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CP Bourg’s BB3002 binder is a completely tool-free machine that has notched up more than 50 installations in the UK. Launched at Drupa 2004, “the key new features were inline cover creasing as standard, side gluing, touch-screen control and total automation of all processes,” says Chris Cooper, managing director at Terry Cooper Services (TCS), the UK agent for CP Bourg.

An automated single-clamp binder, the machine can process books up to 60mm thick with a productivity of up to 600 cycles/hour. “To the print and general finishing sector the BB3002 offers a short-run, high quality option, but the machine has also proven popular among digital printers by virtue of its ability to economically produce very short runs,” says Cooper.

Online creasing can be done with up to six positive or negative creases. It also comes with two notching tools as standard with an option for two more, and can produce perfect-bound and winged books.

With an in-built jogger unit, the binder automatically adjusts to the book thickness and length, even for runs as short as one book. The binder also has an integrated cover-creasing unit for providing multiple creases in digitally-printed covers.

Targeted at a wide range of printers and finishers its main competitors are from Horizon and Duplo. Until recently there were no optional extras on the machine but since the start of 2008 buyers can select the PUR glue module. PUR glue is preferred to traditional hotmelt EVA glue in several modern applications, notably in the case of some digital presses, where silicon based fusing oils are used.

From August 2008 a new BB3002 will cost £36,000, while a 2005 model in good condition with all updates costs around £23,000 but these may be hard to come by. “There are not very many secondhand machines on the market, as they are built to last. But also being at the top end of the short-run perfect-binder market there is no alternative to upgrade to, so users tend to keep them,” says Cooper.

TCS will take old models as part-exchange and sells both new and used machines directly. It holds spare parts in the UK, and in the event that a non-stock item is required, CP Bourg can provide parts directly from its Belgian HQ on a next-day basis.

TCS offers two levels of service contract: the standard level offers basic servicing and a priority call-out response, telephone support line, reduced hourly rate and price reductions in spare parts. The fully-inclusive contact covers all eventualities for a one-off cost.

When buying a secondhand machine, it is important to check the its service record. CP Bourg has a system of ‘tag updates’ whereby upgrades are performed as part of the machine’s regular service. These updates are generally minor, but if they are not regularly performed, upgrades can accumulate and become a significant problem.

If the machine has been regularly serviced by the UK dealer then it should be up to date. “If not, the value of the machine may suffer, or there may be a cost involved to bring the machine up to standard” says Cooper.

As well as checking the tag rating, anyone buying a used BB3002 should take care to look inside the machine, as neglected areas do not tend to be visible on the exterior.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max book size
320x385mm
Max book thickness
60mm
Max speed
600 cycles/hour
Price
New £36,000
Used 2005 BB3002 £23,000
What to look for
• Tag updates
• Machine interior