Original Heidelberg Printing Press

Out of context: Reply #5

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  • jevad0

    "Eventually, presses were designed from the ground up with automatic feed units. The dominant press of this type is the Original Heidelberg (colloquially known in America, although not Europe, as the "Windmill" for its moving arms) created in pre-war Germany. It was, and remains, the epitome of automated platen press design, and is a highly versatile press that can operate almost unattended, printing up to 5000 copies an hour of anything from thin business cards to boxes on cardboard. More Original Heidelbergs were sold than any other printing press in history, and it is the primary press in use today for the few remaining commercial letterpress printers ($2000-$7500 for a Heidelberg, depending on model, features and condition, with the newer 'Red Ball' units somewhat more desirable; much less for other brands). If only new will do, however, Brandtjen & Kluge, which continues to be run by the same family that founded the company in 1907, will still sell motorized letterpress platen presses, on a made-to-order basis (primarily for the export market) for about $35,000."

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