Target applications are books, maps, large-size displays and posters, packaging, folding box and niche work. Roland also believes the XXL will be a successful press in commercial applications.
MAN Roland claims the R900XXL size 8 is the world’s only modern offset press in that size. This is particularly designed for poster printers: city light posters, of the kind to be found in illuminated showcases at almost every bus stop.
Roland says with 18-sheet posters, the printing passes are halved in comparison with format 6.
The R900XXL is, like other R900s, (4, 5 & 6) a unit-type press, with digital Pecom control. It comes with the full gamut of automation found on all Roland presses. It will run at 13,000sph in size 7 format, 12,00sph in size 7B, while the monster size 8 press runs at 10,000sph. Unit configurations are from two to eight, with single or double coating options
Maximum sheet size on the press are in size 7, 1,120 x 1,620 mm; size 7B 1,200 x 1,620; and size 8, 1,300 x 1,850 mm. Each transfer cylinder weighs 4.5 tonnes.
Opening the launch in Offenbach MAN Roland chief executive Gerd Finkbeiner said ’Today is an important day, as it is the first day that MAN Roland has returned to the large format segment.’ Mr Finkbeiner then went on to outline the reasons why the XXL presses were being launched. He said, ’In today’s difficult trading conditions solutions have to come from a partnership between manufacturers and printers. We have to face the challenges together, and develop new applications together. The Roland 900XXL has come as a result of this joint approach.’
Finkbeiner said that the launch of the XXL showed MAN Roland’s continued commitment to invest in innovation, even in these days where the industry was hard presses on many sides, he said, ’As we listen to our customers, and our customers listen to their customers, then we will gain an understanding of the real issues that need to be addressed. The Roland 900XXL will certainly address issues that large format printers are facing, and we look forward to developing good partnerships with large format printers.’
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