GRAPH EXPO 2006: Sheetfed/Web Offset Presses — Heyday(s) For Heavy Iron

Three Ryobi presses were shown: a five color, 23x29˝ 755XL-E with UV capabilities; a four-color, 14x20˝ 524GX-P perfector; and a 3404 DI. Ryobi’s CIP4-JDF compliant MIS system also received attention.

Don Harvey, vice president and general manager, indicated that the opening day was the best first day of any Graph Expo he had participated in since 1968. Harvey attributed some of the high interest in Ryobi presses to the benefits of six-up (29˝) press formats in comparison to 40˝ models. With industry trends toward short runs requiring quick makereadies and job changeovers, he pointed to the 29˝ format’s added benefits of less manning and electrical requirements.