mrheidelberg,

I guess I should use this thread for this question, but I just need to clarify. Is the SM52 or SM74 a perfecting press that does printing on both sides? Does it sound like one or both of these presses would meet our needs? I've been trying to educate myself the last week on what presses we should be looking at. Again, we insert on the average 800,000 single inserts per week. Most with full color on both sides. It would be nice to keep some of this work in house and make this company some money. Also, approximately how much would one of the mentioned Heidelberg press cost new? Could we find a good deal on the secondary market for a Heidelberg with low impressions? Say 2 to 3 years old.
Richardk, thank you for your input, we have'nt ruled Komori out. We just need to be sure right from the start.
Thanks again.

Charlie

Charlie,

Yes the SM74 and SM52 can be configured (when purchasing new or trying to find second hand) for either straight printing or perfecting.
So if you where doing 800,000 A4 inserts on an SM74 8 colour 4/4 machine, the run would only be 200,000 and at an average on the floor speed of 12,000 IPH it should take approx 17 - 18 hours printing.
A new SM74 4/4 would cost approx £900,000 in the UK (US$1,800,000) whereas a low mileage reasonably recent secondhand press would be approx 2/3 of new price if you can locate one. I am sure there are many 2nd hand dealers in the USA who would be able to help you.

Regards.