The 16,000sph press is capable of handling a broad range of stocks, and options such as a coater, extended delivery, UV drying, double-coating, and special applications, have led to a number of bespoke machines being created.
According to B2 and B3 product executive Matt Rockley, virtually anything a printer could want can be added, "including impression cylinder wash, ink temperature control, coating unit, IR or UV drying and water-cooled peripherals."
Five- and six-colour presses have proved particularly popular, Rockley adds, because of the growing market for special colours and the optional coater, which gives a fast turnaround and is often found on machines being traded-in.
By Ipex 2006, several innovations had been added to the machine, including an optional maximum press speed of 18,000sph, which was made possible by a new suction head and a dynamic sheet brake.
Two sizes
The press was available in two sizes, C and F. The C format is more common, especially in the UK and western Europe, while the F format press is predominantly found at label printers and is more commonly specified in the US. The F format offers a slightly larger printing area around (60.5x74cm instead of 53x74 cm).
By the time the XL75 was launched to supersede the CD74, in 2008, more than 10,000 CD74s had been sold before production ceased.
Rockley says: "The reliability of paper transport and the automatic perfecting device are all strengths. The Venturi air transfer system in the delivery, and between each unit, eliminates physical contact between sheets and the machine."
A further strength is the automation of the CP2000 press control unit. The press features robust, high-capacity inking units, which allow for great coverage, even when heavy ink coverage is needed, claims Rockley.
"If you’re lucky enough to find a used press then I’d suggest you look seriously at it," he adds. "For example, a five- or six-year-old CD74-6 colour with coating, extended delivery and a dryer should be able to be found and installed, from Heidelberg for a tad under half a million pounds."
For those wishing to trade a machine in, Heidelberg UK will consider a used press from any printer wishing to invest in a new model. The firm also sells secondhand machines. Service contracts are also available for suitable presses.
Heidelberg has a large number of service engineers in the UK, while spare parts are available from the company’s UK base in Brentford.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max/min sheet size
C format 530x740-210x350 straight printing and 300x350 perfecting
F format 605x740-210x350 straight printing and 340x350 perfecting
Speed 16,000sph
Stock range 0.03–0.8 microns
Footprint 11.805mx3.314m (press only)
Weight 30 tonnes
Secondhand price varies depending on size of machine and year, but could be up to £500,000
New price XL75 five-colour plus coater from £903,000
What to look for
- General wear and tear
