Powerprint Strengthens Its Hardcover Production with a KOLBUS DA 260
The new technology delivers higher production capacity, consistent quality and greater flexibility in book and premium print production
We have installed a KOLBUS DA 260 automatic casemaker at Powerprint’s production facility. Designed for the industrial production of book cases, the machine expands the company’s capabilities particularly in the field of hardcover book production. It can also be used to manufacture binders, calendar backs, slipcases, multi-part cases and a wide range of other paperboard-based products.
The installation follows Powerprint’s long-term investment in its own technological infrastructure and the automation of its bookbinding production. The KOLBUS DA 260 will help the company increase production capacity, maintain consistent processing quality and handle both repeat orders and shorter production runs more efficiently.
From a Small Copy Shop to a Comprehensive Printing Operation
Powerprint’s history dates back to 1998, when its first 40-square-metre shop opened at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. The original range of services included the sale of computers and office supplies, copying services and printing for individual university faculties.
Over the years, the company added further branches, new printing technologies and its own production centre. Today, Powerprint operates six branches across the Czech Republic and offers a broad portfolio of services – from business cards, leaflets and promotional materials to large-format printing and complete book production.
Book printing and binding have become an important part of the company’s activities. Powerprint produces publications with various types of soft and hard binding, including sewn bindings and individually finished titles. In addition to custom production, the company also operates the specialised online projects Bookla.cz, Fotokniha24.cz and Diplomka24.cz.
As production volumes continued to grow, the company gradually expanded its manufacturing facilities. In 2022, the production centre was enlarged to 3,000 square metres, accompanied by further investment in printing and finishing technologies. The installation of the KOLBUS DA 260 represents another important step in the long-term development of Powerprint’s in-house bookbinding production.
KOLBUS DA 260: Automated Production of Book Cases
The KOLBUS DA 260 is a fully automatic casemaker designed for the production of book cases and other products made from paperboard and covering materials. In a single automated process, it transforms prepared board components and covering material into a precisely finished product.
The machine can be used to manufacture:
- cases for hardcover books,
- binders and files,
- calendar backs,
- presentation and promotional boards,
- game boards,
- slipcases and presentation boxes,
- multi-part paperboard products,
- other laminated or covered products.
The machine reaches a production speed of up to 40 cycles per minute. In addition to its high output, one of its key advantages is the precise handling and positioning of individual components and the resulting repeatability.
This is particularly important in book case production, where all board components must be positioned accurately and the finished product must meet strict requirements for dimensional precision and processing quality.
The KOLBUS DA 260 is also designed to handle multi-part and thin boards. It can therefore be used not only for traditional book production but also for a broader range of customised and specialist products.
Higher Productivity Without Compromising Quality
Hardcover case production is a process in which every step requires precision. The covering material must be glued correctly, the individual board components must be positioned accurately, and the edges must be turned in and pressed evenly.
Automating this process reduces the dependence of the final result on manual operations and helps maintain consistent quality even at higher production volumes. This is particularly important for Powerprint due to its broad portfolio of books and increasing demands for short delivery times.
In day-to-day production, the new technology can provide several important benefits:
- increased hardcover case production capacity,
- faster and smoother order processing,
- consistent quality throughout the entire production run,
- highly accurate positioning of individual components,
- a reduced proportion of manual operations,
- more efficient use of production staff,
- the ability to process a broader range of formats and products,
- greater preparedness for seasonal peaks and high-volume orders.
The higher level of automation also simplifies production planning. The operator has a clear overview of the entire process, while individual production runs can be completed with fewer manual interventions.
More Than Just Books
Although the KOLBUS DA 260 will naturally be associated primarily with Powerprint’s book production, its applications extend far beyond traditional hardcover books. The machine’s design allows it to process different types of covered paperboard products, creating opportunities for further development in customised production.
Potential applications include prestigious corporate publications, premium presentation materials, slipcases for books and printed products, calendar boards, binders and specialised packaging solutions.
The combination of high performance and manufacturing flexibility enables the company to respond more efficiently to a changing order mix. The machine can be used for regular series production as well as for specialised projects requiring a high degree of precision and an excellent finished appearance.
Part of Powerprint’s Long-Term Development
Powerprint has been investing in the expansion of its bookbinding production for many years. The company has previously acquired technologies from KOLBUS, Meccanotecnica and Wohlenberg and has gradually built its own comprehensive book production facilities.
The KOLBUS DA 260 is a natural addition to this concept. It strengthens one of the key stages in hardcover book production while creating additional opportunities for products with higher added value.
The installation and commissioning of the machine were carried out by the Formica CZ service team. The project included positioning and connecting the equipment, checking its individual functions, setting up the production process and training the operators.
We are pleased to have been part of another stage in Powerprint’s technological development. We wish the entire team many years of reliable operation and hope that the KOLBUS DA 260 will help them meet new production challenges and support the continued growth of their book manufacturing activities.
KOLBUS DA 260 at a Glance
Machine type: Automatic casemaker
Primary application: Production of hardcover book cases and covered paperboard products
Production speed: Up to 40 cycles per minute
Typical products: Book cases, binders, calendar backs, game and presentation boards, slipcases and boxes
Key benefits: High productivity, precision, repeatability and consistent processing quality
Are You Looking to Automate Your Bookbinding Production?
We will help you select a solution that matches your production requirements, order structure and planned capacity. Formica CZ provides equipment delivery, installation, operator training and comprehensive after-sales service.