which one should I choose GTO 52-2, PM 52-2 or SM52-2?

[AHMED_HILAL]

Hello to all

I am starting a new print shop and I need your advices. I am planning to buy a 2-color Heidelberg machine. Age between 1997 to 2002. Do you think I should go for SM 52-2, PM 52-2 or GTO 52-2? and why?
I know that SM is much more faster and automated than PM and GTO, However, is their any major difference in terms of qualities of their printed products?
I will appreciate your advices.
thanks

 

[AHMED_HILAL]

i am waiting for an advice

come on. i know someone could answer this. i just want to know why should i buy SM 52-2 and not GTO 52-2? is it only the speed and automation?

 

[NotAGooner]

SM 52 is a stronger machine all round. GTO is a decent machine though. To me the PM 52 is like a very good duplicator, although I have never run one.

It's all reflected in the price, if money is not a concern, go for the SM 52.

 

[AHMED_HILAL]

Thank you very much NotAGooner. i appreciate your reply. i dont mind paying more money for SM if it will give me higher quality products compared to GTO or PM, however, i am not tending to pay more mony to buy an SM if it is only about speed and automation. So, my main question, is there any major differences between the SM, PM and GTO in terms of quality?

 

[OkiTech]

Hi, you're trying to compare Heidelberg to Heidelberg, GTO is older line but I'd out that they wend down on quality. If you OK with trowing in more money, may be go for PM/SM 74 - bigger sheet, it will require bigger CTP and cutter but could be a better choice - you'd be able to run 11x17 work and turn as well print presentation folders etc.

 

[AHMED_HILAL]

dear unlimitedBT, thanks for your advice. i don't think it is a good idea to start with a 74 machine. i am just starting the business and i prefer, at least at this stage, to take the stairs rather then the elevator. SM 74 will save production time when printing big quantities but it will provide as same quality as SM 52. Thanks anyway. By the way, it is nice to chat with someone from NY.

 

[OkiTech]

Keep in mind 1 thing - you will loose money if trying to sell it later no matter how soon and it costs ridiculous money to have these things moved and installed so even if you looking to go in to bigger size, even if a BIG IF, you will spend countless thousands at the point of a swap where now you will spend may be 12K on SM74 VS 10K on SM52... Just give it a thought.
Good luck.

 

[AHMED_HILAL]

Thanks UnlimitedBT. i appreciate your advices. here is the set up for my new printing press. (1) Sm 52-2 + (Age 1997 to 2002) (2) GTO 52-1 N+P (3) Polar cut (age 1992 - 1998) (4) manual wire stitich (5) folding Machine (2nd Hand) (6) Creasing machine (2nd hand) and (7) Prosetter 52 (2nd hand). anything is missing? do you reccomend anything else?

 

[OkiTech]

That list can really be endless or as large as your wallet
If you would specify the kind of products you are planning on produce, your orders quantity expected, etc., then I or anyone else can have a valid opinion about equipment set-up.