Sacramento, California – “We are regularly able to run at 9,000 cycles per hour, as opposed to a previous top speed of 5,000,” states Robert Black, Plant Manager at GSL Fine Lithographers in describing how the recent installation of a Muller Martini BravoPlus T saddle stitcher has dramatically enhanced GSL’s production capabilities.

GSL Fine Lithographers is a high-end commercial printer employing 38 people and producing everything from books to brochures as well as presentation folders, collateral pieces, bottle neckers and a diverse range of other products. GSL’s roster of customers encompasses a variety of industries ranging from high-tech businesses, to the wine marketplace, to construction companies.

A BravoPlus T stitcher with 8 pockets and a cover feeder was installed at GSL Lithographers to replace an old Harris 6-pocket stitcher.  “We chose the BravoPlus T for its reliability, its many options and the fact that we can depend on an outstanding level of support from the manufacturer [Muller Martini]”, says Mr. Black.  “The Muller service and tech team that did the installation was great!”

The user-friendly Muller Martini BravoPlus T saddle stitcher provides a level of automation that is unmatched in the mid-range performance class.  Capable of producing product at up to 11,000 c/hr., BravoPlus T delivers maximum uptime and exceptional net output.  Partial AMRYS (Automatic Make-Ready System) is also available optionally, as is simple integration into a main MIS system...with JDF capability according to the CIP4 standard.  When equipped with partial AMRYS, BravoPlus T offers convenient and highly efficient computer-aided make-ready and changeover, enabling fast set-ups and allowing the machine to be customized in moments to meet changing job requirements.

The BravoPlus T stitcher features PLC assisted controls and comfortable touchscreen operation with simple adjustment of clinchers.  BravoPlus T also comes equipped with a three-knife trimmer and due to its modular design, it can be expanded at any time to feed up to 14 signatures or 12 signatures with a cover folder feeder – meeting the requirements of growing printing and binding businesses. 

Other key advantages include: touchless stitcher control from below; gripper and suction opening; individual 1:2/1:1 gearing; heavy-duty in-line single book trimmer; frequency controlled drive; and an easy-maintenance central lubrication system on the stitching machine and three-knife trimmer. Top-quality production on the BravoPlus T is closely controlled through selectable options that include: ASIR (optical automatic signature image recognition), lateral thickness measurement by side caliper, oblique sheet monitor, thickness measurement by ridge caliper, stitch monitor, trim monitor, and sequential on/off.