The Printmaster GTO 52 from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) turns 40 this year. The best-selling press in the 35 x 50cm format has sold over 106000 printing units sold worldwide. The GTO – which stands for Grosser Tiegel Offset (large platen offset) – was unveiled at drupa 1972. With its exceptional flexibility and print quality, this very robust press set the standard for small-format applications.
The machines format established a new format class in professional high-quality offset printing. Customers appreciate its high quality, which matches that of larger presses. The GTO is a flexible entry-level model based on manual operation that can be used for applications such as numbering, perforating, imprinting pre-punched products, envelope printing, leaflets, forms, cards, and labels. Its high-precision single-sheet feeder supports a wide range of different formats and substrates – from light-weight paper to cardboard.
Heidelberg is marking the anniversary by offering four exclusive GTO anniversary models on attractive terms. Customers ordering GTO single- to four-color presses between May 1 and October 31, 2012 will also receive selected accessories and a specially designed printing unit guard. A column in the Commercial Flexibility section of the Heidelberg stand at this years drupa will display the four different designs of the GTO press over the years.
The Printmaster GTO 52 is a global success story. In the years ahead, we will see continued demand for this ideal entry-level press from customers in both industrialized countries and emerging markets, said Stephan Plenz, member of the Management Board responsible for Heidelberg Equipment.
Ongoing further development ensures state-of-the-art features
New developments such as the Prinect Classic Center or the alcohol-free direct continuous dampening system for eco-friendly printing ensure that the Printmaster GTO 52 continues to enjoy market success even after 40 years. The Prinect Classic Center combines precision with straightforward operation. The membrane keypad on the user-friendly central console is used for all ink and register settings. Settings can also be stored for repeat jobs.
The excellent print quality is achieved thanks to a high-volume inking unit with a storage capacity of 1:6.5 for high-quality processing of solid colours. Four oscillating inking form rollers help prevent ghosting, which is a particular advantage on surfaces with negative cut-outs. The alcohol-free direct continuous dampening system has an extended working window that applies a thin, even film of dampening solution for a fast and stable ink/water balance. Whats more, the inking and dampening system can be washed in a single pass. Bearer to bearer pressure between plate and blanket cylinder enable precise transfer of the print image onto the substrate, while high-precision Heidelberg printing units ensure a long service life and the robust design for which the GTO is renowned.
GTO product development:
1972 drupa: Launch of the single-colour GTO in the 320 x 460 mm (12.60 x 18.11 in) format
1977 drupa: Launch of the first four-colour GTO
1980 First GTO 52 in the 360 x 520 mm (14.17 x 20.47 in) sheet format
1984 Market launch of the first GTO models with Alcolour dampening system
1986 drupa: Launch of the GTO 52 five-colour press
1990 drupa: Launch of the first fully digitized five-colour GTOF-S with CPTronic, stream feeder, and a print output of 12000 sheets/hour
1995 drupa: New GTO series with single-, two-, and four-colour models
2000 drupa: GTO models in a new design
2002 Launch of the Prinect Classic Centre (remote control for inking and register)
2009 Streamlining of models: Four standard models with standardized configuration for the Printmaster GTO 52 press series: GTO 52-1, GTO 52-2, GTO 52-4, and GTO 52-4 with Prinect Classic Centre
HEIDELBERG JHB (+27 11) 574 4000 DBN (+27 31) 263 2950 CT (+27 21) 534 0460 heidelbergsa@heidelberg.com www.za.heidelberg.com
