New Faster, Versatile Saddlestichers At Graph Expo

Goss International is unveiling a new generation of Pacesetter saddlestitchers at Graph Expo 2006.

Goss International is unveiling a new generation of Pacesetter saddlestitchers at Graph Expo 2006.

The new Goss systems are claimed to be designed for higher net productivity, faster set-up and added versatility.

The Pacesetter 2200 and 2500 models are claimed to provide 22,000 and 25,000 books per hour, respectively and feature servo-driven components, including newly-designed hoppers that are said to be easy to reposition within a system, or amongst multiple systems.

Both saddlestitchers are available with up to 40 horizontal or vertical hoppers and can be equipped with a new high-speed Goss flying trimmer or Ferag SNT-U trimmer.

Pacesetter 2200 systems operate with a single stitcher, whilst Pacesetter 2500 systems use a dual stitcher to achieve the higher output, added the company.

Toby Clarke, vice president of print finishing operations for Goss International, said: "Building on proven servo technology we pioneered with our Pacesetter 1100 stitchers, we have redesigned the new systems to increase speed, expand the product format range and improve the signature transport and control components.

We have also made set-ups faster and overall operation easier." Banta Corporation installed the first Pacesetter 2500 saddlestitcher at its Maple Grove, Minnesota (USA) facility earlier this autumn with a Ferag SNT-U trimmer.

According to Glen De Rossett, bindery manager for the Banta Catalogue and Publishing Solutions Group: "We worked closely with Goss International over the past year as the company finalised and tested the new design and we feel this technology is a major advance.

Every component has been designed to run faster, improve signature control and reduce set-up time." The interchangeable, servo-driven hoppers are said to be a vital feature of the Pacesetter 2200 and 2500 systems.

With the elimination of mechanical drives, operators can exchange or reposition a hopper quickly, added Goss.

Clarke explained: "This can change the make-ready concept.

Rather than setting up each fixed hopper position according to the sequence of a new job, operators can reposition or insert hoppers that have already been set up for a specific product or signature type." With the servo-drive technology, individual hoppers can also be taken off-line for maintenance or set-up without interrupting production.

A new design for the stitcher chain and transport belts on the Pacesetter 2200 and 2500 systems features a common servo drive to ensure constant phasing.

Goss single and dual stitchers accommodate variations in book thickness automatically and are also servo driven to allow independent phasing and smooth product transition to delivery, it is claimed.

Pacesetter 2200 and 2500 saddlestitchers can be equipped with the JDF compatible Goss Omniflex system to control selective content, inkjet personalisation and distribution.

Additional Goss and Ferag auxiliary options, including pick-up stations, gripper conveyors and storage components extend the versatility of the systems, according to Clarke.

He added: "Servo-drive technology and a wide range of integrated auxiliaries provide unique options for single-level and multi-level configurations to accommodate specific workflow or building requirements." Goss International is the exclusive representative for Ferag products in North America.

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