Smyth Patented Feeder
In Smyth patented feeder the signatures are transported in a shingled stream by means of geared belts. This unique system reduces by 50% the travelling speed of the signature, compared to a conventional transport of a signature at a time. Contact time with the vacuum openers is longer and the special movement of the suction cups ensures a gentle and precise opening of the signature even in presence of porous paper, heavy perforation and static electricity.
The suction cups perform a
combined movement:
- Forward movement in the same direction and at the same speed of the signatures to increase the contact time with the paper
- Rotation movement to gently open the signature edge
For porous paper, Ventura-type openings are also available.
This exclusive system also differs in the signatures oblique position with respect to their forward direction. Thanks to this position the signature corner, opened by the suckers, can be released on a fixed tile securely. Then, the opened signatures are guided, controlled and transported on the fixed saddle.
The shingled stream transport also outweighs the risks of “flying paper” when signatures are transported at high speed (especially with light paper).
Integrated Lap Opener
The Integrated Lap Opener increases the versatility of the feeder. It is ready to work when programmed, and does not require any installation. It provides the possibility to open overlapped signatures having different back to front size and different overlap size.
Mixed heading up system
The mixed vacuum and pressure system facilitates the transfer of the signature from the saddle to the sewing head using a Venturi type heading up mechanism. This mechanism further ensures the proper transfer of all types of signatures to the sewing head
Kicker wheel
The kicker wheel can be automatically adjusted according to the signature thickness and paper type to allow the optimal feeding of the signature on the mobile saddle.
Reforming system
This system consists of 3 wheels that assure the complete opening of the signature spine for the perfect centering of the sewing stitches.
Signature Locking System
The mobile saddle is equipped with a precise signature locking system. This system holds the signatures down on the saddle and assures the exact centering of the stitches on the spine, preventing signature rolling.
Operator interface
Programming and diagnostics are performed through OMRON PLC and a new software designed by the in-house team of Smyth engineers. A colour touch screen is positioned centrally to enable all machine functioning parameters to be checked from both sides of the machine, together with the setting of the main automatic machine adjustments.
Smyth stacker “Easy Stack”
It is the stacker that makes piles of sewn books delivered by the sewing machine in order to facilitate the unloading operations. Pile height is programmable up to 120 mm.
Gathering sequence control
The gathering sequence control is a self-learning system performed by Omron Camera which is located in the hopper of the book sewing machine. This camera performs the gathering sequence control by reading bar codes, text and images. Thanks to continuous measurements this system ensures the highest level of control by filtering data and info, preventing false alarms and unnecessary stops.
Gauze Device
The book sewing machine can be equipped with the gauze device to reinforce the book spine during the sewing operation. This device applies the gauze material on the spine of the book block automatically, sewing it together with the book signatures.
Pasting device
It is specifically designed to get higher spine book solidity. It is composed of a pneumatic driven gun that applies a thin cold glue strip. It is controlled via touch screen for accurate glue application and simple operation. The glue system is easy to maintain as it is a self contained pot and does not require daily clean up of the glue tank.
The application of the glue strip is set to be applied on the second and on the last signature of the book. However, the glue strip can also be applied on any combination of signatures or on each signature of the book.
Helix device
It is designed to improve reliability of the signature transfer from the feeder to the fixed saddle with any type of signature and any type of paper. This device can be adjusted during the machine set-up, and it keeps the signatures open easily.

The
FF 280 4D book sewing machine is designed to be connected in line with a Smyth gathering machine series “P12 “.
Thanks to the modular design of Smyth gathering and sewing lines UNIT and CONCEPT, this automatic book sewing machine can be purchased individually and then connected in line.