Sakurai's 66SD made its debut in 2005 and was a marked improvement on its predecessor, the 66SI series. The diameter of the cylinders was doubled, and the new press was also heavier and more robust.

Its technology was based on the B2 75SD, which was launched in 2003. Following the success of the B2 press, Sakurai decided to bring out a smaller sibling, the 66SD. It had a similar number of automated makeready features and was available either as a straight or convertible perfector.

"It also had a seven o'clock take off, so it was easier for the sheet to travel through the press. This meant it could print better solids and handle heavier stocks," says David Ryan, UK branch manager at Sakurai.

Perfect fit
Because of its size, the SRA2 machine was perfect for a printer moving up from B3 or coming down from B2. Although the 66SD wasn't using any new technology, its presence in the A2 sector was "exciting" according to Ryan. "It was a very serious printing press that was coming into the A2 arena," he adds.

Typical buyers of the SD were upgrading from the 66SI series and they viewed the new press as a natural progression. On the other side of the fence, non-Sakurai customers were "pleasantly surprised" at the quality of engineering, according to Ryan.

The press was available in four-, five- and six-colour configurations and could achieve a maximum speed of 16,100 impressions per hour (iph).

Users could opt for Sakurai's Auto Set feature, which was essentially a sheet size and impression pre-setting system where the printer selects the sheet size. Once the sheet data was selected, the paper guide on the feeder for both circumferential and lateral direction was adjusted. The sidelay moved to the correct position and the vaccum ring and jogger at the delivery end all moved into position automatically. Users could also have a smaller optional plate size of 650x550mm.

The 66SD is still in production and optional extras include features such as ink roller temperature control, impression cylinder wash and water rinsing. Since its release to the UK market, the machine has notched up 40 sales.

As the 66SD is still fairly young, it's early days for it to have a strong presence in the secondhand market, according to Ryan. However, Sakurai will take back and sell used models. "The only way we get them back is through liquidation or closures," he says.

At the time of writing, the manufacturer has one refurbished 566SD in its warehouse. The used model has a plate size of 650x550mm. Sakurai has five engineers based nationally and offers customised service contracts.

"Some customers want service once a year, some twice a year. Some want you to include or exclude breakdown, so they are all tailored to the individual," says Ryan.

Clean and serviced secondhand machines are offered with a six-month warranty. A new five-colour machine will cost from £450,000, while used machines are priced at around £240,000.

Specifications
Max sheet size 660x508mm
Sheet thickness 0.6mm
Plate size 670x560mm
Max speed 16,100iph
Footprint five-colour 66SD: 7,868x2,512mm
Weight five-colour 66SD: 20,500kg
Price – New: from £450,000 Used: circa £240,000
What to look for Cleanliness, Service history