The world’s smallest book printing machine, named Gutenberg One, is distinguished by its automated nature, equipped with an intelligent robot capable of producing books on demand and by the unit in less than ten minutes.
Entirely made in France, this innovative robot handles all the steps involved in book production, from sheet gathering to cover integration, including glue application. It thus encompasses the entire book production process, simultaneously carrying out the tasks of a printer, folder and binder in record time. This solution is developed and marketed by French start-up Gutenberg & Co.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES GUTENBERG ONE OFFER?
By printing any perfect biniding book in less than 10 minutes, Gutenberg One offers many advantages, both in terms of productivity and quantity. This technology produces eco-responsible books, printed on recycled paper. In addition to being economical and environmentally friendly, robotics reduce production lead times, eliminate logistics and transport costs, and eliminate all inventory management constraints. Moreover, book production takes place right in front of the buyer’s eyes.
For publishers, this solution represents a significant advantage, saving them the effort and expense of publishing a large number of books. It also ensures low-cost book distribution.
MAKING PAPER BOOKS MORE ACCESSIBLE
This intelligent device, called Gutenberg One, was developed in 2020 after around six years of research and development. Its first installation took place in January 2021 at the famous L’Harmattan bookshop in Paris. Installation cost 80,000 euros. Gutenberg & Co continues to expand, conquering bookshops and libraries, with the ambitious goal of installing 1,000 units by 2030.
Economical and compact, this machine occupies an area of less than three square meters, making it adaptable to a variety of public spaces such as schools, hotels and hospitals. Establishments equipped with this technology offer their customers the possibility of purchasing the book of their choice, in the format and language of their choice, even if it’s not in stock. It should be noted that Gutenberg One was presented at the Paris Book Fair and at the Creativ’Book fair in 2019.
TO CONCLUDE…
Gutenberg One offers an innovative solution for rapid on-demand printing, revolutionizing access to books in an economical and environmentally-friendly way. However, traditional printers still have a bright future ahead of them, especially for larger quantities. There’s no substitute for the efficiency and versatility of conventional printers, especially those using offset technology.
One vision for the future could involve collaboration between innovative technologies such as the Gutenberg One and established offset printers. This synergy could extend the portfolio of solutions, combining the speed and flexibility of on-demand printing with the high-volume production capacity of traditional printing companies. Such a collaboration could open up new perspectives, offering the best of both worlds and responding to the varied needs of the publishing market. So, in this era where technology and tradition converge, intelligent collaboration between new solutions and proven methods could well define the future of the printing industry.
While you’re waiting for the Gutenberg One to arrive in your area, you can make a direct quote for your glued square-back brochures in just a few moments on our website, or send us a personalized e-mail request for any special requirements.
