Komori L440 VS Heidelberg CD 102

Hi all,

I am a new member here in this forum and also a new player in the printing industry. I have been wanting to get into the business for awhile now and opportunity just started to show up late last year, so here i am now asking helps and advices of which machines are better to purchase for my needs.

I am currently considering the Komori Lithrone 440 and the Heidelberg CD 102 - 4 colors. Some of my bosses prefer the heidelberg since it is more common in my country and more well known brand. The reason im stuck right now though is that my products for now are mostly thin stock substrate - HVS 80 grams paper, and i am told that CD 102 - 4 is actually designed or extremely good for thick substrates, hence the consideration for buying komori.

I heard that komori is very good japanese brand in terms of quality of the machine and it is much more financial friendly than heidelberg. However, the concern is that the after sales service in the country is still limited compared to those of heidelberg.

However, i was also informed that in order to print thin stocks like HVS 80 grams in high speed, komori L440 is actually better and faster than CD 102 (despite having the same max speed in the technical data - 15k sheets per hour). I was wondering if anyone else can verify this information for me? In my opinion, it does make sense that komori is faster for printing thin stocks compared to heidelberg cd 102 since its designed for thick substrates? but hey im a newbie so feel free to correct me if im wrong.

Any advices would be appreciated

Cheers,

Thomas

 

HVS 80 grams paper = Wood Free Paper 80 grams*

 

Both machines are top class. CD is built for packaging printing but it can handle paper equally well as long as the mechanical condition of the press is good

 

many printing companies rotate machinery between 5 - 10 years of service. If you are looking to keep the machine for any length of time, you might consult with Heidelberg and Komori to find out how available a service tech. is , should you ever need one. Where I live, Heidelberg tech.'s are more available than Komori tech.'s. I do like both companies and their equipment. Most printing equipment these days have a lot of electronics on them , if the machines need repairs , it is the electronic end we usually need help with troubleshooting. a service tech that is easily contacted and readily available would be something to consider.

 

Thanks a lot for the help guys..! Really appreciate it..!

Can anyone here confirm though about the printing speed for CD is slower than Komori LS 440 while running thin substrates?

Cheers..!

 

Not necessary, it depends on the type of substrate, ink coverage and press condition.

 

Ok thanks heaps for the help responses guys, really appreciate it. After considering all the factors, me and my partners have decided to go with the Komori LS440 since its value is much cheaper than that of Heidelberg, and good quality and printing speed.

My only concern, as Bill mentioned above, was that the tech for Komori are less available. But i found out that Komori techs and operators are quite common already nowadays where im from and i read from some forums that Komori requires less maintenance and low cost spare parts, and more common spare parts if ever i need to replace some (some of Heidelberg's spare parts are patented and you can only buy them directly from the principal).

So thanks again for the help.

 

I would like to buy Komori LS 440 year 2007 and year 2008 perferrably. If it is avaialble please let me know. and mail me at: songdejun19842002@hotmail.com. or skype me at: mekalospring. Thanks!

 

You can toss a coin between the presses providing they are in similar condition. Bill made a good point when he mentioned availability of service when needed. I would strongly suggest stepping up to a 5 color over a 4 color. The extra unit makes for a lot more versatility. Also a aqueous coater would be strongly suggested.

 

I would go with what you can get service, and parts for readily.