What is better?

Dear colleagues.....

One question, which option is better to buy and why?

5 color press or 4 color press with varnish at the end.

 

Yes , it is better


The only one who knows your work is you. how can we tell you what's best ?

If you have 5 color jobs every day , and varnish once a month...
If you have 5 color jobs once a month and varnish every day....

may be a 10 color with 2 coaters and UV would be best...

Question is back in your hands...

 

Actually I agree with you Many ,but my job list is pretty unpredictable and varied. I trying to research what will be the option to invest in.

 

what kind of printer ?

packaging ?
lables?
commercial?
books?
art?

if you have the money ; the work and the space , why not 6 color + coater ?
this will give you more flex & options

 

5+coater or a 6+coater as Meny stated......it will give you more options and flexibility.

 

What is your print runs normally. Meaning the requirements of clients you cater to. Is there more repetitive work. Buying a 5 col. press can be good if time is a problem or a 4 col. press with separate 1col. machine for varnish also will allow to handle single and bi-colour work for books magazines etc. may give more flexibility and save some power and optimize and add to your output and production capability.

 

Our print runs: 50%commercial ,20% sheet labels , 20% lightweight packaging, 10% books.
The print run is from 200-20000 sheets.

The issue is money and space so we need something compact with small floor footprint. Something like SM52(we own one color press) or Ryobi 520gx.So when I read your post @asimpleson I like the way you think.

 

Now it is clear

If you want good quality and a good press with automation to support the short runs , you can go for one of the following:
a. Heidelberg SM 52 5+LX
b. Komori L-520+LX

Bothe will cater good quality to the full range from lable / book to Duplex
both come with resonable automation and will hold well for years if well treated.

The Komori will cost less , but not too meny on the market to buy.
If you need any more help - just contact
Meny

 

There is no easy answer to this. However I will try my best to suggest. Based on your description, extended delivery may not be the best idea (floor space). You will need to decide weighing your varnishing requirements again. The extra colour option inline is a decision I am afraid you will need to put more serious thought about. I cannot guide (or mis-guide) you here.

Perhaps a size demi (19x25) press looks better option, something that is a not too old version of RYOBI (latest you can and should buy). You have a single colour press what size or is it SM52-1 or GTO52 The press sizes and standards have to compliment each other as you know esp. for book works.

Alternatively, you could look for best quality Heidy MOF-S available (within your budget) if in case packaging jobs could be on rise in near future. The MO series still is an all-rounder press, but master of none (by today's standards) at pretty low initial investment, again by today's investment standards.

If I were you I would perhaps in most probability invest in one or maybe later even two SORMZ (post drupa) + one SORM and perhaps a GTOZ or V (for stickers, sheet labels) depending on my work loads and expectations. However, space restrictions have to be overcome sooner or later, there is no via media on this, except outsourcing to other presses.

I would stress again here, maximum flexibility and not just automation is the key here, if you are not specialized in one area of printed products. One press does it all is a myth, and investing more on people rather than machines esp. in the beginning will earn more reputation in long term. So much for the sermons.

Do share further what you are contemplating and why. Maybe it will invite further replies from experts here.

Best of Luck..!

 

SORKZ or SORMZ would be a good option and even a komori Sprint.

 

Komori sprint older models are not in trend as presses of choice. Unless it is 3rd or 4th gen. automated versions.

 

Meny can give better options in KOMORI presses.....

 

Komori's

IO do agree that an old Sprint is not the best press for 5 color jobs.
It is rather old technology , small size cylinders and little automation as well as modest quality.
A newer Sprint / GS is way better for quality & automation , but not built to do the jobs on heavy board - it's a paper press.
This is why i say SM 52 or Komori L-20 (any # of units)
Both built well , can print heavy stock , have good automation and are strong presses.
The Komori ones are some what cheaper on the 2nd hand market.
For some one who has 5 color jobs , in today's markets , i would say a one/two color press is not good from the practical cost - effective point of view.

If he has the budget i do not know.....

 

My dear friends I want to thank you all for your time. I will definitely inform you what will be our choice in next few months.Today my boss said that he is considering a buying two color B2. I personaly think that B3 (4-5 color should be our first pick).We now own Sm52(one color).But if he wants to go up in format it is his money.I think that no matter what format we choose it should be at least 4 color press.(Enthrone would be a nice press).

 

yes & no

Enthrone is a nice press bu8t it is again a PAPER press , not suitable for board.
It will not do all you stated before , but will do the paper well.
A Spica will do just about the same and yet cost less.
I think a L-420 / 520 is the best solutions & result for your money , but , hey , it's your money

 

I agree with Meny here. You could perhaps focus on choice of press than size (like not going for Enthrone), given that the boss will have a final say. I don't think it will be a bad choice to go for a B2, which is well suited particularly for light weight packaging jobs, since heavy packaging needs double diameter presses like CD etc.

I have seen in many presses that larger plate presses have been preferred for smaller job sizes even if it means running more sheets to provide better controls over final quality and consistency although a well maintained press can deliver this on maximum image area with bare minimal wastage. A larger size press is better and B2 size rules..!

So SM74-4 or 5 with short delivery looks like an ideal candidate, (ideally one with coater and UV IST is future proof), but will cost about 50 to 70% more in used press market. Of course resale is also better due to the Heidy label.

or Komori Lithrone for cost of investment vs value advantages.

 

Now I'm little confused Many about your statment that Entrone is almost the same as Spica.As my knowledge Enthrone have a double diametar transfer cylindars and can print up 0.6mm,Spica have single diametar transfer cylindar and can print up 0.45 mm paper tickness.Enthrone should be allmost the same as Linthrone series just with much less automation and with low pile delivery.
I dont know what will be at the end but I could only hope that I will get a decent machine for our presswork.

 

Yes it was assuming limited cost of investment that a used lithrone was suggested. Enthrone does have grippers and DD cylinders as you mentioned correctly. So I too am wondering what is most crucial difference yet between Enthrone and Lithrone press..?

 

Enthrone is a low pile delivery press.....

 

Yes thanks, I am aware of the same. What I meant is apart from S-APC options what greater benefits would make a lithrone stand apart from Enthrone..? Cost wise or production wise, automation wise.