March 1, 2004 – Montreal, Canada – RDP Marathon Inc., manufacturer of variable size web presses for packaging, documents, direct mail, and commercial markets announced today the introduction of its Sleeve Offset Lithographic Independent Drive (SOLID) technology for packaging printers who require a wide range of sizes and print on a broad range of substrates. “SOLID is the result of several years of R&D and a meticulous evaluation of sleeve technology”, said Eric Short, President and CEO, RDP Marathon Inc. “While our packaging customers want the flexibility and affordability of sleeve offset technology, they also require the assurance of reliability and superior print quality. SOLID accomplishes all of this.” Capable of running at a maximum speed of 1,500 fpm (450 mpm) and available in web widths of 26.5”/673mm (LS•68) and 38.5”/978mm (LS•100) – in infinitely variable repeat sizes from 24” to 36” (610mm – 910mm) – the LS’s solid metal mandrel design provides the highest degree of rigidity available in sleeve design resulting in superior print quality. The precision mounting of the automatic chucking system secures plate and blanket mandrel/sleeve assemblies on gear and operator sides, while its design ensures mandrel/sleeve assemblies are automatically on center to the web with zero backlash. Utilizing the best of servo design technology, each SOLID sleeve insert is equipped with a single drive servo to run the plate and blanket sleeves. Perfect timing relationship is achieved by the single servo that drives the plate and blanket sleeves through a single gear train. The press line shaft drives the inking system and impression cylinder. This combined design minimizes the number of drive servos, thus reducing maintenance and downtime. The RDP Fine Line plate mounting system produces a near-seamless print gap (0.06”/1.5mm) when using stick-on blankets, maximizes print area and minimizes substrate waste. A one step size change system is provided for each print unit, allowing the next print job sleeves to be prepared off press. Straight through webbing allows for inter-stage (dry trap) or end-of-press (wet trap) drying including UV, EB, and hot air. SOLID inserts are interchangeable with other RDP inserts in the base print carrier. Available inserts include: Flexo inserts, conventional three-cylinder inserts, and dry offset inserts.