Ryobi has sprung a Drupa surprise by launching its first direct imaging digital press, the 3404 DI.

It is a two-page four-colour machine using Pressteks ProFire imaging heads. The model is set to cost between 233,000 and 267,000 when it begins shipping in December. Ryobi expects to sell around 250 machines a year both directly and via OEMs, although it is yet to reveal other vendors who will take the press.


The 3403 DI features auto wash-up and an infra-red dryer to speed drying for printing double sided work. Top speed will be 7,000sph. Plate imaging time takes 5.5 minutes at 2,540dpi and 2.5 minutes at 1,270dpi. It uses Pressteks Pearldry Plus plates.


The firm sees it as being suitable for runs between 100-10,000 impressions. Based on a common impression cylinder with two plate cylinders each running two colours the design is similar to the configuration employed in the 74 Karat.


Story by Barney Cox