Difference between Heidelberg SM,CD and XL

faizeej

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Karachi, Pakistan.
Dear All
Can anybody explain in detail the difference between Heidelberg SM, CD and XL
 
SM - SMALL impression & transfer cylinders - one sheet at a time , so heavy board needs to follow the small cylinder and you get marks scratches and un-even impression on board. for paper - OK
CD - big cylinders - 2 sheets at a time , so sheet will curve less - older model . it is a 5 oclock press , so you get marks on solids & rasters.
XL - a newer mopdel , big cylinders and 7 oclock technology.
this is in short :-)
 
  • Thanks
    what do you mean by 5o clock and 7 o clock technology?
    and SM means speedmaster, CD means Cardboard diameter, what is XL means?
     
    5 oclock design - the sheet printed changes gripper set before the tail is fully printed - you may get marking from the change in pressure .
    7 oclock design - the sheet changes gripper set only after it is fully printed on the former unit - more stable and no sock marks.
    CD is Cardboard druk .
    XL is extra large - bigeer sheet :-)
     
    I hope this helps.
    Cyl Con.jpg
     
    Dear All
    Can anybody explain in detail the difference between Heidelberg SM, CD and XL

    SM stands for SpeedMaster.
    CD signifies a Carton Press - it's designed to allow for printing on thicker board stocks.
    XL stands for Extra Long (press) - meaning the press delivery is extended (press usually has a coater and is only available with high pile)

    5 o'clock and 7 o'clock is a term for the impression cylinder placement, as shown in the drawing in Aqazi's post. Both arrangements are found on different model year presses, both older and newer. For instance: I've seen the 7 o'clock design on a late 80s era SM74 and the 5 o'clock design on an '01 SM74. I've also seen the 5 o'clock arrangement on an '01 SM52. Both arrangements will mark the sheet, especially presses with single transfer cylinders. To me, the biggest difference between the two designs is the 5 o'clock is really difficult to reach if trying to clean the cylinder manually, whereas the 7 o'clock is easily accessible.
     
    SM = Speedmaster. These machines are available in 52, 74 and 102 sizes. Cylinder configuration is 2 transfers and a double cylinder between a single sized impression cylinders. This cylinder configuration makes printing on board difficult especially for short grain paper. Marking is almost a sure thing when printing on short grain. Typically these machines are rated at a lower speed than the CD or XL machines. SM102 machines will also not be available with back cylinder washers. This is the lowest end machine Heidelberg makes, still a great machine for those printing on paper, not so much for board.

    CD = Still a Speedmaster with a few differences. These machines are available in 74 and 102. Most notably is the cylinder configuration. On CD74 there is 1 double sized transfer between each double sized impression cylinder. This is a high end, high speed machine great for paper or board. CD102 will have 1 triple sized transfer between each double sized impression. This also is a great press for board or paper. Downside is the double/triple sheet transfer combo means that there is 6 different sheet transfer combinations making troubleshooting for mechanics more labor intensive.

    XL = The XL really means nothing other than the fact that this is the highest end product that Heidelberg makes. The XL is available in 75 105 106 145 and 162. These machine will offer you all the bells and whistles you could wish for in a printing press. Every one of these machines is excellent for printing on paper or board. Very high speed and very high reliability.
     
    The XL really means nothing. Definitly does not mean Extra long. 2 or 4 color XL75 or 105 are not terribly uncommon. 10 or 12 color SM102 are also very common. As far as the SM74 which was introduced in 1995 the cylinder configuration really has not changed even to this day. Today it is knows as the SX (which also means nothing) and the cylinder configuration remains the same as in 1995. You are correct however that the SM52 and 74 can be marking machines if not properly set up especially when running anything over 14pt.
     
    Good to know about the XL machines, I didn't know that. Are there any XLs made without an extended delivery?

    I used to work with a seasoned SM operator who called them SlapMasters, because of the marking problems he experienced with them and claimed were inherent of its' design. Though I never did ask him what model year(s) he was talking about.
     
    Good to know about the XL machines, I didn't know that. Are there any XLs made without an extended delivery?

    I used to work with a seasoned SM operator who called them SlapMasters, because of the marking problems he experienced with them and claimed were inherent of its' design. Though I never did ask him what model year(s) he was talking about.

    Yes! Xl also made without extended delivery.

    SM102 and SM74 are prone to marking if not setup correctly. You need to have installed super blue or anti-marking jackets properly, also air settings in transfer cylinders.
     
    Now heidelberg is promoting SX series can anyone let me know what are the pros and cons of SX with respect to other models.
     
    Hi everybody,

    - please can you tell what means each letter added to the heidelberg SM CD 74 5 colors , ( LX , P , H+L , DI , H+LX , PL , PP , H ,PH , PP , +L, F 4P....).
    i know just that F is format of paper 74X60.
    - also how can i know frow the model if it contains coater and the UV Dryer

    Thanks
     
    Last edited:
    LX indicates the machine hasa coating unit with an extended delivery
    P means that machine has perfectors
    F is format of paper 74X60
     
    hi faizeej,

    Salutation is required.

    LYLX means coating unit then drying unit then extended delivery

    L Coating unit
    Y Drying Unit
    LX Extended Delivery

    , Good luck
     
  • CD - big cylinders - 2 sheets at a time , so sheet will curve less - older model . it is a 5 oclock press , so you get marks on solids & rasters.

    CD is 7 o clock, not 5

    I know is 2024 :D
     
    Dear All
    Can anybody explain in detail the difference between Heidelberg SM, CD and XL
    Hi all

    In the context of offset printing machines, SM, CD, and XL refer to different series or models typically manufactured by Heidelberg, a prominent company in the printing industry:
    The Speedmaster series includes a range of offset printing presses known for their high-speed performance and advanced automation features. These machines are designed for efficiency and productivity in commercial printing applications.

    The CD series, also known as the Common Design series, is another line of offset printing presses by Heidelberg. They are known for their reliability, versatility, and robust build quality. CD presses are often used for a wide range of printing tasks, from packaging to commercial printing.

    The XL series represents Heidelberg's latest generation of offset printing presses. These machines are designed to offer enhanced automation, efficiency, and quality. They are capable of handling larger formats and are suitable for high-volume printing operations.

    Good luck
     
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