Small- and Medium-format Sheetfed Presses -- Automated Workhors
Komori America offers the Lithrone 28, a fully automated, half-size press designed and engineered to be the pressroom workhorse. The Lithrone 28 comes equipped with the Komori double diameter impression and transfer cylinders to maximize printing quality. This provides superior registration accuracy with a minimum of gripper changes.
A full complement of automated features, including the Komori automatic plate changing system (APC), speed makeready and increase production efficiency. The Lithrone 28 also comes equipped with the Komorimatic dampening system that ensures stable dampening at all press speeds and routes hickeys off the press.
It is available in configurations from two to eight colors, runs at a maximum speed of 15,000 sph and can be equipped with an optional in-line coater for added versatility.
The Diamond 2000 is the latest offering from Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses. It is ideal for direct mail, sales collateral materials, point-of-purchase displays, labels and software packaging. It is rated at speeds up to 16,000 sph.
Among its features are vacuum feeder belts and vacuum side guide, high-speed impression cylinder on/off device and Quick Start inking. The push-button, automated plate-changing system permits operators to change plates from a standing position in 60 seconds. The press also integrates seamlessly into a digital workflow.
Rediscovering Half-size Magic
To be honest, Rob Hasson Jr. wasn't all that concerned with generating half-size sheetfed offset press work. His Fidelity Printing, in St. Petersburg, FL, had carved a niche serving the Tampa Bay area with 40˝ products such as brochures, direct mail and annual reports for small technology companies, financial and insurance businesses, among others.
The 45-worker operation, founded by Robert Hasson Sr. in 1970 and now run by son Rob and his brothers, James and William, did have a half-size press. But it was the printing equivalent of the third-string quarterback; unless it was absolutely needed, it remained inactive on the sidelines.
