The unexpected makes an appearance at the xpedx Graph Expo exhibit with the presentation of a live, working 7510P 10-color perfector. The North American debut of the Ryobi 7510P, a fully automated six-up, 10-color, 23×31´´ perfector press, is taking place at the show (booth 654), where the press is outfitted with UV coating and interdeck UV dryers.

This long, 10-color perfector is the newest in the familiar 750 series, which has proven quite popular. Ryobi has the ability to incorporate an energy-saving, LED-UV curing unit into the 750. The model can also be outfitted with a casting system that uses embossed foil to impart textures or patterns into wet ink, which is then cured by the UV unit. On-press cold foiling technology, which employs UV curing to seal the foil, is offered as well. These technologies were unveiled at drupa in May and now are available for shipment to U.S. printers.

xpedx says the 750 series has a fully JDF-compliant workflow for CIP4 production environments.

The press features a state-of-the-art, three-drum perfecting device with a double-diameter transfer drum for convertible perfecting that allows for virtually mark-free printing at high speeds—on a wide variety of substrates. Its maximum run speed is 15,000 sheets per hour.

The 750 features a lot of automation: fully automatic plate loaders as well as ink volume setter software that presets ink keys, program inking that sets overall ink sweeps, blanket washers, roller washers, paper size presets, impression pressure presets, even a closed-loop scanning spectrophotometer. It also has an advanced lubricating system that continuously feeds fresh oil to moving parts without the need for filtering.

Though not in operation at the show, the LED-UV print curing system, developed in partnership with Toyo Ink and Panasonic, cuts power usage by a minimum of 70% and eliminates ozone emissions. The LED lamps last 12 times longer than conventional ones, and the system uses ink with no volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents.

The inline UV casting and foiling system enables special hologram effects—with accurate register because it is done inline on the press unit, then flash cured at delivery.

Also at Graph Expo, Heidelberg is demonstrating its new Speedmaster XL 105 press with perfecting for the first time in the U.S. Being shown as a 10-color line, it can print and perfect at speeds up to 15,000 sph. The XL 105-P made its worldwide debut at drupa 2008. Heidelberg says early users of the XL 105 perfector have reported a 30% to 40% increase in productivity over previous perfecting presses. (The non-perfector XL 105 version runs 18,000 sph.)

“With margins under pressure,” says Clarence Penge, VP sheetfed product management for Heidelberg, “efficiency is more important than ever.”

It features end-to-end preset abilities and enhanced three-drum perfecting system, with components engineered uniquely for the P model. The press can print and perfect up to 24-pt. board on a 29.52×41.33´´ maximum sheet size.

The convertible perfector features fully automatic changeover of the perfecting device, which uses eccentrically shaped reversing drums. The swing-out cylinder shells, before and after sheet reversal, extend automatically when switching to perfecting mode to optimize support for the sheet. The intake ports in the storage drum enable optimum registration.

The shells of the transfer cylinder are equipped with TransferJackets with an ink-repellent surface finish, minimizing the need for cleaning.

The PerfectJacket impression cylinder jacket has an uneven surface, which reduces the area in contact with the freshly printed sheet; the ink-repellent surface is also sealed to reduce ink buildup on the cylinder jacket.

Dynamic sheet distance control device monitors and automatically corrects sheet travel by adjusting air flows to ensure optimum sheet transfer.

Automatic presettings—Operators can pre-set the XL 105-P by entering the sheet size and thickness during the estimating or prepress processes or directly at the press. The press can be preset for the amount of blast and suction air in the feeder as well as for functions related to sheet transfer, the perfecting device and delivery.

Advanced automation in perfecting—The Prinect Press Center manages the perfecting device on the XL 105-P during changeover. Set-up processes are aligned, and repeat jobs can be easily stored. Changeover processes leverage an intelligent sensor technology, says Heidelberg.

Storage drum—Sheets are turned over with the help of a newly designed storage drum featuring channel supports to ensure front-to-back registration and a suction bar that tautens the sheet for alignment. The eccentric perfecting drum, with its large stock range and adaptation, can handle thick board and very fine papers.

Smooth sheet travel—Sheets are guided through the perfecting motion with the help of Dynamic Sheet Distance Control, which preemptively monitors and corrects sheet position as it transfers to the opposite side. Air jets are then implemented along with Venturi guide pans to aid sheet travel in a complete transfer system.

Preset Plus delivery—A patented Venturi sheet guide allows a sheet wet with ink to be transported at 15,000 sph speeds while avoiding contact with the press. Before entering delivery, PowderStar AP 500 Duo applies a precise amount of powder and air cover on both sides of the sheet. Patented Dynamic sheet brakes ensure even pile formation in the delivery and can easily be modified according to the print job.

ONLINE: go to graphicartsonline.com/graphexpo