Checklist for buying a reconditioned 4 Col Sheet Fed

[Sandeep5]

We are basically Digital Printers, now trying to widen our services by installing a 4 col sheet fed offset unit. My knowledge of sheet fed offset machines is however very limited. Several reconditioned machines are available here (Lithrone / Mitsubishi / Akiyama).

It would be helpful if I could get some basic guidelines / Checklist before purchasing any of these machines from all of you experienced people of this field.

Thanks.

 

[Cornishpastythighs]

I'll start the ball rolling for you.
Any press you get make sure you have service and parts available in your area.
Dont buy a press that you cannot go and see running and talk to the operator.(avoid presses in bits or crated)
Dont buy one that was a special order and parts are difficult to get.
you didnt state what size press you are looking at? In the 40" market you will have a lot to choose from but again you will need to have parts and service available.
Check service records.
good luck

 

[Sandeep5]

Thanks !
We are looking at the 28"-32" size. We have got quotations from several reputed vendors. But a lot of details are confusing... For example... OPC, Komorimatic , Semi APC, PQC, API etc. which really does not make sense to me.

What should be the basic features of a fairly good condition offset press ?

 

[Cornishpastythighs]

All those are just short form for the various components of the press.
For faster makeready you should look for things like Auto plate loading, Ink presetting.
For colour control you look for closed loop ink density (PQC)
If short run fast changeovers are what you are interested in get auto blanket and impression cylinder washers, Auto roller washers.
Every press manufacturer has all these things on their presses its just what are you willing to pay for and can you get it fixed when it goes wrong.

 

[Kaoticor]

We have a Lithrone 28 which runs very well for us.
Depending on what kind of work you are going to be doing, investing in an Aqueous coater might be good, especially for coated papers.

I'm not going to give you the whole rundown on how expensive and a learning curve offset printing is, I'm sure you have already researched that. So a checklist I would give you is:

(1) The impression and transfer cylinders should be in good condition. This can be very important if you are not willing to spend 10's of thousands of dollars to repair them. If these aren't in decent shape, it will give problems.
(2) All of the oscillators (or the rollers that are actually "fixed" in to the press) should be in good condition. You might have to replace the removeable rollers when you buy a press, but if you have to replace the fixed rollers, you are looking at a lot more $$$
(3) The electronics should be in working order, such as the ink key controls, etc...
(4) The Plate and Blanket cylinders should not have large gouges or dents in them. Smaller things on these cylinders might be workeable, but large defects in the plate and blanket cylinders can also present a lot of problems.
(5) ANY auto-lubrication feature should be in good working order, such as the oil drip, etc... If one of these features isn't working, the press could already have serious damage accumulating.
(6) Is the press capable of doing what I need it to? You would be surprised how often this is overlooked.

There are a million other factors as well, here are just a few from personal experience. Hope this helps

 

[dabob]

The only thing I would add is to do a print test and see about slurring, doubling, and of course a break-away solid test to see the low spots on the cylinders.

 

[kheslin]

One of the most important longterm considerations is who you will use for ongoing maintenance and support. If you are going to use an independent mechanic, get them engaged during the selection and evaluation process. It is common to send your mechanic to evaluate any press that you are seriously considering. They should be able to run standard GATF test targets that will help identify issues with the press.

 

[Lennyr]

We are basically Digital Printers, now trying to widen our services by installing a 4 col sheet fed offset unit. My knowledge of sheet fed offset machines is however very limited. Several reconditioned machines are available here (Lithrone / Mitsubishi / Akiyama).

It would be helpful if I could get some basic guidelines / Checklist before purchasing any of these machines from all of you experienced people of this field.

Thanks.

Make sure that the ink keys are in good working order. The only way to tell is to test them.
Lenny R.

 

[Sandeep5]

Thanks a million to all !
We have shortlisted 2 machines an Akiyama 22x32 and a Mitsubishi 19x28. Lithrone needs more specialised service backup which may not be available in this area. Will go for testing the two machines by next week. All the suggestions will be of great help. Thanks a lot to all once again !