gurney Ghatoray.
“Customers had started to ask us if we could do PUR and that’s when we started to think about it.
“Since we’ve installed it we’ve not had a single problem. Our customers give us this work now that they know we can offer this service.”
The device, made by Maping Co in Finland has a UK list price of £8,495 and was installed at the Edinburgh-based firm’s 418sqm premises at the end of May, following advice from supplier Ashgate Automation.
Rayprographics had previously installed a Fastbind Booxter binder and a CaseMatic casemaker for its photobook department as well as an Elite XT EVA perfect binder for general use, through the supplier.
“We didn’t need to look any further because this binder answered all our requirements and Ashgate offered to trade in our Elite XT, which made it an attractive proposition,” said Ghatoray.
“We now have the best of both worlds – simply by exchanging the glue tanks we have a PUR binder at a very affordable price and an EVA binder for regular jobs like binding 80gsm uncoated stock.
“We are currently finishing a job which has A3 pages folded into the binder. This would have been difficult to do in the past but we are confident that the PUR glue will hold it secure.”
Rayprographics also operates two Konica Minolta Bizhub digital printers; a C8000 and a C6000, Grapo and Mimaki wide-format equipment and a large range of finishing machinery.
The business has 12 staff and a turnover of around £850,000. It produces items including reports, brochures, posters, strut cards, photobooks, school yearbooks and display material for a wide range of customers including solicitors, architects and engineering companies.
