We are looking to purchase a small 4 - color press. There are a lot of different options making it hard to decide. I think it will be either a Ryobi 3304, a 3404 DI, or even perhaps a 524. The DI is of interest due to the direct imaging plates. But I don't mind buying a CTP machine if offset is the best way to go. ANY IDEAS??

The question is strongly connected to what you want to do with the press :-)
Ryobi is not a bad press but not the top of the line. a DI is good for some jobs and less for others.
tell me what you are expecting from the press and I will recomend.

I have observed one thing. In DI machines printed products are less glossy in 4 color. In conventional presses with normal ink, printed sheets are more vibrant. Is is correct? What are the disadvantages of DI printing?

Can we start with a second hand DI machine of 46 size from Hei or Ryo?

Our target is to print small brochures, magazine covers etc...

Hello sir

The right way to start is by putting all the prejudice & assumptions on the side and listen to the facts - then you know haw to start.

call me - I will be more then happy to advice

Meny
+972523201671 any time
info@printsup.co.uk

I tend to see it as the other way around. Because the DI uses no water / alcohol that can dull an ink, jobs printed on a correctly callibrated DI will be glossier.

The main disadvantages of waterless DI printing is the presses must be kept clean and in an air conditioned enviroment especially in a hot climate. You need to look availability of the necessary consumables in your country.

A DI machine is an excellent choice for the sort of work you intend to do. There are far more Heidelberg DI46's available than Ryobi due to amount of presses Heidelberg sold.

Regards.

Thank you sir...

Are you a DI Printing Expert? Have you seen the printing result practically? If yes, then great.

How about Presstek. Are they the original designer of DI Press?

Dont u think that DI ink and consumables are more expensive?

So how they are suitable for short run? Presstek says that for 250 copies it is costeffective. But how.... Startup consumable price is about 15 USD...

Thanks and regards, ksamin

Hello dear Meny....

thanks for your reply. I did not understand you properly. Are u a DI press user? Then we could share things.

Regards, ksamin, Dhaka

Hi,

I have been involved with the DI since they started manufacture in 1995, so yes i can say i do know the machine fairly well. Heidelberg are the originators of the DI machine with the GTO DI in 1991 before the QM46 DI in 1995 and then the SM74 DI.

I dont think the consumables are that much more expensive, compared to a normal offset litho machine.

The DI46 is very cost effective in the 400 to 8000 A3 sheet run length, the plates can last up to approx a 25,000 sheet run.

Regards.