What is it?
It’s a log stacker that comes with a touchscreen control and is JDF compatible.

How does it work?
It stacks copies horizontally into a log, placing a board either end, before strapping it and stacking it on to a pallet.

Why did you choose it?
It is a very versatile machine and it can stack A4, A3, double parallel and delta sizes. We were familiar with what it could do because we bought one of the very first Avanti stackers four years ago and it has been running 24/7 since then with no problems.

Did you look at any other similar systems?
Yes. We looked at some vertical stackers, but having run the Avanti successfully for a few years, that swung it for us.

What features do you particularly like about it?
It has an easy-to-use touchscreen display on a moveable arm. Also, with the bundler and palletiser working together, one man can operate two Avantis. It produces good clean logs, so we’ve cut down on wastage, and it stacks them directly onto pallets, which saves us time and effort.

What features do you dislike or wish it had that it doesn’t have?
I don’t dislike anything about it and so far we haven’t come across anything we wished it had.

How fast is it?
It can stack copies in excess of 60,000 per hour and it keeps up well with our new presses. Commercial web production is going to be the largest area of expansion, as web presses generate good quality output at high speeds, and the trick is to increase productivity while maintaining quality. The AvantiPlus helps us to do that as it can switch formats quickly, remembers previous jobs and has a high level of automation.

How reliable is it?
It’s very reliable and works 24/7 with very little trouble. I can set it up and then leave it alone to do its job.

What’s the quality like?
The logs are perfect and work well with our bindery feeders.

Has it helped you to win new work?
Yes, because it has improved efficiency, which reduces costs and, in turn, helps us to win work.

Do you think it offers value for money?
Yes. While I would say that it’s not the cheapest on the market, it is definitely one of the most efficient.

Were there any difficulties experienced during installation or after?
There were a few small software problems that were soon resolved. Other than that, the installation went like clockwork and strictly to timetable.

How good has the service been?
Muller has always given excellent service. Operators are regularly sent on training courses both in Switzerland and, more recently, to the new training centre in Iver, which is fantastic. Even experienced operators learn a lot on the courses. It’s definitely value for money, it translates into improved productivity and it’s far less expensive than sending people to Switzerland.

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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Ease of use 4/5

Supplier’s response
Andreas Schillinger, managing director of Muller Martini GB, says: “With the Avanti, our engineers set out to design a horizontal log stacker with the maximum degree of automation, least amount of manual intervention and the smallest footprint, as well as, of course, the best possible log quality. The AvantiPlus succeeds on all fronts and has sold extremely well, both in the UK and around the world. It produces almost no waste copies and the logs are popular with trade finishers because their uniformity produces a superior finished product. I am not surprised to hear that Stu Wilkes gives it such a glowing report.”
Price Not supplied
Contact Muller Martini GB 0845 345 3588