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When Swiss varnishing and laminating specialist Steinemann launched the Topspot 102 coater back in 1991, its main aim was to prove to the print market that coating really could help a product to stand out. Aimed at specialist trade finishers, the Topspot was capable of spot or overall coating of paper and board, with UV drying, and also offered high gloss levels with minimal varnish required.

Alas, two years ago, Steinemann decided that the Topspot was no longer a commercially viable product and ceased production. Before its demise, five Topspot 102s were installed in the UK and 70 worldwide and these devices are still going strong, according to Murray Lock, joint managing director at M Partners, the sales and service partner for Steinemann’s laminating and varnishing systems in the UK.

There was only one model, but UV- or water-based options were available. Most units sold were typically accompanied by a Mabeg M3 feeder for underlapped sheet feeding, which was in turn equipped with a side register.

The coating unit consists of two rollers: a large diameter rubber coated applicator roller, designed to prevent splashing of varnish at high speed and controlled via an AC drive; and a metering roller made from chrome-plated steel with adjustable and reversible speeds.

Both rollers were fitted with a moveable doctor blade, says Mark Stribley, joint managing director at M Partners.
The varnish circulation system of the machine includes a distribution pipe, tank and return tray. Its gripper unit consists of a swing arm, impression cylinder, delivery chain, and plate cylinder with micro adjustment.

The Topspot’s UV dryer has a cooling unit which incorporates a suction conveyor system with vacuum control to hold the sheets in place. Its UV radiators are integrated with protective shielding. Reflectors can automatically turn 180° and lamps switch to half power in the case of a paper jam – this prevents overheating of the conveyor belt. A suction fan provides vacuum and cooling of the UV lamps.

Lines are equipped with a large number of security devices to prevent accidental starting of the machine in the wrong operating conditions, explains Stribley who adds that machine stops are checked via the digital fault finding system, which pinpoints the cause of the stoppage.

Operating at a modest 5,000-8,000 sheets per hour, its maximum sheet size is 720x1,020mm – AKA B1 – while the minimum substrate size is 280x406mm.

M-Partners will part-exchange an old model, and machines can also be bought from Steinemann via UK agents and resellers.

According to Lock it’s always important to test any machinery before investing and with the 102 there are two particular elements to look out for: the chain gripper systems and the plate cylinders. Potential purchases should also check the accuracy of the gripper systems and look for any general wear and tear. Spares are readily available from Surrey-based M Partners and the 2006 model, which was the last model manufactured, would typically cost around £400,000. Used models generally hold their value well and a 2002 model would cost approximately £300,000.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max sheet size 720x1,020mm
Min sheet size 280x406mm
Gripper edge 10mm
Sheet thickness 80-400gsm
Speed 5,000-8,000sph
Max stack weight 1,000kg
Varnish type UV
Drying three UV lamps
Viscosity Around 60 seconds DIN Cup no.4 at 23°C
Energy Around 95kVA
Price
2006 model: £400,000
2004 model: approx £350,000
2002 model: approx £300,000
What to look for
Chain gripper systems
Cylinders