A New Generation in the Pressroom
For years, the students in ITEC3351, Press Technology, have learned the offset lithographic printing process on the 6 AB Dick 360 Presses in the lab. A new ear has arrived in the pressroom.
The press lab now has a RYOBI 3302H (A). It was purchased from LSS Digital, a printing supplier in Houston, with student fees charged to students in the Technology Leadership and Supervision program. Through the superb efforts of LSS representative, Bill Powers, in cooperation with Ryobi Group, we were able to procure the brand-new press for less than $80,000!
The RYOBI 3302H (A) arrived in the lab February 11, 2004. With this press came 2 color, digital technology. The RYOBI press shortens make-ready time and stabilizes multicolor printing. The semiautomatic plate changer allows for easy mounting of plates by placing the plate into clamps and pushing a plate load button. The press can handle both metal and polyester-based plates. Another single button allows the press to automatically reset paper guides to various paper sizes, as opposed to manual resizing used on the AB Dick.
To aid in registration, the RYOBI has dials that can move the image, even while the press is running. A SuperDampener Continuous Dampening System is used on the RYOBI to ?ensure a stable supply of dampening solution,? the key in lithographic printing. All controls for the press are located on the delivery side of the unit so the operator can focus more on print quality than press functions.
There are other great changes that have been going on in the press lab. The floor of the lab was leveled compliments of the University. The floor was also epoxyed and paid for by College of Technology funds. The Texas Printing Education Foundation paid for the roof to be painted. The Houston Litho Club also donated money that was used to tile the floor in the hallway of the lab.
The RYOBI 3302H (A) press is definitely a welcomed change in the press class. Now students can learn not only where printing has been, but also where it is going. Through donations and university funds, the press lab is looking better than ever.