Heidelberg SM 52 vs. Ryobi 525 GX

[curly]

Our company is looking to purchase a new 14x20 press, 5 color plus coater. We have narrowed choice to Heidelberg SM52 or Ryobi 525 GX. Can anyone help us compare these two presses in following area and any other input you might have?
1. Printing on 20-24pt stock: Single diameter imp. cylinder of SM52 vs. double diameter imp. cylinder of Ryobi 525GX (SM52 is optioned to handle upto 24pt stock)
2. Mechanical ghosting: Four oscillating form rollers of SM52 vs. non-oscillating form rollers of Ryobi 525GX
3. Print quality: Ryobi claims print quality is superior to SM52. (600 line screen, crisppier dots, etc)

[rbailleu]

we have a sm52-4h. the older style that maxes out at 16 point. we dont run over 200 lpi. the press will run the stock.

if this is the only material you will be running, or if you are runing alot of it. I would consider moving up to a sm74cd.
I realized that is a 500,000 jump, but 24 point is a heavy board. the press is going to sound like a washboard either way.

have heidelberg and ryobi demo the machines.

I would also consider resale value. 5 years from now if your market changes, whats the press going to be worth in trade.

[marty]

Having run a variety of press old and new, The SM52 will give your a lot of versatility. our Configuration is a 6 Color perfector (4/2) with Aq Coater. Fast make ready for your short run stuff 1000 sheets or less. 15,000 sph production with non stop feeder and delivery For your longer runs. I believe the new machines come with the "Mechanic in the Box " for three years. Durability and resale . are factors to. This is our Third Speedmaster 52. FYI We also have CPC2000 with access control.

[printmadd]

One factor you must also consider is service back-up I have both Heid & Ryobi & service on both is quite frankly "up the shit" I don't know what country you are in so can't comment on your situation. have you considered Sakurai or Komori??

[marty]

As far as the Oscillating Forms vs. Non oscillating forms. They do make a difference. Our service and support has been excellent. If running 24 pt. all the time you might consider a CD 74

[Leo Caproni]

I would recommend the Ryobi for several reasons

1. Double diameter impression and transfer cylinders that allow a flatter paper path, less gripper transfers which means less opportunity for slurring and doubling, significantly less chance of marking on heavier stocks with heavy coverage.
2. Oscillating ink forms are available for the Ryobi but not all four form rollers because they don't need them and you can see the difference by performing a difficult (job from hell) print test with same inks, plates, etch and subject matter.
3. You need to do an identical print test on both the Heidelberg and Ryobi, same inks same plates, same etch and you be the judge. I am betting you will like the results from the Ryobi.

[marty]

Leo makes a good point. What your end result expectations are , the ability of your operators, and your production expectations are factors to be considered as well as cost of equipment. Look most everyone makes good stuff, Ryobi , Roland, Heidelberg, etc.If you know your pressroom and how stable it is . By stable I mean good Ink / water / stock compatability.,good maintenance habits, Motivated operators who are not afraid of something new. Either machine should do you right. Service and support will depend on your relationship with manufacturer, and service techs. We are an all Heidelberg / kodak plant and have established good working relationships with our regional offices and Techs so they really take care of us.

[marktonk]

Hey Leo,

You would not have a biased opinion would you?

Regards,

Mark Tonkovich
Heidelberg USA
Product Maanger, CtP & Proofing

[tmason]

Is this the same Leo that used to work for Shinohara?

[maddskill]

I would go with the double diameter imp cylinder over the single. If your printing board stock that is the only way to go.