Can I Convert the GTOZ from Conventional to Alcolor?

[Piyath Pamuditha]

Hello everyone,

I’m thayiP from Sri Lanka. I’m currently running a GTOZ 52 with a conventional dampening system. I’m trying to replace the dampening cloth rollers with rubber rollers.

I already made new 53mm rubber rollers, which match the diameter of the original dampening rollers with the cloth cover. I removed the two original dampening cloth rollers and installed one rubber roller in the first position. This roller is now the only one contacting the plate, and I adjusted it properly.

I kept the water supply roller with the dampening cloth cover in its original position.

The issue I’m experiencing is that the print quality looks dull and washed out. I suspect the plate is receiving too much water from the supply roller, which still had the cloth cover. So I replaced that roller with a 53mm rubber roller as well. However, the issue remains the same.

I also tried it with the chrome metal roller (which was previously between the two dampening cloth rollers) with a rubber roller, but the problem still continues.

My intention is to convert the conventional dampening system to something similar to Alcolor or DDS. I’ve seen many machines online converted to rubber rollers only.

P.S. I have a Royce chiller installed, and I plan to use it as well if this setup works properly.

 

[junker1984]

To convert to a more efficient dampening system would be tremendously expensive, your best option would be to replace the press. No means to retrofit Alcolor, DDS may be possible, as many of the parts used in that version were visibly comparable to a conventional system but again, don't think it would be cost effective if it were possible. Epic systems (an offshoot of Dahlgren systems in Texas), was very common in the 90's for dampening system conversions, and I believe they are still producing.

 

[Piyath Pamuditha]

Hello!

Thank you for your quick reply! Can I convert it to somewhat similar to DDS Dampening? There’s an another alternative option is Kompac iii dampening units but my intention is to use it with the Chiller unit too.

The thing is I’ve seen many machines online which are did the similar conversion. Even there are machines listed online to sell with these convention done. I guess there is something problem with the roller setting.

To convert to a more efficient dampening system would be tremendously expensive, your best option would be to replace the press. No means to retrofit Alcolor, DDS may be possible, as many of the parts used in that version were visibly comparable to a conventional system but again, don't think it would be cost effective if it were possible. Epic systems (an offshoot of Dahlgren systems in Texas), was very common in the 90's for dampening system conversions, and I believe they are still producing.

 

[junker1984]

I would think that the manufacturer would say it would not be possible. I don't know myself. Epic or Kompac would be the most efficient means to achieve your goal. The problem for you would be getting the support, given your location. I think finding a good used Alcolor equipped machine, or similar manufacturer such as Ryobi, would be the way to go. Repairing your conventional GTO dampening system, assuming the age and normal wear factors, could possibly get you many more years of use. But even that would come at quite the cost. Even with new rollers, the inconsistency of the stability in the roller hangers and flat spots in the pins that the bearings ride on will lead to uncontrollable dampening.

 

[mantman]

There is the option of Aquatron/Aquaprint a DDS "copy" by Apex

 

[PrLogy]

Hi thayiP, as the other users mentioned, trying to adapt an Alcolor system has its complications; the gear systems and distances are not the same, so the operation is different. Many machines use a hydraulic system—or a pneumatic one in the case of Heidelberg—which helps maintain pressures and adjustments.

Similarly, one of the reasons why you might be getting too much water could be a lack of pressure from the roller (R) against the chrome roller (S in the image you showed). From what I’ve read, I'm not sure if you have that roller installed yet.

 

[Piyath Pamuditha]

There is the option of Aquatron/Aquaprint a DDS "copy" by Apex

Hi thayiP, as the other users mentioned, trying to adapt an Alcolor system has its complications; the gear systems and distances are not the same, so the operation is different. Many machines use a hydraulic system—or a pneumatic one in the case of Heidelberg—which helps maintain pressures and adjustments.

Similarly, one of the reasons why you might be getting too much water could be a lack of pressure from the roller (R) against the chrome roller (S in the image you showed). From what I’ve read, I'm not sure if you have that roller installed yet.

Hello Mantman! Hi PrLogy!

I’m sorry for confuse you guys by calling it Alcolor, I need to Convert to a Bareback dampening system which is quite similar to Kompac 3 and DDS.

And I have found similar thread talking about the exact same thing
https://www.colorprintingforum.com/threads/gto-52-single-colour-dampening-question.4661/post-18357

Do you guys have similar experience with Bareback Dampening?

 

[junker1984]

To change your press to run bareback simply requires you to increase form roller diameter to compensate for the removal of the cloth sleeve. I never ran a press, but having repaired them for decades, that's what I remember.