Pitched as a bigger brother to the GTO and a baby brother to the B2 SM 74, the B3 Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52 press was a snug fit between the two models, improving on the GTO's delivery times and offering one-pass production without scuffs and marking.
The SM 52 incorporated automatic blanket and impression cylinder wash. With a top speed of 15,000 sheets per hour (sph), the press was popular in the five-colour market.
According to Heidelberg UK's product manager for B2 and B3 Matt Rockley, the SM 52 goes up against the Ryobi 520, Komori L20 and Shinohara 52.
So far there have been 30,000 print units sold worldwide. "Around 8% of these have been sold in the UK," says Rockley.
The SM 52 is available with manual and semi-automatic plate loading and as a perfector. Initially, the machine offered up to six-colours, but in 1998 an eight-colour version with perfecting was unveiled and, by 2004, the press could print in up to 10-colours.
Multiple changes
Changes have come thick and fast, according to Rockley. "Every Drupa or Ipex something is usually added or upgraded on the machine," he says.
In 2000, the manufacturer introduced its Prinect CP 2000 control center and inline coating device onto the machine as an optional extra. In 2004, it introduced inline die-cutting and, in 2007, Heidelberg launched the Anicolor model, which featured an anilox inking system. At Drupa 2008, the ‘H' range models were unveiled featuring high-pile delivery.
Heidelberg has its own ‘remarketed' arm and will take back machines kept in good quality as part exchange.
"We get a lot of customers who come to us that are looking for a new Ryobi, but will often take a secondhand Speedmaster instead," says Rockley.
The manufacturer has 200 engineers in the UK and service contracts tend to be based on the number of impressions the printer is running and shift operations.
If buying a used model, check the same things you would on any used machinery, advises Rockley. "Check the cylinders, bearings and service history. Also make sure you get a print test before the machine is dismantled," he adds.
Heidelberg guarantees parts availability 15 years after the end of production life of the machine. According to used equipment dealer Direct Press Marketing (DPM), used SM 52s tend to go to the smaller end of the B3 market.
"Most of the SM 52s we sell to the UK market are into small print shops that are looking to replace their old GTOs," says DPM sales director Dean Beckett.
A 1996 two-colour press will cost around £45,000, while a 2005 five-colour with CP2000 will cost around £200,000 to £220,000. A new five-colour press will cost from £320,000.
Specifications
Max sheet size 370x520mm
Sheet thickness 0.03–0.4mm
Gripper margin 8–10mm
Max units 10
Feeder 915mm
Speed 15,000sph
Footprint four-colour: 6.18x1.91m
Price
New five-colour: £320,000
Used 2005 five-colour with CP2000: circa £200,000
What to look for
Cylinders
Bearings
Service history
