Düsseldorf, Germany — The press line that’s leading the charge back to wide format offset printing is extending its technological lead at drupa. Speed increases, new automated non-stop deliveries and an advanced double coater system top the list of features being introduced for the ROLAND 900. Four of the available six formats of the 900 press line now print more quickly than ever before. Top rate of production has been raised from 13,000 to 14,000 sheets per hour on the 32.3” x 44.5” , 35” x 50”, 40” x 56” and 44” X 64” formats of the ROLAND 900. That provides printers who purchase these 900 models with a 7% productivity boost. The XXL sizes of the ROLAND 900, which measure up at 47” X 64” and 51” X 73”, are also the subjects of productivity gains. A new Rollomatic delivery is now available for these XXL formats, equipping them to run non-stop to expedite longer runs. An automated non-stop delivery was also introduced for the first four formats of the ROLAND 900. Both new deliveries shoot a roller blind into the delivery pile, providing a break point in the stack, as the press continues to print. The press operator can remove the palleted portion of the pile, while the roller blind holds and forms the live stack until a new pallet can be inserted. A new double coating module debuted for both 900 XXL formats. Available in 2005, the innovation consists of a coating unit, two drying units, a second coating unit and an extended delivery. The line-up allows for application of UV coatings, hybrid UV/aqueous applications, double hits and special metallic techniques — all in a single productive pass. Other advancements for the ROLAND 900 line that were announced at drupa include: - A special optional plate size for the 47” X 64” 900XXL which will make the press’ format compatible with less technologically advanced equipment a printer may be running - A board kit for both XXL formats that allows the 900 to print a wider range of substrates and a broader scope of applications - A G- and F-flute upgrade for both XXL formats that extends the press’ packaging capabilities - Advanced UV components for both XXL formats that expand the possibilities for UV and hybrid applications A five-color, 73-inch 900 XXL represents the extra wide press line at drupa. It is equipped with an InlineSlitter that prepares the wider sheets for conventional finishing systems in-line. Other new options running on the press include the quality-control module InlineObserver, ColorPilot with colorimetry capabilities, and an improved impression cylinder washing device. All six formats of the ROLAND 900 are available in configurations ranging from two to eight printing units, with or without in-line coating systems.