Because the topic of networking is becoming increasingly important to our customers, we have recently been using our own control station for the Connex workflow in the Muller Martini Print Finishing Center (PFC) in Zofingen. This was built by four apprentices.
When Wolfram Hohl, specialist teacher at the Master School for Industrial Bookbinding Technology in Munich, visited us at the PFC a few months ago, his main interest was in particular the networking of all production processes. "We have to show the prospective master craftsmen and women where bookbinding technology is heading and the importance of finishing for the production of attractive print products – especially for short runs," he told me at the time. The Munich Master School for Industrial Bookbinding Technology therefore connected their saddle stitcher to the
Connex workflow system developed by Muller Martini.
Demonstrating the workflow as well
In fact, more and more PFC visitors are not only interested in individual machines, but – because an automated workflow with as few manual interventions as possible is becoming increasingly important – in networked production processes. We consider this in that we always demonstrate the workflow to the representatives of the graphic arts companies visiting us, in addition to the technological features of the equipment.
In order to enhance our presentations, we have replaced the large screen we previously used with our own control station for the Connex workflow. Because it is mobile and we have network connections everywhere, it can be used on all machines. It has two large screens so that we can not only coordinate entire productions, but also show impositioning via Connex Line Control PRO, for example.
An exciting apprentice project
We had a special idea for the new control station. We had it built by four apprentices. Janis Wiedmer and Yvan Svanila, who are in their second year as design engineers, were responsible for the mechanical components – i.e. adapter brackets for the screens and the rollers. Shun Widmer and Philipp Odermatt, who are completing their first year as automation engineers, were responsible for the correct electrical connections.
With this apprentice project, we killed two birds with one stone. On the one hand, the four young people were motivated to build something concrete and lasting. On the other hand, we were able to give them an understanding of the importance of workflow – a topic that is becoming increasingly central to our training.
Are you also interested in an apprenticeship at Muller Martini? Then click on our
new career website (only in German), where you will find all the information you need about the careers we offer!
Yours,
Pascal Ruch, Head of Print Finishing Center and Product Manager Saddle Stitching Muller Martini