Greeetings Forum folks!
My inplant shop is very close to proposing a new equipment, pretty much totally upgrading the department. I need some harsh criticism on Shinohara, Sakauri, and Ryobi 20x26-23x29 size presses. Currently we do our 4 color work on Ryobi 3302 2 color presses and this is a huge jump into an area we have no real experience in. Please feel free to give any advice!

Advise? Buy a Heidelberg.

I second that........a much better investment, and much easier presses to run ie Speedmaster 52.

I have a CD 102 in my shop,miller tp104 2/c and a QMDI classic. we were looking to purchase a affordable half size UV press. I wanted the CD 74. but it was way over budget. Shinohara then came in to the picture. long story short it is the worst press I ever ran. and if you think Heidelberg has crappy service Shino is worse. press goes down they take forever to repair it. there is only one service tech that is good. you do the math 1 guy, how many presses? If I had it my way we would be alot more productive in the uv market. Buy the best , bleed Grey,

Have you looked into the Presstek/Ryobi 4C digital presses? For years I ran 4 color work in 2 passes on a 3302. So I can feel your pain somewhat. I ran a Ryobi 4C digital for a few years and it's a really nice press. Feeder and delivery are the exact same as the 3302. Good print quality and solids. So your pressman would easily adapt. After running bigger Komori's for years I was pretty impressed with the digital Ryobi. The lazer imaged poly plates are somewhat the drawback. But the average run on the plates I got off was 20-25k. I've run 8 colors on them 2 passes, 4C with 2 metallics and gloss and dull spot varnish. Pretty impressive for a little press! Remember your pre press dept will need to grow as well with a bigger press depending on your format. So the cost to upgrade is pretty significant. The digital press is a nice way to grow into the color market without the BIG press payment. Worth a look into anyway. If your set on going with a bigger press go Komori or Heidelberg. And go at least 5C with a coater if possible. That extra unit makes the difference where a 5th color or spot varnish is spec'd. Coater makes it nice for quick w&t with heavy coverage.