User Reviews

John Galley, general manager at Kestrel Printing, picked this ‘ox’ of a stitcher for its speed and reliability and hasn’t looked back

What does the machine do?
The Introma ZD 2SR will stab, clench, loop and saddlestitch. We primarily use it for stitching NCR books up to just over an inch thick.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
It’s incredibly robust – an ox of a machine that we use every day for books up to an inch thick. Compared to other machines in the marketplace, I believe that this will just carry on and on.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
We did, but not for long. We already had two stitchers from different manufacturers, so we were familiar with the market. The robust build quality of the Introma was apparent so we were confident it was the right investment.

Why did you make the purchase?
We wanted to make this area of our finishing operation more reliable, update our existing portfolio and boost capacity.

What features do you particularly like?
Aside from its reliability, makeready is exceptionally quick and easy.

Is there anything that you dislike?
No. It does exactly what we need it to.

How fast is it?
Fast. With the quick makeready time and the added reliabi­lity, we can produce 250-300 double stitched books per hour.

How reliable is it?
We’ve had it just over a month, so it’s early days. However, to date, there have been no problems whatsoever.

What’s the quality like?
The standard of work it produces is extremely good.

How easy is it to use?
It’s very easy. The operators think it is fantastic with a very quick turnaround time from one thickness of book to another.

How much time or money has it saved?
With the Introma, we’ve reduced makeready times and downtime and increased capacity. All of which has led to a 10-12 % increase in output.

Has it won you any new work?
It’s not that kind of machine, but it has made our work easier and more efficient. The staff love it.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Definitely.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
The engineer from Total Print Finishing Services (TPFS) installed the machine without a hitch within three days from my order. Training was also provided, but the machine is easy to use so this didn’t take long.

What about the pre and after-sale service?
As you would expect, TPFS followed up on the installation to check things were still going smoothly. They will also be providing us with the stitching wire. While we’ve had no need for any servicing or mainte­nance just yet, when the time comes I’m sure we’ll use Total’s engineers. They seem to be proactive in their approach and I am sure I will be buying other items from them.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
The Introma ZD 2SR is a robust and productive stitcher perfect for anyone producing NCR books, invoice books, statements books, delivery note books and similar products. It is right for anyone who needs a solid workhorse of a machine

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If we needed to replace or upgrade any of our current stitching machines.

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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 5/5

Supplier’s Response
Clive Richardson, joint-managing director, Total Print Finishing Services, says: “The observations made by John at Kestrel Printing echo those of our other customers who have invested in an Introma ZD 2SR. This machine has been successfully installed in all types of operations, from inplants to large-scale commercial printers. Its reliability, user friendliness and quality of finish are features highlighted by all users. Our engineers are seldom called out for repairs to this model. Stitching is a highly cost effective method of finishing in terms of consumables used and the round wire used in the Introma provides a very tidy finish. The Introma excels at high volumes and it is pleasing to hear that the machine has boosted Kestrel’s output.”
Price £6,995
Contact Total Print Finishing Services 01934 645 050