Goss International has introduced a new single-width model in its Universal press series, providing higher productivity and advanced features for newspaper and semi-commercial applications.

The high-speed Universal press, with a 2x1 cylinder format, produces up to 75,000 copies per hour.

"Our versatile Universal presses have a stellar reputation for delivering a unique combination of productivity, premium print quality, simplified operation and value," according to Jacques Navarre, Goss International senior vice president of sales and marketing. "With this high-speed 2x1 model, we give printers and publishers a new option that bridges the requirements for single-width agility and higher output."

More than 4,900 Goss Universal printing units have been installed since 1991.

The high-speed 2x1 Goss Universal unit includes blanket lock-up features used in high-end Goss commercial web presses. The proven lock-up will allow the four-page Universal press to maintain quality at faster speeds, as it enables a standard blanket to be used with a microgap.

Available in cut-offs from 530 to 630 mm and web widths from 840 to 1000 mm, the new Goss single-width model retains the high production flexibility, for which the Universal press series is widely recognized. A wide range of configuration and auxiliary options is combined with web and folding versatility, including a quarterfold option that provides the added product format capabilities that are becoming an essential requirement in many markets.

A shaftless design, with one motor per unit, makes the 75,000-copies-per-hour Universal 2x1 press easier to operate and configure and allows incorporation of top-level automation features. These include automated high-speed web-up, tower phasing, quarterfold blade phasing, pressure setting, and ink and register presetting from CIP3, CIP4/JDF files. Intuitive press controls allow storage and recall of up to 30 jobs, and separate servers for job preparation, logging, reporting, and maintenance ensure that information remains easily retrievable for all aspects of production. Remote diagnostics are also available for round-the-clock technical back-up from Goss International.

"The speed and production versatility provided by the high-speed 2x1 Universal press are an ideal fit for many of the newspaper and semi-commercial business models that have emerged and that could benefit from a four-page press with these new capabilities," according to Navarre.