The GX Series will replace the HXX presses and will be available in two, four, five and six-colour versions. Unlike Heidelberg, which launched its eight-colour B3 long perfector at Drupa, Ryobi currently has no plans for an eight-colour GX.

Neil Handforth, sales and marketing director at UK distributor Apex Digital, said: "The machine is moduled in such a way that it could go up to eight-colour or even 10-colour if required.

"If we think the market demands an eight-colour, then Ryobi will respond, but at the moment I'm not certain the market is demanding that."

The four-colour version is 250,000-290,000, depending on specification. Handforth reported that a "number of orders are in the bag", but would not give further details.

The CIP4-compatible GX series is capable of speeds up to 15,000sph and is available with a coating unit, infra-red drying or UV curing.

Apart from the two-colour version, the presses use Ryobi's printing control system, PCS-H, as standard. This allows the operator to set colour, paper size and thickness, dampening and registration through a touch-sensitive LCD screen.

Apex will demonstrate a four-colour version of the press at its Hemel Hempstead showroom at an open day on 23 September.

Story by Josh Brooks