The Alprinta operates at speeds of up to 450m per minute and features a variable-format offset module which is installed in place of the standard cassette.

The CIP4-compatible machine, which will become available in 2005, was demonstrated at Muller Martini's press factory in Maulberg, Germany.

Jurgen Dillmans, Muller Martini Press' managing director, said that increasing sales of narrow web presses was simply a "question of educating people".

"It is economical to do run lengths from 50,000 up to three, four or five million, so we'll take some of the sheetfed market," he said.

"We have increased the stiffness of the shaft by 30% so you can lift the cylinders out and in easily," he added.

No UK sales of the 52/74cm press were completed at the Maulberg event, although representatives of a number of British printers were in attendance.

Muller Martini also demonstrated its Concepta press, an upgrade to the Concept line of narrow webs which launched at Drupa, the QS52 sheeter and stacker and the PS74 high-pile stacker.

Story by Josh Brooks