Integrated Bindery Systems

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Why buy the IBIS Smart-binder


Features and Advantages

PDF download of features & advantages
Smart-binder photo

  • A true 24/7 Production System to give you maximum 'up-time'

    With nearly 200 systems installed world-wide, the Smart-binder has repeatedly proven itself to be a true 24/7 reliable, heavy-duty production system and is the most commonly used finishing system for high-speed digital web printers.
    Many SB systems run continuously in 3-shift operation over many years and produce millions of booklets every month. No other digital saddle-stitcher has a comparable record of accomplishment.

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  • Integrated Sheet and Book Tracking to ensure your book integrity

    The Smart-binder includes sophisticated data tracking for personalized booklets. The Smart-binder's integrated system of sensors and software permits accurate tracking of each sheet and booklet (competitive systems use 3rd-party tracking systems). Incomplete booklets are automatically rejected. Separately fed covers may be checked to ensure matching with inside sheets.
    A detailed log file is created as the machine runs from which individual booklet data can be extracted. This is critical in production environments where each document must be tracked and accounted for.
    The additional SDA-100 Smart-Data Analysis system provides machine performance data and assists reprinting of any rejected booklets. This is now supplied as standard with in-line version Smart-binders and is optional with near-line and off-line Smart-binders.

  • Guaranteed Book Quality

    The Smart-binder processes and folds each sheet individually (instead of in batches as with competitive systems) which ensures optimum possible book fold quality and lay-flat even when making books up to 8-10mm thick. The Smart-binder trimmer cuts all three edges for an optimum finish and a unique, patented device minimizes book corner tearing when trimming maximum thickness.

  • Bind-on-demand for book-by-book personalization, or short job runs

    Because the Smart-binder was designed to finish digitally printed sheets it can vary book thickness on-the-run without requiring any adjustment. The trimmer uses gravity-registration to allow it to process books with a constantly changing thickness.

  • Cover-to-Text Matching

    The Smart-binder's integrated software provides the option for personalized cover-to-book text matching via barcode (or 2D Datamatrix) scanners mounted on the cover feeder and sheet infeed register table. The system may be set to stop automatically if an incorrect cover is fed.

  • Multiple Configurations

    The Smart-binder offers the greatest variety of possible system configurations. The SB-2 provides wire stiched booklets only. The SB-3 provides wire stitching and also ISG cold gluing. The SB-4 and SB-5 systems offer both saddle-binding (stitching and/or ISG gluing) and fully automated in-line perfect binding.
    Every Smart-binder system may be configured to operate either in-line with the printer, near-line from a roll unwinder/sheeter or off-line from a sheet pile feeder. It is also possible to configure an SB system to be fed from a web-cutter (in-line or near-line) and include a sheet feeder (SB-097) to allow off-line feed.

  • Enhanced Production Speeds give more booklets each shift

    The Smart-binder ‘Plus HS’ operates at up to 7,000 cycles per hour making it the fastest machine in its class. It can handle printer and unwinder web speeds up to 200 meters/min (650 feet/min).

  • Unique ISG cold-glue binding for enhanced book quality

    The Smart-binder's unique and patented ISG cold glue binding option applies a line of cold glue dots to the fold on each sheet. Cold-glued books are stronger and lay flatter compared with wire-stapled books. Quick changeover is available between stapling and gluing. See attached data sheet (link below) for more details and a full list of benefits.
    ISG cold glue binding

  • Extended model Smart-binder -X and -W

    The extended version SB-X is available to increase the maximum spine length from 320 mm (12.6") up to 457mm (18"). This enables A5 portrait booklets to be produced in 2-up mode.
    The wider version SB-W is available to increase maximum book width from 230mm (9") up to 273mm (10.75") 'spine to foredge' dimension (less front trim-off).
    The extended SB-XW is available to give both the length and width format increases outlined above.

  • Unique sheet buffer system

    IBIS's sheet buffer system SBS-100 (for in-line connection to a web printer) allows sheet rate into the Smart-binder to be varied (or stopped for a short while) without changing the printer web speed, hence increasing system running efficiency.

  • Customization to give you competitive advantage

    The SB can be customized for a large variety of applications. We have connected with envelope inserters, stackers, folders, in-line booklet drills, knife folders, amongst many other optional options. Additional modules can be added to the Smart-binder, including sheet pile feeders, cover and insert feeders, pile loading trolleys, trimmer center-knife, card and reply envelope tipping, dynamic sheet perforation, hole punching and much more.
    IBIS specialize in creating customized systems to meet each individual customer's needs by adapting and interfacing modules from other vendors and/or designing unique equipment solutions. We have many hundreds of man-years experience in putting together 'tailored' finishing systems.

  • Ease of use and maintenance

    The machine is easy to operate, has good access and visibility of the paper path, and is easy and economical to maintain.

  • Compact Footprint

    The IBIS Smart-binder's compact overall system footprint permits easy installation and operation in small digital printing areas.