Horizon launches new binder BQ-470 in SL

By Rashika Fazali

Japanese brand Horizon has launched its new binding product, the Horizon BQ-470 four-clamp fully-automated binder, in Sri Lanka in association with its agent, JDC Printing Technologies.

The four-clamp binder has a production speed of either 1,350 or 1,000 cycles per hour depending on the glue used. The binder uses either Ethylene Vinyl-Acetate (EVA) hot-melt or the Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) hot-melt adhesives and can take in four books in one cycle. The book binding can go to 65mm in thickness and can be easily operated by anyone. It also comes with a fully automated set-up that uses a LCD touch screen.

JDC Printing Technologies Business Development AGM Samuel N. Rajeev told the Daily FT: “PUR adhesive is stronger than EVA as it penetrates the book which makes the bond stronger. You don’t have to stretch it.”

He noted that when you bind books using PUR adhesives, it gives a stronger hold on the book and can accept lay-flat binding compared to EVA glue which is difficult to bind. There is also a colour difference as EVA comes in white while PUR comes transparent.

The PUR adhesive is also environmentally friendly which as matter of fact allows these books to be recycled. It is also durable against high and low temperatures. The temperature resistant for PUR glue ranges from -20 to 120 degrees Celsius in comparison to the EVA glue which ranges from 0 to 60 degrees Celsius.

The binder also comes with a separate cover feeding section that takes in the cover one by one and according to its measurements. There is another section for waste materials where they are directed into a plastic bag.  Altogether, there are eight functions that take place to bind the book well.

Rajeev mentioned that many universities were on the lookout for such a binder as students wanted books that lay flat when opened. The machine adds a very thin layer of glue and this properly lined spine further allows the book to open flat. However, the book has to be kept for at least 24 hours for the glue to settle in before it is been opened.

The Horizon BQ-470 takes a start-up time of one hour and can be automatically set for weeks. The binding can take place in either three modes – binding with or without milling and pad billing. JDC Printing Technologies offers a one-year warranty for this four-clamp binder.