A US heatset printer is installing the country's first Wisprint 40 press.
The 1016 mm wide press with a 578mm cut-off has been sold to DS Graphics | Universal Wilde (DSG|UW) in Canton, Massachusetts, by ImPressions Worldwide in partnership with makers Goss Graphic Systems (China).
ImPressions president Tom Loesch says his company will oversee the integration of third party equipment, which includes Baldwin blanket washers and LED-UV curing, DCOS closed loop density and register control, and Jardis infeed and ribbon decks. Penn Graphics will supply new and rebuilt conveyors and stackers, while AGT will supply UV ink lines and automatic levellers.
"DSG|UW, a longtime heatset printer is making the move to LED-UV web production for the 64-page book and 16-page publication printing market," he says. "They have invested more than US$3 million to anchor web offset production in their new multiplatform production facility."
The 1016 mm wide press will offer a high level of automation and allow US letter-sized 216mm x 279 full-bleed pages. New Baldwin blanket washers and LED-UV along with DCOS closed loop density and register highlight the long list of upgrades that includes a Jardis infeed and ribbon deck.
"The magnitude of this order is significant," says Loesch. "We will be orchestrating all aspects of the installation and systems integration.
"Goss Graphic Systems (China) is renowned for their advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities. This is a familiar pressline that follows in a long-time tradition but at a price point that is more affordable than you would think, especially for a LED-UV web press."
Global sales director Peter Kirwan said Goss Graphic Systems China was "immensely proud" to be supporting DS Graphics with their latest investment. "Following their acquisition of Universal Wilde in March 2020, and subsequent investment in a new facility, they were looking for a web press system to enable greater flexibility and improved efficiencies within the group. The high performing, flexible Wisprint 40 will help the group achieve their goals."
Configured to address the 64-page book and 16-page magazine markets, the four-page semicommercial press is rated at 40,000 cph, and incorporates an ink train with three-forme rollers, commercial style narrow gap lock-ups and unit shaftless drive. It will replace three existing web presses.
Pictured: Elements of the press await shipping; Dave Gilmore of ImPressions Worldwide (centre) with DSG|UW chief executive Jeff Pallis and executive vice president Jim Dunlop