Offset Printing
Central Maine Technical College Chooses Heidelberg
Tuesday 14. April 2009 - When the Graphic Arts/Printing Technology program at Central Maine Technical College in Auburn, Maine received a government grant to purchase new equipment in 2008, instructor Terry Brann and his students chose a Heidelberg Printmaster QM 46 two-color press to become the departments newest teaching tool.
“It was a collaborative decision,” said Brann. Now, his 22 students compete for time on the new machine, whose features include an innovative small-format envelope feeder, automatic blanket wash-up, automatic plate-loading and other components designed to appeal to productivity-minded printers and eager trainees alike. Brann especially likes the Printmaster QMs compact footprint and quiet operation. The shop is currently working its way through the Heidelberg Start-Up Performance Kit containing Saphira press wash, fountain solution, blankets and other supplies, and has been pleased with the results.
Alongside the new Printmaster QM 46-2, a Heidelberg MOZP 2-color perfector, a KORD litho press, and a Heidelberg 10×15″ Windmill letterpress, continue to pull their weight in Central Maines teaching print shop, while a Stahl USA B 20 folder holds its own in the bindery.
The Graphic Arts/Printing Technology department at Central Maine Technical College functions partly as an in-plant for the college community but also does some work for local nonprofit organizations, turning out a variety of 4-color commercial and 2-color envelope work on the new press. Graduates of the two-year program typically continue their educations, Brann said, and a number participate in industrial work-study programs for credit in their fourth and final semester.
Brann is hopeful that the new installation also will serve as a teaching tool in subtler ways. In terms of their future careers, he said, “Its important for students to see that sheetfed offset technology continues to improve right alongside its digital counterpart,” Brann said. “Programs like this one are among the best places for them to experience these advances, provided they have an opportunity to operate the best equipment available. Heidelberg presses certainly meet that description.”