In the wrong place at the wrong time. This happens to people and machines now and again. Like when you’ve expanded your machine’s operation capacities or adjusted its production processes and it’s no longer suited to its old location: how will you move it? Find out how in this blog post. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to make moving your machines as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
What PPL can do for you: how we can help you move perfect binders and saddle stitchers
Are you a print finishing company who needs to move a machine to another location? The PPL team can offer support with a full-service package that includes complete planning, disassembly, and recommissioning at the destination as well as advice on optimization and helping you find companies that specialize in relocating machines. If you plan ahead, you can use the move as opportunity to carry out repairs or replace worn parts on your machine when it is disassembled, saving you money in the long run.
Preparation: your “homework” before moving day
Every move has its unexpected challenges. But by preparing in advance, you can ensure a smoother process from the start. When our technicians arrive:
- The machine should still be operational (power on, compressed air, waste paper available for a test run). In other words, our technicians should find it just as you would normally have it in place. Do NOT dismantle the machine yourself. This is actually counterproductive.
- The machine should be accessible from all sides, with nothing blocking access to it.
- The access road should not be less than 2.0 m wide and 2.5 m high and the transport routes should be easily accessible. Please inform us in advance of any obstacles or special features at the pick-up point and destination that may make it difficult for the technicians to access the site or transport the machine. If necessary, arrange for road closures ahead of time.
- Provide us with a pallet truck or forklift for loads up to 2 tons.
- Remember that as the customer, you are responsible for making sure that the power and compressed air connections are working. The applies to both the old and new locations.
A smooth process thanks to professional project management
PPL technicians arrive at your door, with more than just their tools. They also bring with them the experience of hundreds of expertly managed machine relocations. With planning, coordinating, and monitoring, we reduce production downtime to a minimum. Not only that, but even if there are other vendors involved, we will serve as your single point of contact, ready to answer your questions. We assume responsibility for the move from the moment you hand over your production-ready machine to one of our technicians.
How long does it take to move the machine? It depends on a number of factors, such as the specific type of machine and the particularities of its current and new locations. In the case of a saddle stitcher, for example, in the best-case scenario we need only a week: two to three days to dismantle, pack, and have it transported by a moving company and an additional two to three days to install and put in operation. We always provide an estimate of the time required as part of our bid for a job.
How much does PPL charge to relocate a machine, such as a saddle stitcher or glue binder?
The total cost to relocate your machine depends on a number of factors, such as the type of machine, its condition, the particularities of its location, including how far it will have to travel. We consider such issues as: do we need to move the machine to a different location within the same building or to a completely new location?
Some ways to avoid unnecessary expenses:
- Avoid last-minute changes by carefully checking beforehand that the new location is suitable for the machine.
- Make sure that all important media (electricity, air, etc.) are available at both the old and new locations.
- Be sure to discuss with our technical experts beforehand the order in which you would like your machines to be moved, such as letting us know if you need to relocate an entire print processing department.
Due to the many unpredictable factors involved, we are unable to provide a fixed price. However, we always provide a cost estimate and a guarantee that every member of the PPL team aims to carry out our work efficiently and effectively, conscious of the costs involved.
If our technicians notice a defect on the machine during installation, they document it. And if the customer approves, they will repair it right away, adding the additional cost to the final invoice.
The technology and infrastructure you need to move saddle stitchers and perfect binders
When it comes to technology and infrastructure, the devil is often in the details. Below, we have compiled a few points to consider:
- Are the individual parts possibly too large to fit through the relevant doors or elevators?
- Is the floor as level as required to install a saddle stitcher? Or is there some unevenness, but so slight that it can be compensated for? Please note: for systems up to 20 m in length, differences in height are even more important.
- Is an on-site inspection, including inspection with laser equipment, necessary? For small machines, it is not absolutely necessary, but possible for an additional charge. For large machines, it is mandatory.
- Are you aware that perfect binders cannot always be set up in exactly the same layout as before? The set up usually has to be adapted to the new location.
- Is a forklift available that can lift the relevant parts of the machine and move them safely? The load capacity must be slightly higher than required.
- Is there a contact person available on site who can react quickly and make decisions?
Please do NOT, however, ask employees or trainees to “lend a hand.” This may be well-intentioned, but because we are the ones responsible for moving the machines, we are the only ones who can carry out the work.
Logistic support: our network is available to help you relocate your machine
To move your saddle stitchers or perfect binders safely from one location to another, you need a moving company. How do you find the right company? We’ve got a network of reliable partners with whom we have worked for many years. Experience has shown that you need two trucks to transport saddle stitchers and four to transport large perfect binders. We organize and coordinate the transportation.
To avoid damage during transportation, the machines, i.e., their parts, are placed on underlays or pallets with a suitable load-bearing capacity and then firmly bolted down. If required, these can also be specially manufactured for your machine’s relocation. Waterproof packaging protects against damage caused by rain or other weather conditions. When loading in winter, the machines need time to adapt to the new temperature level.
What’s next? What happens after the machine has been relocated.
After its relocation, PPL technicians check to make sure the machines function properly at the new location. They observe at least one production run. For new customers, those who bought the machine, we also offer the option of providing expert instruction on how to operate it. We charge according to each particular situation, and the time required.
Are you planning to relocate a saddle stitcher or perfect binder? We will be happy to discuss it with you and prepare a cost estimate. Send us an email or give us a call!