After extending its Universal press platform in 2009 with the successful introduction of the 4x1 Universal XL model, Goss International has now developed a Universal XL press available in a 4x2 format.

The Universal XL presses complement their higher performance counterparts, the Goss Uniliner series. They are designed for applications requiring web widths up to 1220 mm (48") and speeds of up to 75,000 copies per hour. For higher productivity, the Uniliner series is capable of 80,000 copies per hour with a maximum web width on the 4x2 variant of 1900 mm (74.8").

According to Goss International vice president Jacques Navarre, "We are addressing an emerging requirement in several regions for presses that deliver double-width productivity along with versatility, simplified operation and a lower investment cost."

The Universal 4x1 and Universal 4x2 are both intended for new press investments or tower addition projects and can be installed in single- or double-former folder configurations. Although based on the Universal platform, they incorporate many technologies and design elements found in the successful Uniliner series, a factor that Navarre says will make the new models a natural extension to existing platforms. "We can now offer Goss alternatives for printers and publishers requiring capabilities that fall in between those of our 2x2 single-width presses and our higher-performance double-width presses," he explains.

These capabilities can vary from the requirement for high output in very short time windows, to the flexibility provided by a double-width press that delivers renowned quality suitable for newspapers and semi-commercial heatset work. Both Universal XL models can be equipped with dryers.

The Universal XL 4x2 press can be configured with reelstands under the towers or at right angles to the press in the Goss T90 arrangement. The latter configuration offers significant advantages in the efficient running of the press with a smaller crew. A Goss 2:3:3 folder can be equipped with a quarterfold option, completing the capability of the press to handle multiple smaller formats such as supplements and TV guides.

Goss International has installed the first Universal XL 4x1 press at Union Printing in Italy.

Close to 400 presses from the Universal family, with more than 4,900 printing units, have been installed in 55 countries since the model was introduced in 1991. These presses have been configured for coldset, heatset and UV production for an extensive variety of newspaper, semi-commercial and combined applications.

"Throughout the world, Universal presses have a well-earned reputation for print quality, performance and value," according to Navarre. "We have continuously applied our R&D resources to enhance this platform, and now we are extending the application range in response to the evolving requirements of our customers."