Signatures with a length of 120 to 510 millimeters and a width of only 75 up to 320 millimeters are processed with the Ventura MC. In this huge size range two-ups are produced just as reliably as landscape bookblocks, bookblocks with inserted signatures or products from lightweight paper.

The step-by-step visualization at the touchscreen leads the operator through the logic and streamlined order or set-up assistant.

Machine operation with maximum ease-of-use
Menus guide the operator through the Ventura MC set-up process. Thanks to the logic screen displays, even non-experienced personnel can carry out all steps. Jobs can be stored and called up at any time. Production data can be exchanged between single Ventura machines.

They are standardized, so that the operators are quickly familiar with different machines and can be flexibly deployed within the organization. Step by step the operators are guided through the order or set-up assistant. The logic and streamlined system shows only what is relevant at the moment. The assistant offers possibilities for users of any level. Experienced staff can avoid the logical step by step guidance and enter the data straight into the production menu. Any possible modification the system suggests is also shown to the operator.

A remote access is completely integrated into the new visualization. To ask for Muller Martini’s support the user sends a “request” directly from the Ventura MC Book sewing machine. Then the factory carries out remote maintenance.

The big advantage of the Ventura MC is that the thread loops are formed by air-blast. This method is extremely reliable because many mechanical movements have been eliminated compared to conventional systems

Fanless and passively cooled
Ventura MC now uses a new control unit that does not require a hard drive or electromechanical components. The robust system is fanless and completely passively cooled. Therefore no overheating can occur. The three-part sliding door allows easy access at any position. The Ventura MC offers three types of delivery: stacked, shingled or upright.

Asir 3: Barcode scan or image recognition – the user’s choice
Müller Martini offers the Ventura MC Book sewing machine with the well-proven control system Asir 3. Signature monitoring is done either with the barcode or image recognition. The sensor consists of an „intelligent“ camera, that recognizes and decides whether a signature is fed in correctly fed in. The sensor is installed that it can check the signatures from inside. With this Müller Martini patent, signatures which are not fed-in in the right sequence or have not been opened correctly can be detected. The Asir 3 sensor takes four pictures of each signature for image comparison. The area in which the pictures are taken is variable and can be adjusted by the operator depending on the product. Alternatively, the operator can choose the barcode scan option. Here, the sensor scans the barcode on the head or foot edge or for two-ups even at the dividing line. The barcode scan option guarantees an absolutely clear identification of the signatures and thereby avoids waste. Müller Martini offers a program for users to create barcodes that can be integrated into all current prepress programs.

The new type of vacuum generation saves energy by approx. 30 percent with the energy saving ejectors in the feeder-hopper and the signature opening station (photo).

Vacuum generation by energy-saving single ejectors
The air consumption of the Ventura MC was lowered by approximately 30% at comparable productions. This is all thanks to the new type of vacuum generation featuring energy-saving ejectors in the feeder hopper and signature opening station. The vacuum is generated exactly where it is needed and for as long as it is needed. This new solution has produced huge energy savings, and, equally, response times at the beginning and end of the suction process are shorter, resulting in greater process reliability.
The modular opening system in which the ejectors are used, offers a multitude of opening versions. A manifold of paper and signature types with or without low folio lap are perfectly opened.

Productions without blind stitch allow book blocks with short thread-ends and increase productivity.

MC Technology ensures sensational production speed
Even at highest speed the Motion Control Technology ensures an absolutely reliable production. The signatures are positioned on the sewing saddle in a servo-controlled way and are aligned on the right side. This, plus the two-part construction of the saddle allow a high production speed also with multiple-up productions and superior products. The MC Technology increases efficiency and uses the energy intelligently and economically, leading to lower energy consumption.

The camera installed on the infeed saddle checks the correct sequence and opening of the signatures – optional either via image recognition or barcode scanner. Correctly gathered book blocks are herewith guaranteed.

Air-jet technology and thread heat sealing for highest product quality
The air-jet supported thread loop formation offers the choice between single and combined staggered stitch by simply changing the air-jet direction with a key stroke on the commander. Depending on the product the spine build-up can be reduced considerably. Selectively it can be stitched with or without blind stitches. Productions without blind stitch increase productivity and provide book blocks with short thread-ends. Due to the heat-sealed thread loops the blocks remain in their compact form. Highest quality is guaranteed. Remarkable is also that the Ventura MC processes even signatures with only four pages at high speed.

For maximum efficiency the VenturaConnect links the thread sewing machine via a buffer system directly with the gatherer.
 
Flexible and safe: Efficient signature infeed in stacks
The Ventura MC can be extended with an automated stack infeed. The stack infeed with buffer allows the operator a flexible and efficient mode of operation. Even at highest speeds he is capable to add enough signatures, so the machine is running at full capacity and therefore guarantees high productivity – even with coated paper and such with low grammage.

An even higher automation offers the link-up with a gatherer. At the integrated system Connect the gathered signatures are stacked, buffered and automatically fed to one, two or three Ventura MC. The intermediate buffering of the loose book blocks ensures high efficiency. The signature thickness control and the Asir 3 signature control in the gatherer work together with the Asir 3 control system of the Ventura MC for maximum process safety and reliable quality.