The CD 102 ran at a top speed of 11,000cph when it was first launched. Today, its top speed is 15,000cph. The speed increase came in two stages; in 1990, productivity went up to 13,000cph and then, after Heidelberg strengthened the chassis in 1995, the speed capability that is available today finally became possible.

Productivity increases on the machine were also shown at Drupa 2004, where the German manufacturer launched a new feeder and delivery system known as Preset Plus, which allowed job settings to be entered at the pre-press stage. Levels of automation also increased as the product was developed. In 1989, Heidelberg’s press control CP Tronic was introduced, followed by the option of autoplate and the updated control CP 2000 in 1991.

Thicker substrates
Often used in the packaging sector, the CD 102’s cylinder ratio was designed specifically to allow thicker substrates to be processed. The diameter of the impression cylinder is twice that of the blanket and plate cylinders and the transfer drums are triple the diameter. “This straighter paper path is ideal for the packaging sector, or simply for those printers regularly working with heavier paper or board up to 1mm thick,” McCudden explains.

“The CD 102 has never been seen as a machine purely for packaging, but for printers requiring flexibility,” says McCudden. Originally, the press required special inserts known as transfer segments or ‘shells’ to print on thin stocks, but an air transfer system was added in 1998 eliminating the need for shells and allowing thinner stocks to go through the machine without smudging or wrinkling.  

The SPC versions of the CD 102 allow perfecting between the first and second print units. These models are often used by greetings cards manufacturers or packaging printers, where it is necessary to print on the inside and outside of the pack. SPC machines have been particularly sought after on the secondhand market, partly because they are so rare.

“Commonly, the CD 102 is configured with five or six colours, particularly with coater and extended delivery,” McCudden says. “An elevated press is also a popular option with packaging producers as the extra height allows larger quantities to be delivered from the end of the press before a pile change.”

More recently, Heidelberg introduced a Speedmaster CD 102 Duo, which allows coating and drying units to be positioned before and after the printing units. Because this means the substrate can be prepared before the ink is applied, a greater range of inks and coatings can be handled to produce effects such as ‘metalure’ or ‘pearl-lustre’.

A new CD 102 four-colour with coater can be bought for around £1.1m. “Generally, prices for used equipment will depend on condition, among other things, and whether the machine has been regularly maintained by the manufacturer,” McCudden says. “While unusually high impression counts may have some effect on the secondhand price, a CD 102 with well over 100m impressions is still a very serviceable piece of equipment.” A used 1999 model with four-colours can be bought for approximately £400,000.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Max speed
• 15,000cph
Max sheet size
• 720x1,020mm
Min sheet size
• 340x480mm
Min stock thickness
• 0.03mm
Max stock thickness
• 1mm
Price
• New CD 102 four-colour with coater: £1.1m
• Used 1999 CD 102 four-colour: £400,000
What to look for
• Impression count
• Service history