Screen TruePress 344 Pros/Cons

[blazschmidt]

Hello,

We are thinking of buying used Screen TruePress 344 N (late 2008 edition).

This is DI machine, plates cost are very low comparing to PressTek, all other consumables are the same like in normal offset press.

What do you think about this purchase? Quality of press, quality of print, problems, etc...

Best regards,

 

[ansoft]

Hi,
I have experience with both machines- TP344N and Presstek DI52. First of all they are completely different.
DI52 is waterless offset, TP344N is conventional offset machine.
DI can run up to 300lpi or FM20 very easily, TP344N can run these screenings like normal machine.
Plates are expensive for both machines with only one manufacturer. You cannot go for another supplier. TP344N and DI52 are Japanese Ryobi and Hamada machines as a mechanics. If you expect Heidelberg, or MAN Roland looking machine-forget about it. These machines are with a few ink or ink/water rollers. TP344N scans automatically every 6th sheet and corrects the ink keys. DI52 is with manual densitometer. Both are good and reliable. Both machines require regular operator maintenance. If you leave the machine dirty it will run very poor. Presstek still manufacture DI52 and offer refurbished machines, Screen TP344N is only second hand and it is discontinued.
Do some test prints on both machines and it is up to you.

Regards