Goss demonstrated a new product at drupa08 that is as interesting for commercial printers as its M-600 and M-500 heatset web offset presses. This was the M-600 Folia in a coldset configuration with a variable cut-off sheeter. The web fed press uses printing units from the Goss M-600 heatset press and prints at web speeds on both sides of heavy coated stock without oven, chill rolls or silicone applicator or any kind of dryer.

The new sheeter developed with VITS for the M-600 Folia press conveys the printed web using unique air rollers. The precise application of anti-set-off powder to both sides of the web is achieved by the extension of the transport system to turn the web, so that the set-off powder is always applied vertically on both sides. This provides a balance of set-off particle size and controllable application.

The sheeter then uses rotary cutter and air knife technology to form, slow down and stack the sheets. Non-stop pallet exchange capabilities allow continuous printing.

The M-600 Folia press utilizes sheetfed inks and consumables, and the innovative sheeter allows printing at up to 30,000 sheets an hour on coated stocks without a dryer. The blanket-to-blanket M-600 units enable full-format printing of sheets up to 700 x 1020 mm (27.5 x 40 inches) without the non-print gripper and tail edges required by conventional sheetfed perfecting.

The Folia is meant to compete with a sheet fed perfecting press in capital cost, in the footprint or space required, and in terms of flexibility. Additional M-600 units can be added for special colours, coatings and varnishes. Automation options such as autoplate, closed loop registration and density controls, and Goss DigiRail inking can also be incorporated. The Folia may be more than competitive in consumables since it uses paper in reels and normal sheetfed inks.

At drupa08 Goss demonstrated that the press is capable of fast make-readies and short runs. Close to 500 drupa visitors each day saw the live demonstrations of M-600 Folia. Altogether the press was demonstrated 50 times during the show. For what it is worth we were impressed and believe that this opens up a whole new way of thinking for commercial printers. We plan to cover several other Goss product innovations and services of interest to our readers in future issues.