Difference between Heidelberg Printmaster and Speedmaster

[Thayanithi Kokulan]

Hi All,
I have heard in the industry that Heidelberg's Printmaster version is their economic model and Printmaster models have mechanical issues is it true? Can anyone provide any explanation with regard to this?

 

[Travis Young]

Don't know a lot about them but the Printmaster is based on the GTO. They also make a Quickmaster 46 which is basically a small offset press. I had the privilege of a trip to the Heidelberg showroom in Sydney during my apprenticeship (2001) and they were exhibiting the QM46 two colour press. I remember thinking at the time that you would be lucky to get a decent cmyk job out of one due to the registration system.
The Printmaster 52 is basically a GTO with a bit of a fancy electronics, which is probably not desirable 20 years later. The whole appeal of the GTO is it's lack of things to go wrong. I doubt they would have mechanical issues, probably more likely electrical.
I have a GTO and I love it to bits but it's work scope is very limited in todays modern world.
The Speedmaster is a different kettle of fish all together. Stream feeder, run at 10,000 IPH all day every day. Faster plate changes. Quicker make readies.
Printmaster is slower and more agricultural but I would think no less reliable. QM46 I would steer clear of.
Love to hear the thoughts of some of our senior members

 

[Mechanica Speedmaster]

Travis sory but thats not correct... HD wanted to offer something cheaper as the SM models to the market so they just took out the level of automation out of the SM models. Printmaster has nothing to do with GTO- its build on completly different new platform. Printmaster was developed out of Speedmaster models SM52 and SM74. PM has the the same hardware as SM the difference is in only in less automation options on PM models, for ex. Easyplate instead of Autoplate, manual adjustments of format and printing preasure instead of Preset adjustment, PM has only standard (low pile) delivery, etc...

 

[mantman]

The one you refer Travis is the Printmaster GTO. Which is the older GTO with a facelift

 

[Mechanica Speedmaster]

OK,

 

[asem alsafady]

I can add that printmaster maximum speed us 13000 sh/h, speedmaster 15000 sh/h.
But in my opinion if your budget is limit go with printmaster.
Good luck.

 

[Adil]

SM machines are still very nice machines for me, either in terms of electronic control or technology.
For those who have a limited budget and a team of technicians with basic electrical and mechanical training, I recommend gto - Pm et sorm
And for those who have a higher budget and who can spend more and also have a team of electromechanical training technicians for automated systems, I recommend the SM and SX because sometimes breakdowns require automation and computer skills, especially in the latest generation of this type of machine.

 

[alibryan]

Komori.