Product of the month: Casemaker DA 260 from Kolbus

What does the machine do?

The Casemaker DA 260 from Kolbus is a fully-automatic case-making machine intended for the production of hard covers, bookcases, folders, calendar backs, game boards or luxury packaging. It feeds board materials and cloth/cover material, applies glue, folds and presses the covering material onto the board plus spine strip, and stacks the finished cases.

What are the different models?
The Casemaker series includes DA 160, DA 260, DA 270, and DA 370.

How do these models differ from each other?
The DA 260 has a mechanical speed of up to 40 cycles per minute, while the DA 270 has a speed of up to 65 cycles per minute. Format ranges, board thicknesses, material handling, and optional modules (small format, large format, centre-strip roll, etc) vary between models and options. For example, the DA 260’s format range is up to 670×390-mm (opened case) standard. So, the differences are primarily speed, format capacity and optional modules and accessories.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Yes. The specification lists many optional devices/modules. For example, a device for a centre strip roll unit, a board centre strip magazine, devices for small format height/width, large format height/width, and a remote service gateway. In DA 260, optional equipment includes a board-cutting device with a double cut for the centre strip, a device for processing cold glue, and large/small format attachments.

When was the equipment launched?
Kolbus’s DA 260 (and SA 260 lining unit) are listed in its casemakers + inside-lining machines product line since 2011.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
The DA 260 was designed for small-batch or custom products, multi-section and thin boards, with an operator-friendly ergonomic design, quick set-up, and one-man operation. The idea was to allow efficient, flexible production of bookcases/boxes in a variety of formats, including thinner boards and smaller runs — bridging traditional hardcover book binding and luxury packaging. Kolbus pivoted toward luxury packaging and rigid box production around 2009.

What is the target market(s)?
The target markets include book binders producing hardcover books and cases; luxury packaging producers (boxes, covers, games, calendars) — as per the specification mentioned of luxury packaging; short-run/custom production markets where format flexibility and thin boards are required; markets where productivity and automation (one-operator, quick set-up) are valued.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
It can handle board thickness from 1 to 4-mm standard (depending on configuration). It can handle cloth or cover material width of min ~195-mm, max ~708-mm; height min ~130-mm, max ~428-mm. The open case size range is a minimum of 205×140-mm and a maximum of 670×390-mm. Optional modules extend the format (small/large format devices) and can handle rolls of centre-strip material. The substrate list would include rigid board/greyboard for cases, cover cloth or paper, spine strips, and centre strips.

How fast is it?
The mechanical speed for DA 260 is up to 40 cycles per minute.

What are the USP of the equipment?
• Fully-automatic case making of board + cover material + spine strip + optional centre strip, for high-quality hard covers and packaging
• One-man operation, ergonomic design (input/output zones at operator height), easy view, semi-automated format change
• Broad format and board-thickness flexibility (especially with optional modules).
• Modular options (large/small format, centre strip roll unit, remote service gateway, and more) enabling versatility  and scalability
• High productivity automation: 40 cycles/min and above, depending on model.
• Designed for custom/short-run as well as standard production — good for the luxury packaging sector where variety is high.

How easy is it to use?
Simple, one-man operation and fast and simple set-up contribute to the DA 260’s high productivity. The machine has been engineered for ease of use relative to older manual or semi-automated machines. Exact ease will depend on operator training and local utilities.

What training and support are on offer?
Kolbus provides efficient training and support from its well-trained network of engineers worldwide. In India, Manroland Sheetfed India is responsible for installation and support. The engineers are well-equipped with all recent developments and are trained for the same.

How much does it cost?
The price of the machine depends on the configuration and automation.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
With more than a hundred DA 260 casemakers in operation throughout the world, it is expected to grow fairly in the coming years. The ease of use and fast operations make it an attractive investment proposition for the industry. Swapna Printing Works, a leading name in premium book production and packaging solutions in Kolkata, has strengthened its production capabilities with the successful installation of the Kolbus DA 260 casemaking machine in June 2025