What does it do?
It’s a long perfector that prints both sides of a B2 sheet in a single pass.

Why did you choose this particular model?
Having tested various similar presses, the CD 74-10P came out on top in our evaluations. It gives us much greater flexibility and faster turnaround times. The market now demands high-quality jobs to be delivered within two to three days at the right price, and the CD 74-10P gives us the tools to satisfy those requirements.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes, but being an all-Heidelberg house, the CD74-10P complemented our press hall. Being all-B2 means we can swap jobs to other presses without having to re-make plates, hence saving time and reducing stress levels.

What features do you particularly like?
The extremely short makereadies, its speed and the colour control.

What features do you dislike? Is there anything it doesn’t have that you wish it did?
None that I can think of.

How fast is it?
15,000 impressions per hour.

What’s the quality like?
Excellent.

How much time or money has it saved you?
It has saved us both time and money because it has halved our running times and made us even more efficient.

Has it won you new work?
Yes, without a doubt. Turnaround times, price and quality are the most critical deciding factors when winning new business. We can now provide competitive quotes on jobs that would normally go B1. This opens up a new niche in the market for us.

Were there any difficulties experienced during installation?
Preparation was very important prior to the installation, including off-site staff training, which had to be done on a rota basis to minimise disruption. We also had to calibrate our pre-press processes. The installation itself proved challenging as a reinforced floor had to be laid, though production disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. As with the implementation of any major new technology, there were some teething problems, but Heidelberg supplied excellent on-site technical support throughout.

What about the service?
It has been great. Engineers are available when required, which is critical to our 24/7 production operations.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Anyone considering the B1 market. We didn’t have to ‘gear up’ other departments, but can still print 8pp A4 in one pass.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
When we get a client to sign a five-year, £2m per year deal!

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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5

Supplier’s response
Steve Cavey, product manager for 500x700mm format machines at Heidelberg UK, says: “We are delighted to hear that the customer is happy with the machine. It goes to show why it is the market leader. Since the launch of the SM74 in 1995, we have installed 70,000 units worldwide, and with the way the CD74 is selling, I don’t think it will take anywhere near as long for it to break that mark.”
Price from £599,000
Contact Heidelberg UK