A new ‘smart’ binder that supports both PUR and EVA glue for soft- and hardback books up to A3 portrait size has been introduced by Ashgate, designed to suit the needs of short-run and on-demand digital printing.

The successor to the PUREVA XT manual binder launched five years ago, the Fastbind PUREVA Smart model will self-adjust based on job parameters – such as type of cover, paper and format – input via touchscreen. Roughening, gluing and nipping functions are all automated for precision and consistency, with optimal pressure, speed and number of cycles for roughening and glueing being calculated automatically. Electronic temperature control allows the use of different glue types and an auto cleaning system makes changeovers or routine cleaning a matter of minutes.

‘The Fastbind PUREVA Smart will meet the demands of our customers who want ease of operation, consistency and speed that automation brings for longer runs, although it is equally efficient for single copies upwards,’ said Ashgate managing director Lewis Price.  It is a fully equipped ergonomic workstation. Compact, silent, clean and safe, it fits into any modern digital environment or shop.’

There is a hardcover toolkit and switching between hard and soft covers is said to take only a few seconds. The new binder is being offered at an introductory price of £15,000 and according to Ashgate, works well in conjunction with the company’s Casematic Smart A46Z semi-automated cover maker, which is priced at £4900.