Used Crestline or Kompac for Ryobi 3304H

Discussion in 'Ryobi Printing Presses' started by ABerg3860, Dec 9, 2019.

  1. ABerg3860

    ABerg3860 Member

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    From all I can gather, the Ryobimatic water system is a pain for almost anyone. I have struggled with it for over a year now. I am also told that either Crestline or Kompac is a much better option. I have run them on other press and have to concur. The problem is the price. We are a non-profit and money is always tight. I have seen many 3302s that already have one or the other dampening systems less expensive than it would cost to put new systems on my machine. I have some one capable of making the switch. My question is, how can one tell if the machines are compatible?
     
  2. seanryder

    seanryder Member

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    The Ryobimatic system can be finicky but well maintained (replace rollers regularly using OEM products) will give better results. OEM rollers are more expensive though. If I had to choose between your other two options I'd go Kompac. But, even those however run best properly maintained with quality rollers. As far as compatibility between 3302's and 3304's, I'd note model and serial numbers and contact a Ryobi tech. There is a guy at ryobipressparts.com that may be able to answer your questions.

    Good luck to you.
     
  3. ABerg3860

    ABerg3860 Member

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    Thank you for your reply. When you say replace the rollers regularly, what exactly does that mean? For instance, we do not run the press every day. In fact, on average, we run it about 1 week out of a month. I have heard that it does not matter how much it is run, the rollers have to be replaced once a year regardless. Since changes seem to be gradual, how do you know when it is time to quit fighting it and buy new rollers?
    Thanks for your input.
     
  4. seanryder

    seanryder Member

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    Well when we were really busy we'd change water rollers every year and ink rollers every two years. But now that we've moved a lot of smaller runs to our digital machine the press isn't as busy so we can add about a year to the roller change frequency. If you only run the machine 1 week a month you probably have issues with the rollers, especially the water rollers, shrinking a bit during the down time. As far as when to change them its when you can't take fighting it I guess. For us it was lead edge creep becoming an issue more frequently, especially on long runs. Screens plugging especially on the magenta unit. I've run Kompac's on a 3300, 3302 and they are awesome. No brainer and so easy. My only question with running four in line is if it would be to wet for coated paper. Although theres a shop here that did that, but I can't say how it worked out for them.
     
  5. CSF

    CSF Member

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    ABerg3860.....You and every other offset shop on this forum may not need replace rollers as often as you do or think you do. Each situation is different, though.

    As long as you have a wash-up tray/blade you may be rather surprised at how easy it is to increase roller life dramatically, hold color longer, reduce plate blinding, etc... not to mention much improved ink transfer and ink/water balance.
    7 year old rollers (yes, 7 years old) on a 40" Mitsi. Hard as rocks and out of round. Procedure done 9 months ago and rollers still in and performing much, much better. Durometer lowered. Accepting ink, stripping reduced. Do they need replacing ? Yes, I would in a heartbeat. But some can't, won't, don't. Can't fix burned, gouged or damaged rollers, of course.
    Magenta is usually the worst.

    Feel free to PM me for info. I can provide you my # and/or email.
     
  6. alibryan

    alibryan Senior Member

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    Have run 3302s with both Crestlines, and Kompacs. In my experience, the Kompacs were much better.
     
  7. seanryder

    seanryder Member

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    Definitely Kompacs. Especially if your printing isn't super critical.
     
  8. seanryder

    seanryder Member

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    Aberg3860, where abouts in NW florida? My wife and I vacation in Pensacola Beach fairly often.
     
  9. Bill Borcicky

    Bill Borcicky Senior Member

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    Kompac or crestline units are always nice to have , however there is another option available, usually less expensive which may hold you over until you can afford a crestline or Kompac. Years ago I bought water rollers to give me a "bare back" water system. These are just plain rubber rollers slightly larger in diameter than your regular rollers. You run the press like normal except you will duct less water and achieve the same coverage. We currently use bare back on our Hamada presses and Heidelburg presses. Most printers will agree that the Ryobi presses are like a new version of Hamada press or very close.
     
  10. Travis Young

    Travis Young Member

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    Bareback dampeners work extremely well on Heidelberg GTOs
     
    Bill Borcicky likes this.
  11. emet

    emet Member

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    I am VERY interested in what you are saying about rollers. I would PM you but I can't figure out how to do it.
     
  12. CSF

    CSF Member

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    emet...what would you like to know ?
     
  13. emet

    emet Member

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    how to increase roller life dramatically
     
  14. CSF

    CSF Member

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    emet......The photos are from a Ryobi 750 in Wisconsin USA. Photos taken July 21 2020 when the cleaning was performed. Running UV ink.
    Press was converted to LED-UV, rollers are hybrid and still can run conventional ink. Unit was stripping badly, ink transfer was poor and color was being chased a lot. Plate blinding was rampant and plates were wearing at an alarming pace. The photos are from the yellow unit. Rollers were a year old. (Three cleanings Less than an hour to do so)
    Lots of paper, calcium and ink removed. Durometer when starting the clean was 51. After the cleaning durometer was lowered to 43. New, in wrap rollers spec'd at 41.
    Everything is better now for the shop. Clean rollers make everything better ! When will shops learn ?
     

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  15. CSF

    CSF Member

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    By safely removing the contaminants in them. Calcium is the main culprit. It encapsulates everything in the rollers. Calcium is an alkaline metal and it is abrasive and causes premature roller wear. I have taken 7 year old out of round rollers that were so hard you were not believe it and they are back on a 40" Mitsi and performing decently. They need be replaced but many shops don't spend money on new. Too bad, because ink train rollers are the heart of the press. New rollers cleaned once a week with a certain product can last a long long long time, but shops MUST be willing to do weekly maintenance. Hot water and vinegar does not cut it. The majority of roller cleaners don't cut it.
     
  16. Travis Young

    Travis Young Member

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    Emet,
    A good deglaze and proper roller settings are an essential part of any decent print shop. For semi hobby guys like us with time to spare and rugged, basic presses it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
    Even in busy shops with little time for maintenance, GTOs are renound for reliability and quick, easy maintenance.
    I've worked in shops where we used to push near on 40,000 impressions out just about every shift but there was always time for a quick lube, roller settings and a deglaze (normally prior to a double washup to go to a lighter colour).
    GTOs have quite good roller power for an A3 press and will continue to perform well under less than ideal conditions.
    You have very little to worry about, you'll get 10+ years out of your rollers anyway.
     
  17. emet

    emet Member

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    What products do y'all recommend?
    By the way Travis I now am working on an old two colour Hamada 234.
    Thank's for all your responses.
     
  18. emet

    emet Member

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    I also am running a large Harris V15 newspaper web press with old rollers. Any help is much appreciated.
     

  19. CSF

    CSF Member

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    Calcium Slayer & Flush is what I strongly recommend to use if your press has a wash-up blade.. It is a roller cleaner extraordinaire.
    www.calciumslayer.com
     

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