Ryobis first DI press, the 3404DI, will make its first appearance as a production machine at Northprint in Harrogate this April.


The press has undergone a series of modifications since it was first announced at Drupa, but Ryobi is keeping the details under wraps until its official launch.


Although it has been in discussion with a number of interested printers about the first UK installation it has yet to decide on one.


"Our priority is demonstrations the press will be going straight to one of our showrooms after the show," said Ry-Offset joint managing director Neil Handforth.


Pricing has yet to be finalised, but will be in the region of 250,000-270,000, slightly more than was originally announced at Drupa. The rise reflects the modifications that have been made, claimed Handforth.


The 3404DI is a 2pp four-colour machine that uses a common impression cylinder with two plate cylinders, each running two colours, in a configuration very similar to that pioneered for DI use by the 74 Karat.


It runs at 7,000sph and features an infrared dryer to speed up drying for faster turnaround of duplex work.


The digital imaging system is based on Pressteks ProFire thermal imaging head and its Pearldry Plus plates.


Story by Barney Cox