What does the machine do?
This heavy duty perfect binder offers both hotmelt and PUR capability with a quick changeover between the two functions as and when required.
The ANT 2000 is a semi-automatic, self-adjusting machine for binding book blocks of different sizes, thickness and types of paper with no makeready or set-up.
Friedheim International, the UK supplier for the machine, says the ANT 2000 ensures maximum safety for the operator, along with the highest binding quality.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Launched in December 2011, the machine is being pitched at companies producing short and medium-length runs and is equipped with an automatic cover feeder and automatic book delivery.
Companies that Friedheim has identified as potential customers include larger digital printers, bookbinders, trade finishers and commercial printers.
How does it work?
According to Friedheim sales manager Roger Cartwright, the machine works in the same way as a conventional machine, but is more flexible and more robust than other machines on the market. It features an oval frame with a six-clamp track.
"The machine is heavily engineered, with robust components. It can be purchased as a single- or dual-glue machine – EVA and/or PUR – and is equipped with two spine preparation heads," he says.
Cartwright adds: "This gives it the ability to cope with more difficult stocks. It also has a proper control of the book with a spine cross-stacker to ensure that delicate products, such as a PUR bind, are not disturbed by any drops or knocks when exiting the clamping system. This is a problem with many smaller machines, especially when producing books over 10mm thick."
How does it differ from previous models?
It is a machine designed for the industrial end of the market and is "strongly engineered" for heavy wear, says Cartwright.
The ANT 2000 is complemented by the more compact combination PUR/hotmelt semi-automatic one-clamp perfect binding machines offered by Technograf.
How fast is it?
It has a maximum speed of 2,000 cycles per hour, but, according to Friedheim, the hand-fed nature of the machine means output is dependant on how quickly the operator can feed it.
The machine can handle formats from A6 to A3, with a maximum spine measurement of up to 70mm for sewn book blocks.
What is the USP of the product?
According to Cartwright, the ANT 2000 is available with two spine preparation heads, which he says is an unusual feature on machines of this level.
It also incorporates a special gripper carriage that takes the freshly bound book from the clamp and stands it vertically on its spine to a belt, which delivers it back to the feeding position. "The handling of PUR products is of the utmost importance and this is an outstanding design to deal with that," he adds.
How easy is it to use?
Cartwright says that the ANT 2000 is simple to operate and boats an "easy and quick" set-up. Its glue system enables the operator to change from one type of glue to the other, both quickly and easily, while a second spine preparation station is also included as standard.
Other features include an automatic cover feeder with automatic creasing by rollers, and an automatic gripper mechanism, as mentioned above.
What training and support is on offer?
The machine is offered in the UK with the "usual support for which Friedheim is well-known", according to Cartwright. A large number of spare parts are also held in stock in the UK.
How much does it cost?
The Tecnograf ANT 2000 automatic six-clamp perfect binder is available now with a starting price of from £150,000. There are currently no users of the machine as it has only recently been launched, but Friedheim International is targeting annual sales of around three units in its first year.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max speed Approximately 2,000 cycles/hr (depending on configuration)
Max book size 320x440mm
Min book size 100x150mm
Max book thickness 50mm (milled) / 70mm (sewn)
Min book thickness 3mm
Footprint 4x1.8m (depending on configuration)
Price from £150,000
Contact Friedheim International 01442 206100 www.friedheim.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Horizon BQ-470 JDF
According to supplier Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), the Horizon BQ-470 JDF, a four-clamp perfect binding system, is "the perfect solution" for versatility in mid-range soft-back book production, due to the fact that it offers higher production speeds, instant makereadies for runs-of-one and interchangeable EVA/PUR glue options.
Max speed 1,350 cycles/hr
Max book size 310x310mm
Min book size 145x105mm
Max book thickness 65mm
Price from £62,000
Contact Intelligent Finishing Systems 020 8997 8053 www.ifsl.uk.com
Heidelberg Eurobind 1300/1300 PUR
The Eurobind EB 1300 is a 1,300 cycles/hour machine, a mid-range option from Heidelberg’s perfect binder portfolio. The EB 1300 offers both hotmelt and PUR options and aims to generate minimal start-up waste.
Max speed 1,300 cycles/hr
Max book size 300x360mm
Min book size 120x145mm
Max book thickness 45mm
Price from £77,000
Contact Heidelberg UK 0844 892 2010 www.heidelberg.com
