What does it do and who is it targeted at?
The Super Sticker, which is manufactured by US finishing kit specialist On Demand Machinery (ODM) and was launched in October 2010, is an automated casing-in machine that produces "library-quality" hard-cover books from wallet- to tabloid-sized covers. The machine is aimed at the rapidly growing photobook market and at on-demand book producers and is capable of tackling a wide range of book sizes. The Super Sticker is an evolution of the Sticker, a machine that was originally launched back in 1995 and has secured around 200 installations globally. The Super Sticker is sold in the UK by Perfect Bindery Solutions, which took on the ODM dealership around 12 months ago.

How does it work?
The Super Sticker is a fully automated machine that requires no makeready. The operator places the sewn book block on the wing while in the ‘home’ position. Book covers are then placed on the left conveyor belt and finished cased-in hard cover books are delivered on the right conveyor belt – it’s that simple. According to Perfect Bindery Solutions’ partner Steve Giddins, the Super Sticker works best when attached to the Super Smasher building-in machine, which presses books and puts joints in.

What’s its USP?
Giddins says the Super Sticker’s "simplicity of operation" sets it apart from rival machines on the market and that it works equally as well on short runs as on one-off jobs. "You get a high-quality result and it’s reliable, well-made, well engineered and well designed," adds Giddins. Optional extras include a Nordson extra paste attachment, which deposits additional hotmelt adhesive in the joint area, and an auto-feed attachment is also available for "seamless assembly line production" with the Super Smasher building-in machine.

How quick is it and what’s the quality like?
The ease-of-use and the speed with which the user can change from one book to another, means that the Super Sticker can produce 400-600 books per hour, according to Giddins, although it depends on the size and the thickness of the book. This represents a significant speed bump on the Sticker, which could produce 150-200 books per hour. Giddins adds that users can expect a high quality of finished work, but he cautions that the Super Smasher is vitally important to the level of quality that can be achieved – although the Super Sticker can work in isolation its productivity is maximised when it’s hooked up to the manufacturer’s building-in machine.

How easy is it to use and what training and level of support can users expect?
According to Giddins, the Super Sticker is a very simple machine to operate and requires just half a day’s training to get most people up to speed. It also features a touchscreen LCD control panel, which allows the operator to choose settings in six languages and control the setting of the blade height. Giddins says that glue stations can be easily removed making it quick and easy to clean. And if customers do encounter any problems, Perfect Bindery Solutions provides ongoing technical support and servicing.

How much does it cost and how many are installed?
The super Sticker costs around £160,000 and there are only four in production in the US at the moment. The original Sticker is still available and costs around £28,000 with a compatible Smasher available for around £18,000.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max book size 310x355mm
Min book size 102x152mm
Output 400-600 books per hour
Footprint 1.2x0.8m
Weight 800kg
Price £160,000
Contact Perfect Bindery Solutions 01993 840 077

ALTERNATIVES
Schmedt Praleg This casing-in machine is suitable for digital books and photobooks and benefits from its ease of operation, according to the manufacturer. It’s so easy to use in fact that Schmedt claims that after switching the machine on and opening the glue-supply tubes the Praleg is ready for action. The machine, which is supplied in the UK by FiberMark Red Bridge International, isn’t as quick as the Super Sticker, with an output of 200-300 books per hour, but it comes in two versions and is capable of handling up to A3 landscape. It’s also a consistent operator that works best in tandem with the Praform pressing unit and joint setting machine.
Max book size 450x440mm
Min book size 110x70mm
Output 200-300 books per hour
Footprint 850x800mm
Weight 185kg
Price £20,000-£22,000
Contact FiberMark Red Bridge International 01204 556900