WhatTheyThink - Printing Industry News, Commentary & Analysis

August 17, 2005 -- Your story on the installation of the new Roland 900 XXL into Superior Lithographics in Los Angeles, California was interesting. Superior is a well known large format printer, and indeed the press in probably a good fit for their applications. However, there are several statements in that press release that are embaressingly incorrect to whomever wrote them.

In particular, I am referencing paragraph 15 which states, "At 12,000 sheets per hour, the 64-inch Roland 900 XXL runs as fast as even the most up-to-date 40 inch press, while its automated makereadies are quicker than those achieved by most conventional format machines." This statement may have been credible had it been written in 1992, but it is way off the mark in 2005.

To begin with, the most up to date 40" press in the market, the Heidelberg XL 105, has a top speed of 18,000 sheets per hour, and can regulary achieve that speed in production (don't believe me...come see it in action at PRINT '05). In addition, the complete 2005 Heidelberg Line of Speedmasters, including the SM-102, CD-102, SM-74, CD-74 and SM-52 all run at 15,000 impressions per hour. Even our Printmaster Line of less automated, lower priced production machines have top speeds of 13,000 sheets per hour. This sph issue not only applies to Heidelberg either, as several other press manufacturers claim top speeds well above 12,000 sph. To state that 12,000 is up to date and state of the art is foolishness, and totally incredible.

You writer/speaker goes on to say that the 900 XXL has "automated makereadies that are quicker than those achieved by most conventional format machines". Pure poppycock I say. The old cliche, "Seeing is believing" could not be more true. To any of your readers attending PRINT '05, I challenge them to come and watch the Heidelberg demonstrator makeready an XL 105 and time it. Then go compare this to the Roland 900 time. I think this statement will quickly be proven false.

In our competitive marketplace, the increasing pressure on end users by their customers for better price, better turn around, and more added value added to the complex and often future dependent capital investment choices they must face, the last thing they need and the worst thing a supplier can do is be misleading. It is in this environment that the printers are most dependent on their suppliers, and the consulting and advice provided can forge unbreakable relationships when the buyers best interests remain the focal point. As a Heidelberg Sales Representative, I consider this my primary responsibility to my customers.

Respectfully submitted,

James R. Lo Coco
Sales Representative
Heidelberg USA, Inc.

Thank You,
Jim Lo Coco Heidelberg USA, Inc.

Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, most news articles are written and supplied by the company named in the press release. It should also be noted that MAN's writer uses the word "most" instead of "all". MAN Roland stands by their press release.

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