What does it do?

Alegro is the latest perfect binder from Muller Martini, offering shorter set-up times, faster production and higher quality, according to Roman Beeler, Muller Martini Australia’s sales and service support manager. The new Alegro uses Motion Control Technology, which facilitates extremely short processing times, resulting in maximum profitability, he adds.

Beeler says the Alegro perfect binding line is completed by the new Solit three-knife trimmer, which is equipped with the patented SmartPress technology. Thanks to this unique, servo-controlled technology, air in the book block can be optimally removed. In addition, the pressing automatically adjusts to variations in product thickness, enabling excellent trim quality. The Solit three-knife trimmer can be changed over in less than three minutes without tools.

When was the Alegro launched?

At Drupa 2012. 

Who is it targeted at?

Mainly at offset and digital printers, as well as trade binders. 

What is its unique selling point?

Beeler says that Muller’s Motion Control Technology facilitates extremely short processing times to offer maximum profitability. The Alegro can process sizes from “ultra-small” up to A3. Products in the DIN A4 format can even be run perpendicular in two-up production. 

The Alegro has 70% fewer chains than traditional perfect binders, and Beeler says all stations are driven directly and controlled individually thanks to Motion Control. That means the settings have a direct effect on the product. Motion Control optimises the individual process steps, reduces set-up times and allows for maximum production performance in the shortest time. With Motion Control, the re-adjustment of settings is reduced to a minimum.

How fast is it?

6,000 to 7,000 cycles per hour (cph).

How easy is it to use?

With its Connex interface, it’s possible to optimally automate all Muller Martini systems, from a standalone machine to complex production lines. 

Thanks to this standardisation, all machines can communicate with one another and, using Connex, can also be connected to a management information system.

How much does it cost?

Depends on the configuration.

What training is provided?

Beeler says that training can be done locally on the machine or in Muller’s training academy in Switzerland.

What levels of service can customers expect?

Muller Martini Australia has factory engineers stationed in the local market, and factory-trained engineers.

Have any been installed internationally?

Yes. At Drupa, Bell & Bain in Glasgow purchased an Alegro as a replacement for an Acoro A5. Compared with the Acoro, the company now has a higher production rate of 2,000cph, which it hopes will enable it to avoid its usual overtime shifts. And the Alegro can also be used for digitally printed products.

Meanwhile, Samson Druck of St Margarethen in Austria has begun softcover production this year and has adopted the Alegro in order to break into that market, bringing binding in under its own roof. The company opted for Alegro at Drupa because of its Connex data and process management system. Samson is now dealing with a larger number of jobs but wanted to keep its value-adding propositions in-house, all the while offering optimal quality. The Alegro also gives the company better control of logistics. 

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