Challenge CMT 330 TC Three-Knife Book Trimmer
Challenge CMT 330 TC three-knife book trimmer for perfect-bound and saddle books. Authorized Challenge dealer Mid-State Litho, Michigan. Quote & install.
We will quote equipment price, freight to your ZIP, and any install or service needs.
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Details & specifications
The Challenge CMT 330 TC is a true three-knife book trimmer - it trims the head, face, and foot of a book block in one cycle, producing clean, square, finished-edge booklets and photo books. Barcode-driven setup with auto size detection and a 10.5 inch touchscreen means short-run and variable jobs change over fast, trimming stacks up to 12 by 12 inches and 2 inches thick. As an authorized Challenge dealer in Michigan and the Great Lakes, Mid-State Litho delivers, installs, trains, and services the machine.
The CMT 330 TC is a quote-only system. Request a quote and we will scope the configuration for your bindery.
About Challenge Machinery
Challenge Machinery is a U.S. manufacturer, building since 1870, of paper cutters, drills, and book trimmers made for production bindery use. Mid-State Litho is an authorized Challenge dealer and carries the Challenge three-knife trimmer line - the entry CMT-130TC and this CMT 330 TC - alongside the Challenge paper cutters and drills we stock and service. Browse the full range of three-knife trimmers.
Choosing a Challenge Book Trimmer
The Challenge book-trimmer ladder comes down to throughput, automation, trim size, and book thickness. The CMT-130TC is the entry three-knife book trimmer for lighter volumes and manual setup. The CMT 330 TC on this page steps up with barcode-driven setup, auto size detection, and 12 by 12 inch, 2 inch capacity for photo-book and perfect-bound production. If you are running variable, short-run photo books, the 330 TC's automation pays off in faster makeready; for occasional trimming at lower volume, the 130TC is the right step down. Both feed the same booklet and saddle-stitch workflow and fit the wider bindery and finishing lane.
Why Buy From Mid-State Litho
- Second-generation, family-owned Michigan dealership founded in June 1984, serving the Great Lakes region.
- Authorized dealer with factory-trained installation, operator training, and in-house service - not a drop-ship box.
- Factory-backed parts and consumables kept on hand to keep your equipment running.
- Financing and used or trade-in options available, with real phone support when you need it.
Mid-State Litho handles freight, installs the machine, trains your operators, and services it after the sale. Request a quote and we will scope the right configuration for your shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a three-knife book trimmer?
A three-knife trimmer cuts the head, face, and foot of a bound book block in one cycle, producing a clean, square, finished edge on all three sides.
What size and thickness can the CMT 330 TC trim?
It trims stacks up to 12 by 12 inches and up to 2 inches thick.
Is the CMT 330 TC good for photo books and perfect-bound work?
Yes. Barcode-driven setup and auto size detection make it well suited to photo books and perfect-bound jobs, including short-run and variable work.
How does it differ from the CMT-130TC?
The CMT 330 TC adds higher capacity and automation - barcode-driven setup and auto size detection - while the CMT-130TC is the entry three-knife trimmer for lighter volumes.
Does Mid-State Litho install and service it in Michigan?
Yes. We deliver, install, train your operators, and service the machine across Michigan and the Great Lakes.
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Pair your equipment with the supplies and finishing gear that complete the workflow.
We deliver it, install it, train your team and keep it running.
This is not a drop-ship. Our factory-trained technicians install on site, train your operators, and back it with same-day and next-day service across Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Install & train
On-site setup and operator training included.
Same / next-day service
Fast response across the Great Lakes.
Precision machining
Replacement parts fabricated in-house.
Financing
Lease and purchase options available.