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Challenge CMT-330TC three-knife book trimmer featuring a touchscreen control panel, infeed conveyor, and integrated waste removal system.
CMT 330 Three-Knife Book Trimmer multi book cutting
Challenge CMT 330 on screen book tracking
Challenge CMT-330TC Three-Knife Trimmer Product Video
Challenge Machinery TC Control System Operation Video
Challenge

Challenge CMT 330 TC Three-Knife Book Trimmer

Barcode-driven three-knife trimmer for photo books and perfect-bound jobs. 10.5″ touchscreen, auto size detection, trims up to 12″×12″ and 2″ thick.

Pricing by quote
Call 800-343-4231
Truck-freight shippingShips FOB with a lift gate.
Talk to a finishing expertReal specialists by phone.
Financing availableLease & purchase options.
Factory-trained install & serviceWe deliver, install & support.
TypeThree-Knife Trimmer
Cut width13" x 13" (Book Trim Size)
OperationHydraulic
Power208-230V Three-Phase

Details & specifications

Challenge CMT 330TC — True Three-Knife Book Trimmer

On-demand, barcode-driven trimming for photo books and perfect-bound work. 10.5″ TC touchscreen, automatic size detection, and hydraulic cutting up to 2″ thick.

Key Features

  • True three-knife trimming with hydraulic cutting — up to 2″ (51 mm) thick
  • 10.5″ color TC touchscreen with graphical book-path display
  • Integrated barcode reader for automated set-ups and job changes
  • Automatic book size detection; tool-less changeovers in ~5–6 seconds
  • Trims landscape books up to 12″ × 12″ — ideal for photo books
  • Near-line, in-line, or simultaneous in-line/near-line configurations
  • Precision knife depth control and automated preset finish cut mode for thick books or chip-out reduction

Safety

  • UL Listed (US & Canada) and CE
  • Light-beam safety curtain and interlocked guards
  • Graphical diagnostics of sensor locations

Specifications — Book Sizes & Performance

Starting Size (max) 13″ × 13″ (330 × 330 mm)
Starting Size (min) — Near-line single 7″ × 5″ (178 × 127 mm)
Starting Size (min) — Near-line multi 7″ × 8″ (178 × 203 mm)
Starting Size (min) — In-line single 7″ × 8″ (178 × 203 mm)
Starting Size (min) — In-line multi 7″ × 9″ (178 × 229 mm)
Finished Size (max) 12.1″ × 12.9″ (307 × 328 mm)
Finished Size (min) 5.82″ × 3.94″ (148 × 100 mm)
Max Book Thickness 2″ (51 mm)
Minimum Trim — all sides 0.100″ (2.5 mm)
Top Trim (max) 6″ (152 mm)
Throughput Up to 700 books/hour (multi-book mode)
Memory 99 book jobs

Utilities — Electrical & Air

Electrical (Option 1) 60 Hz, 3-Phase, 208/230 V, 20 A (service size 30 A)
Electrical (Option 2) 50 Hz, 3-Phase, 380/415 V, 16.5 A (service size 20 A)
Electrical (Option 3) 50 Hz, 3-Phase, 200–208 V, 20 A (service size 30 A)
Compressed Air 80–90 PSI (550–620 kPa), dry, non-lubricated; 9 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air Quality Requirement ISO 8573.1 Class 2.4.2 (≤1 µm solids, pressure dew point <38°F @ 100 psig, oil <0.08 ppm)

Note: Use of dry, non-lubricated air meeting the above spec is required to maintain warranty coverage.

Feeding & Delivery (choose one of each)

  • Near-line Feed: Long hand-feed conveyor (landscape) or Book Pile Feeder (landscape)
  • In-line Feed: Infeed conveyor & cooling tower; optional binder transfer conveyor (72″)
  • Simultaneous In-line/Near-line: Infeed conveyor & cooling tower plus Book Pile Feeder; optional binder transfer conveyor
  • Delivery: Exit conveyor, Vertical stacker, or Short exit ramp

Applications

📚 Photo books & premium albums, 📖 perfect-bound books, 🗂️ manuals & catalogs, 🏷️ on-demand and short-run finishing lines.

Benefits

  • Rapid, repeatable set-ups driven by barcode and automatic size detection
  • High accuracy with precision knife depth control and finish-cut modes
  • Supports multiple production layouts (near-line, in-line, or both)
  • Purpose-built for modern photo book and short-run workflows

Standard equipment: (2) cut plates, (1) cut stick, (1) cut stick puller, (1) knife lifter, (2) sets of high-speed steel knives, tool kit. Specifications subject to change.

Download brochure (PDF)

Every machine, fully supported

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.

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