Jud’s MR-720i on-demand perfect binder was launched at Drupa 2004. It is an automated machine, and although not the first of its kind, found a place in the market because of its ease of automation and the high regard in which finishers held previous Jud machines. In the two years since its launch, customers have snapped up almost 40 of the binders in the UK.

Added extras
All Jud’s previous binders were pneumatic, but the MR-720i was the first to be both pneumatic and automatic. The previous models, the 800 and 500, were manual and had been serving some customers for over 20 years. Duplo graphic arts product marketing manager Terry Wafer says: “Jud took a look at the market and tried to see where improvements could be made. The binders’ solid cast frames make them extremely strong and this was continued though to the 720i, which needed to be just as strong and durable as the 800 or 500, but with the added ease of use.”

The MR-720i requires only one operator, with no previous binding experience necessary. According to Duplo, after just a few hours of training, even a novice should be able to operate it. A book is placed on the block into a clamp and, once the foot switch is triggered, the book size is automatically detected by the machine. The MR-720i comes with two glue drums and two gluing discs as well as a glue cut-off position, which is set automatically for each book block.

The LCD has common functions and memory modes, which include a weekly timer. This allows an operator to set up the binder for a planned job an hour before they arrive at work, a feature often offered as an optional extra with other binders that comes as standard here.

As well as detecting book thickness, the binder can also quickly change from one job to another. Book sizes range from 325x380mm to 100x140mm, and the cover feeder will take pile heights of up to 50mm with cover weights of up to 400gsm. These specifications have proved attractive to litho and digital printers alike, and the binder has also been quite popular at in-house university production lines.

Solid bind
Lynhurst Press, a Romford-based commercial printer, used the MR-720i to bring some of its binding in-house when the model was first launched. “What we really like about the machine is that even with different weights of paper used in one book, it will still bind solid as a rock,” says managing director Alec Samuels. “We have definitely saved a lot of money and time on short-run work.”

The 720i can be bought with a PUR option, which can handle heavier stocks, plastics or acetates. The four-clamp version, the Quadrimax, is available as either a hot glue or PUR operation. This can run at 1,200 cycles per hour, double the 600 cycles that the 720i is capable of. The glue application, however, remains the same for both of these binders.

Exchange options
Part exchange is available and Wafer says this has worked both ways for printers. “We have a customer that bought four Quadrimax machines, but then found it did not need a machine of its speed so traded down for a 720i instead.

We are flexible with upgrades or downgrades and have refurbished some older models to sell on secondhand.”

Duplo will refurbish any secondhand machines and sell them with a 12-month warranty for the 720i model or a three-month warranty for the 500. Jud has a fully stocked warehouse of parts that it can send to Duplo if needed. Duplo is also able to provide parts from its stock of more common components. With 22 engineers nationwide, it will support any Jud binder bought from a secondhand dealer.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Speed
• 600 books per hour
Clamps
• 1
Book size
• 70x100mm to 325x380mm
Book thickness
• up to 50mm
Cover size
• 100x140mm to 380x650mm
Price
• Used 2003 720i: £15,000 Used 500: £5,000-£8,000 (depending on condition)
• New 720i with conveyor and stacker: £28,500
• New Quadrimax: £55,000
What to look for
• Heating tank heats to the correct temperature
• Wearing of gluing discs