Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74-8P

What does the machine do?

Predominantly, four-colour commercial print on a wide range of stocks. Occasionally, it is used for six-colour plus coater jobs.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
Having run an SM 74 10-colour for two years and been happy that perfecting presses could satisfy our requirements, we enquired as to the whether or not Heidelberg were developing a CD long perfector. This press was the first long perfecting CD 74 in the country. It is a superior machine to the standard Speedmasters.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
We only considered another SM 74 10-colour. Compatibility is a big issue for us and, for this reason, we needed to remain with Heidelberg.

Why did you make the purchase?
To boost capacity, quality and reduce turnaround times.

What features do you particularly like?
The press can print on a wider range of substrates than the SMs. The operator also has greater control of the sheet from feeder through to delivery, ensuring better running speeds.

Is there anything that you dislike?
The cost. I think Heidelberg should have a 50% off sale some time.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
When we buy the next one, we’ll go for a 10-colour for increased flexibility. At the time of our purchase, 10-colour models weren’t available.

How fast is it?
15,000 sheets per hour

How reliable is it?
There has been very little downtime since it was installed.

How easy is it to use?
There are quite a few differences from the standard Speedmaster, mainly involving the feeder and delivery. The standard week’s training was enough to educate our minders.

How much time or money has it saved?
For many jobs, the press time has halved due to perfecting the work. This has enabled us to offer an improved service to existing clients and win work from new clients. I believe the machine is saving at least 30 hours of press time a week.

Has it won you any new work?
Since installing the CD eight-colour, we have won three new contracts and renewed four existing ones. Our clients are impressed by the firepower of these machines and our commitment to invest in the latest technology.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
In our market definitely. But you do need to have the work to keep it though.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
I have a long-standing relationship with Heidelberg. They know I know what I am looking for so the hard sell isn’t required. It’s usually just a case of how much it is and when it can it be delivered.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
Our SM 74 will be upgraded to a CD 10-colour in the new year to ensure we continue to meet our clients’ demands.

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CONCLUSIONS
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 5/5

Supplier’s Response    
Richard Bradley, marketing manager for B2 and B3 products, says: “Hickling & Squires is a very import­ant Heidelberg customer and we look forward to discus­sing their future needs (and the price versus performance equation) because we have some amazing new features to offer that will keep them ahead of the game. Perfor­mance and price are inextricably linked, of course. Since Richard ordered his first long perfector CD 74, the range can now go up to 15 units including coating, if necessary. We do try to meet the require­ments of all our customers.”

Price    
From £1m
Contact    
Heidelberg UK
020 8490 3500