According to Mark Hogan, marketing manager for Heidelberg UK and product manager for finishing products, the Polar 78 has a "fantastic" resale value and, with around a 50% market share in its format, it's easy to see why models are highly sought after by secondhand dealers.

Two versions of the 78 guillotine were launched at Drupa 1995. The ES had a lower level of programmability, while the ED had additional features, including extended block programming and graphical user interface (GUI).

Targeted at B2 commercial printers and trade finishers, the machines were replacements for the 76 model. Polar made about 400 78 ES and ED machines a year until 2005, when the machines were replaced by the 78XT. Of the E series, around 60 to 70 went into the UK market each year.

The backgauge of the machine allowed for greater accuracy because it was driven by a three-phase motor to allow the gauge position to be reached quickly - the drive-speed then adapted to the specific distance that each job required. The machine's single-piece iron frame also gave it increased levels of durability, hence its popularity in the secondhand market. Heidelberg also developed a positioning system that used a pulse generator directly on the rotating spindle, without any intermediate connection, for a more precise performance.

New additions
The introduction of the new family of 78s brought enhancements to the design and a new control technology. The X range, unveiled in 2005, came in three versions: the XS, X, and XT. The control panel had a 15in colour-display with GUI for automated programmed functions.

The manufacturer took advantage of computer-aided finite element analysis, resulting in a design that had a greater stiffness and rigidity at the lowest weight possible.

The XS is a basic programmable entry-level model, which has a semi-automated workflow, while the X and XT come with CompuCut for shorter makeready times, as well as additional programmable functions.

Optional extras on the machine include false clamp plates, which are retrofittable. There is also an option for an OptiKnife that speeds up the unfastening and fastening of the knife screws, which shortens knife change by up to seven minutes. The AntiStickKnife has a special coating to prevent the build-up of glue when cutting, which could increase productivity by up to 30%. Other optional extras are side tables to the left or right with air beds, a movable rear table guard, waste bin conveyor lines and a carbide tipped blade.

"For a good secondhand machine, expect to pay around £12,000-£18,000, depending on the age and condition of the machine," says Hogan. A new 78X will cost around £30,000. Heidelberg has 35 post-press engineers in the UK and offers up to three-year service contracts on all finishing equipment still in production. This includes safety checks, routine maintenance and breakdown cover. The manufacturer can also source 93% of spare parts within 24-hours.

Hogan advises buyers purchasing secondhand models to check service history and whether regular safety checks have been made on the machine, as all guillotines require safety checks every six months.

At the time of writing, there was a 1999 78ES being offered by West-Yorkshire based Turner Graphic Services on PrintWeek's sister website PressXchange, which advertises a range of used machinery.

Specification
Cutting width 780mm
Safety clamp pressure 30daN
Knife speed 45 cycles/min
Smallest cut without false clamp 20mm
Footprint
Width 1,580mm
Depth 2,020mm
Depth frame 530mm
Weight 1,350kg
Price
New 78X £30,000
Secondhand 78ED/ES £12,000-18,000
What to look for

• Service history
• Safety checks