Canon has announced the release of two new booklet-making systems, the BLM435e and BLM450e, developed in collaboration with Plockmatic. The models are designed for use with Canon’s ImagePress V-series and VarioPrint 140 Quartz series digital presses, replacing the earlier BLM35 and BLM50 range.
The new systems are intended for low- to mid-volume production environments, supporting an average monthly output of around 30,000 booklets. Both models accommodate sheet lengths of up to 660mm, enabling the production of A4 landscape booklets in addition to standard portrait formats. They feature square-folding technology aimed at producing a finish similar to perfect-bound books.
In terms of capacity, the BLM450e can staple and fold up to 50 sheets of 80gsm paper, producing booklets of up to 200 pages, while the BLM435e supports up to 35 sheets, or 140 pages. Both machines also offer corner and edge stapling options, as well as adjustable set positioning to modify staple and fold placement during operation.
The systems include a seven-inch touchscreen interface for job setup and adjustments. Additional features include adjustable skew compensation for improved folding accuracy and optional modules such as the FM400e for trimming and square folding, and the RCT module for creasing and trimming smaller sheet sizes.
A new DFD+ interface enables closer integration between the booklet makers and compatible Canon presses, allowing automatic paper size detection and adjustment of settings. This reduces the need for manual input when switching between different booklet formats. The interface also supports a dynamic set gap feature, which allows consecutive jobs to begin processing with reduced delay, potentially improving productivity.
The BLM435e and BLM450e are compatible with systems including the Canon ImagePress V1350, Canon ImagePress V1000, and Canon ImagePress V900, as well as the VarioPrint 140 Quartz series of monochrome presses.
