Diamant MC 35

Senthil Kumar of Lovely Offset says the hardcase book binder from Muller Martini has boosted capabilities of the automatic print plant in Sivakasi.

10 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

What does the machine do?
The Diamant MC35 enables us to case in the book block. It ensures hard covers after rounding, backing, ribbon gluing, head and tail-banding. And finally, it presses and forms the joints. 

Why did you choose this particular machine? 
We were happy with the older version of this machine (BL 500). It is entirely automated for extremely short make-ready jobs, with a host of additional possibilities like flexi covers, open flap cases and a lot more. 
 
Did you look at any other similar machines? 
The only real competition in this segment is from Kolbus. Since most of our binding equipment is from Muller Martini,  and it has surpassed all performance expectations, we banked on it yet again. 
 
Why did you make the purchase? 
Our previous machine was 16 years old. Our new machine will allow us to move to other sectors.  
 
What features do you particularly like? 
Everything is adjustable on the fly and is very easy to control. The casing-in area, particularly, has been modified to register the book blocks to the case. 
 
How fast is it?
The machine is designed to operate at 35 cycles a minute  and we run it at 35 cycles at all times.
 
How reliable is it?
All our Muller Martini machines have been extremely reliable. They have helped  us meet our promised deadlines and this machine has been no exception.
 
What’s the quality like? 
It will enable us to move into niche markets with its quality.
 
How easy is it to use?
Our operators say it’s much easier to use than the previous equipment.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
We’re able to produce about 20% more in the same working time as compared to our older machine. This is irrespective of job complications on any given day.
 
Has it won you any new work? 
The quality is consistent. We’re entering new markets – both nationally and internationally.
 Would you say that it offers value for money?
For this segment, definitely. 
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
Our machine began production within three days of it’s arrival on our shopfloor in our book plant in Sivakasi. Since then it has lived up to our expectations. There aren’t any problems worth mentioning. 
 
What about the pre and after-sale service?
Regarding pre-sales, Muller Martini has always suggested   equipment of the right configuration across the table. The service backup of Muller Martini has been good since we started using their machines seven years ago. Their operator training has been good. The instances when we required their engineers from Chennai have been rare.  
 
Who do you think the machine is right for? 
Anybody with the right volumes in the hardcover segment.
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
Our machine can be upgraded to 60-cycles to achieve higher production. That is our first target – and we hope to achieve that soon. 

Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5