The new model is a pared down version of its big brother, the faster Drupa launched DA 270, and costs around 40% less.

"The guts of the machine... are pretty much identical," said Kolbus UK managing director Robert Flather.

The 40 cases-per-minute model can handle open books up to 670x390mm going down to 205x140mm. An upgrade is available to handle 670x405mm books down to 154x100mm. It also has an option for cold gluing inside lining.

The DA 260 was developed to "team-up" with the firm's 30bpm BF511 casing in machine, the first of which was installed at Gomer Press last year.

"It's a casemaker to complement our range of casing in equipment," said Flather. The DA 260 is targeted at users with lower volumes and shorter runs.

It has a moveable gluing station and its double cylinder configuration offers thin and uniform glue application, which is controlled externally.

Story by Darryl Danielli