The NewBind Prima is a PUR single-clamp binding machine with a closed and pressurised internal tank. It features manual block loading with semi-automatic pre-setting of the clamp. Spines are milled and micro-notched and then a soft cover is fed, formed and nipped around the block. Bound books can be guillotined after an hour or so, but the full curing time is about 24 hours. This is fine for the books-on-demand market, where same-day despatch is often required although the book will not be opened until 24 hours have passed.

When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Prima was launched in March by Encore Machinery, UK distributor for NewBind machines, and having only been on the market for a matter of weeks has not been sold into the UK yet. It is intended for short-run printers, particularly those with digital presses and which, as they would not use it continuously, would not previously have been able to justify buying a PUR binder. Mike Biggs, managing director of Encore Machinery, explains that other sub-£20,000 PUR binders have open tanks, meaning they have to be used fairly constantly as adhesive in the tank absorbs moisture from the air after a few hours and has to be cleaned out if not used.

"The Prima opens up the possibility for more general short-run, quick-turnaround work, such as digital printing," says Biggs. "Photobooks, coated papers, difficult papers – it can do all that. PUR is becoming essential there."

How does it work?
The internal pressurised tank takes 2kg packs of PUR adhesive. Air from a compressor goes through several moisture filters before reaching the tank. A slot nozzle feeds adhesive on to the spine and sides of the block and, when not in use, the adhesive is pumped back into the tank to keep it out of contact with the air.

If the binder is to be left unused, the operator runs a wax stick over the head slot to seal it. At the start of the next shift the head needs a two-minute wipe. Very little other maintenance is needed, according to Biggs. There’s an optional cleaning tank for an extra £1,950.

What’s its USP?
UK agent Encore Machinery believes the machine is the only closed-tank PUR binder priced below £20,000.

How does it differ from previous versions?
NewBind has been manufacturing single- and four-clamp binders for some years, starting with high-end, high-volume models. It developed and patented an internal closed-tank PUR gluing system, which cut costs compared with rivals’ external tanks and feeds, and then entered the low-cost, short-run sector with the Adventure binder for both PUR and hot-melt glues, costing in the "mid-to-high twenty thousands". This was followed last year by the Pioneer, which adds endsheet lifting for use with hard covers, for around £35,000.

The new Prima does without the automatic clamp adjustment and some other features of the pricier Adventure and Pioneer. Biggs says: "Prima does everything you need, but without some of the bells and whistles of the others."

How fast is it?
The rated speed is 200 cycles per hour but hand feeding the Prima will inevitably bring this down. "It’s as fast as you can feed it," says Biggs.

What training and support is offered?
The price includes training and a 12-month parts and labour warranty. Encore offers a service contract, including six-monthly maintenance calls.