The Bombax and Bombix (Bombix shown here) are fully automatic gathering and sewing lines used for high-volume production of sewn books. They consist of a gathering machine and two to eight Aster sewing machines. The sewing machines can be in standard or large size (51). Normally, they are equipped with the Magix automatic unloading system which conveys sewn book blocks to an automatic palletizer or a backlining machine. The Bombax and Bombix lines differ from one another primarily in the position of the loading system: while in the Bombax line the loading conveyor is at normal working height, in the Bombix line it runs above the sewing machines. Thanks to their modular build, both lines can be tailored according to the individual requirements of each customer. They can also be easily extended at a later stage.
| Number of machines in the line | 2 to 8 |
| Minimum size (book block) | 100 x 150 x 5 mm |
| Max. size Bombix (book block) | 320 x 420 x 100 mm |
| Max. size Bombix 51 (book block) | 320 x 510 x 100 mm |
| Maximum output capacity | 6000 books/hour |
In the Bombax line, gathered signatures are stacked by a Ralissa signature stacker/ loader. This stacker also enables the gathering machine to be used independently from the rest of the line. During normal operation the Ralissa loads signature packs on trays running in a closed-circuit transport system.
The Bombix system is an ideal solution for book binders with limited space availability. The feeding conveyor runs 2m above the ground allowing for maximum accessibility. The Bombax transport belts run 750mm above the ground, which makes it easy to oversee transport and to reach all parts of the line.