SM52-2 or SM74-2

Discussion in 'Heidelberg Printing Presses' started by Greg Wallace, Nov 13, 2018.

  1. Greg Wallace

    Greg Wallace Member

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    Hi there,
    I want to start a new company and can't decide on which press to get. The problem I'm struggling with is I don't want to price myself out of shorter runs by going with the sm74. I've run a KORD and a SORMZ, but that was over 20 years ago. i've been in prepress and management since then.

    How would you compare makeready times between a 52 and a 74? Most of all of my work will be spot color.

    If you had to have one press, 20" or bigger, which would you go with?

    Thank you in advance for your time.
     
  2. turbotom1052

    turbotom1052 Senior Member

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    I would go with the press that not only fits your current needs but allows for some realistic future growth. Do you have any future plans that would require the larger format? Are these plans likely to come to fruition in the foreseeable future, or are they Hail Mary plans? I would say that if the 52 format will suit most of your needs out a couple of years, it would be foolish to invest more than need be. It would be a good problem to have to a couple of years down the road, need to add to your pressroom, or just replace the 52 with a 74.
    As far as MR times I would think that the difference between the 2 would be minimal with equally optioned presses.
    Just to throw a little more doubt into the mix I would also be looking at if future plans would have you requiring a 4 or 5 color as opposed to a 2 color. I would say that in todays competitive market the margins would get pretty slim if you needed to do multiple passes on a 2 color press. Without knowing your customer base id almost think that a 4 color with the ability to perfect 2 over 2 might be worth considering.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2018
  3. Greg Wallace

    Greg Wallace Member

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    Thanks for the advice. The accounts I have now would benefit from the larger format. I was just worried I'd be missing out on some of the smaller runs because setup charges are unreasonable. I have no intention or desire to compete in the 4 color market, but that could change in the future.

    After considering your comments and some more thought, I think I will look for the best equipment I can buy at a reasonable price and not worry about the order. I can tough it out on a 52 until I get a 74 and visa versa.
    And just for fun, a Qm46 for short run forms.

    Thanks again for your time.
     
  4. OkiTech

    OkiTech Senior Member

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    a common product such as Folder cannot be printed on 52-2. It may seem as "My current customer" does not order Folders but you never know what will walk trough your door tomorrow and as I understand swapping press is not as easy as swap a digital printer. At very least, even if you go with 52-2 press, getting a 74 capable platemaker is most likely sense making idea.
     
  5. Greg Wallace

    Greg Wallace Member

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    agreed.
    I'm going to get both.
     
  6. exheidmech

    exheidmech Senior Member

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    If you need help finding an SM52-2 I may be able to help you out. If so send me a DM
     
  7. Greg Wallace

    Greg Wallace Member

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    Thank you very much for your offer.
    I'm waiting until I sell a building I bought in the nineties to fund my dream shop. I'll let you know.
     
  8. stevetan 2019

    stevetan 2019 New Member

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    looking for a SM102-5 with coater
    pref mid 90s to early 2000
    also prefer CD model
     
  9. CSF

    CSF Member

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    Why a CD over an SM ?
     
  10. turbotom1052

    turbotom1052 Senior Member

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    A CD would be desirable over an SM when printing lots of heavier weight papers. CDs offer a smoother pathway for the sheet as it travels through the press. This smoother pathway helps in reducing marking issues, particularly when running a grain short sheet, which is often the case in that press format.
     

  11. CSF

    CSF Member

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    Thank you, Turbotom ! I appreciate that information.
     
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