Re: GTO 52-4P
Jack
(C) first. If you are doing a lot of 2 Clr 2 Sides then the GTO4P is a good purchase because you will print 2 over 2 ( Perfecting ) So even with average M/R it is still going to be quicker than an SM52 2.
The downside of the GTO4P is that the bearing setup in the perfecting is under engineered, so the perfecting unit is known to fail big time ( approx $2k to $4k fix ). The straight 4 is solidly engineered.
Auto plate on the QM and SM Series machines is great. GTO'S will take a lot more plate alignment between jobs. ( Clamps are not fixed on the GTO )
And they are slow @ 8,000 - 10,000 iph ( We run between 5k and 7k ) compared to the SM Series at 14,000 to 16,000 iph.
My tip, if you are looking at the GTO52 4.Also look at the GTO52 5 then you can coat ( varnish ) on the run and increase the quality of the work.
(B) We have both Alcolor and Varn Kompac Systems. The Varn system is simple, easy to maintain and gives excellent dampening but it does require a bit more cleaning during a washup.
When we first used the Alcolor I was not that impressed. Chilling unit, plumbing, sensors all over the place and the alcohol plus fount solution look overkill compared to the Varn. It does work well, but it can be a pain to setup and maintain settings.
The Alcolor washes up with the inking system, a time saver.
(A) The economic run length from the GTO4 to the SM52 2 (?) is different for all types of work. You would have to use a formula something like....
M/R + Runtime = Job
Say a 10,000 4 Clr 2 Sided Job setup to work and turn on a GTO4. 5000 Run x 2
40 mins M/R + 2hrs R/T = 160mins. (5,000iph)
Same Job on an SM52 2
20 mins M/R + 20 mins washup + 20 mins M/R + approx 65 mins R/T = 115 mins (10,000iph)
The main thing in goIng from a small operation ie 1 & 2 Clr Machines to 4 Clr is overheads. Everthing increases, Stock, Consumables, Wages?? Output, Frieght etc.
KEEP YOUR OVERHEADS LOW and you will be happy with your decision.
Hope this helps
Andrew