Tried & Tested

Japanese manufacturing has always been synonymous with state-of-the-art technology and solid build quality, and Ryobi’s 520 series is no different. The press, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, was unveiled atIpex in 1988.

That it is still going strong is testament to its popularity and durability. Designed to address a growing demand – particularly across Europe – for more colours in a landscape format, the range provided a heavier-duty build quality and specification than Ryobi’s previous machines. “The 520 series was also able to provide a more powerful inking system, along with a five-cylinder design, meaning minimal marking or mis-registration,” explains Neil Handforth, sales and marketing director at Apex Digital Graphics, the UK distributor for Ryobi presses.

The press can be configured as two-, four-, five- and six-colour versions, with options including perfecting and inline coating and drying systems. Additionally, Ryobi claims it was the first manufacturer to offer a coater on a 52cm press.

Enhancements
The range boasts a five-cylinder design, based on a double-sized impression cylinder, allowing the press to print two colours with just one gripper bite. On a four-colour machine, only four gripper changes are required for a sheet to pass through the complete printing process.

A number of enhancements have been made to the 520 series over the years, with various different versions since its debut. In 1990, the basic model was superseded by the 520H, featuring alcohol-dampening technology. This evolved into the HX in 1997, and then the HXX in 1988, which incorporated high-specification options including semi-automatic plate changing and the ability to be networked into pre-press to allow ink data to be transferred.

In 2002, an entry-level version of the machine, the HE, was also created as a reduced specification, low-cost alternative, with printing speeds limited to 11,000 copies per hour.

The current GX version, launched at Drupa 2004, has further enhanced high-speed makeready capabilities, and incorporates advanced colour control. Its speed has also increased over time, with the GX models offering 15,000 sheets per hour – up from the 13,000sph of the HX and HXX.

Later models incorporate Ryobi’s Smart Printing features, first showcased at Ipex 2002, including built-in inking software that calculates the shape and size of the image to be printed and determines how much ink will be needed. This then controls the flow of ink towards the end of a print run, adjusting it for the next job to be printed.

“Residual values are very good across the range, and Ryobi 520 machines certainly offer excellent value and specifications, whether for companies looking to upgrade or establish themselves in the small offset sector,” says Handforth.

The UK’s official Ryobi distributor, Apex Digital Graphics, continues to take part-exchange models back into its Hemel Hempstead headquarters for refurbishing and direct resale. The company also provides national service coverage on all Ryobi models through its team of more than 30 fully trained technical staff. Apex technical centres are based in Leeds and Hemel Hempstead.

When investing in a secondhand Ryobi 520, “availability of parts and servicing are certainly big pluses for printers who are looking at used Ryobi 520 series presses, along with the ease of operation and reliability of the machines,” says Handforth.

SPECIFICATIONS
Speed
HE: 11,000sph
HX/HXX: 13,000sph
GX: 15,000sph
Max sheet size 520x365mm, 520x374mm (HX onwards)
Max printing area 505x350mm
Stock Range 0.04-0.6mm
Pricing
New 524GX: from £299,000
New 524HE: from £199,950
Used 1999 522HXX: from £55,000
Used 1999 524HXX: from £140,000
What to look for
• General wear and tear