Mastering the DA 36 requires an understanding of the "feel" of the machine—the sound of the cams, the smell of the hot melt, and the visual cue of a perfectly milled spine. For operators willing to invest the time in learning its intricacies, the DA 36 offers reliability and a quality of finish that stands the test of time.
As of 2025, spare parts for the DA 36 are still available through specialty suppliers (e.g., Renz Group, Bielomatik), but only if you can quote the correct part number from the manual. The manual also empowers in-house technicians to rebuild glue rollers, re-time camshafts, and adjust pneumatic timers—tasks that would otherwise require a factory-trained specialist costing $200/hour plus travel. Kolbus Da 36 Manual
Without the specific lubrication chart, you will likely miss critical oiling points. The DA 36 uses a central lubrication system, but not all fittings are connected. The manual tells you exactly which bearing requires a manual grease gun every 40 hours. Guessing leads to bearing seizure, which can snap a cast-iron cam fork – a repair costing upwards of $15,000. Mastering the DA 36 requires an understanding of
The DA 36 uses a hybrid system. The earliest models relied on cam-operated micro-switches, while later versions incorporated simple relay logic. The manual’s fold-out electrical schematics use DIN 40700 symbols (usable from the 1970s). You will need these diagrams to troubleshoot why the casing-in station won’t cycle or why the book block stop fails to retract. The manual also empowers in-house technicians to rebuild
Features include a cloth feeder for non-stop operation and a center-strip infeed for the spine (using roll material). Gluing Unit:
Finally, the day arrived when the Kolbus DA 36 was complete. With trembling hands, Hans fed the machine its first sheet of paper, and with a gentle hum, it sprang to life. The machine's metal limbs moved with a rhythmic precision, folding, cutting, and binding the paper into a stunning book.
Draws precut cloth, paper, or leatherette using suction.