The Sterling® Digipunch® is an economical, high-speed automatic paper punching machine designed specifically for short-run binderies, digital printers, and commercial shops. Despite its compact footprint, it is a powerhouse of productivity, capable of punching up to 72,000 sheets per hour—equating to roughly half a million sheets per shift. The system is engineered for versatility, allowing operators to punch sheets with covers or tabs intermixed while supporting a wide range of hole patterns, including Plastic Coil, Double Loop Wire, Plastic Comb, and Three-Hole.
To handle "difficult" jobs, the Digipunch® features a variable pile lift, which allows the operator to slow the machine down for stock that is curled, static-heavy, or made of acetate. It utilizes a "stabber" system that can be set to lift between 3 and 17 sheets at a time, providing a more consistent feed than gravity-based alternatives. For high-volume reliability, the receding stacker and feeder each hold up to five reams of paper, and the machine automatically stops once the stacker reaches capacity.
The machine is driven by an intuitive touch screen that offers complete automatic setup and changeovers. This interface removes the guesswork from maintenance by tracking the life of each die and prompting the operator when it is time to lubricate or sharpen the tools. Additionally, the Digipunch® includes a unique safety and convenience feature that allows the machine to run in reverse to easily clear paper jams.
Key Performance Features
- Extreme Speed and Volume: Delivers a high-speed output of 72,000 sheets per hour, making it a "big pile" producer in a small-machine format.
- Precision Four-Side Registration: Features a registration table that aligns paper on all four sides using side guides and rear stops to ensure every punch is perfectly placed, even with intermixed tabs.
- Rapid Tooling Changes: Punching dies can be swapped in seconds, and the use of pull pins allows for even faster transitions between different sheet sizes.
- Heavy Stock Capability: Includes an optional Drum Bypass belt system designed for heavy board, allowing sheets to be delivered straight without the need to bend around the internal drum.
- Intelligent User Interface: The touch screen houses the full operating manual and provides tips and tricks to optimize throughput based on the specific paper size or "problem" stock being used
