10 Things to Inspect Before Buying a Second-Hand Komori Printing Machine.
Investing in a pre-owned offset machine is a strategic move to scale your production, but the process of inspecting used Komori press units requires a sharp eye and technical expertise. As the packaging and commercial printing sectors in India grow, the Komori Lithrone series remains a top choice due to its precision and speed.
However, a “clean-looking” machine can hide mechanical fatigue. At Alliance Graphic Equipment Private Limited, we’ve helped hundreds of printers navigate this process. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled the ultimate used printing machine inspection checklist.
1. The Heart of the Machine: Cylinder Condition
When inspecting used Komori press cylinders, look for any signs of “welding” or “pitting.” The impression, blanket, and plate cylinders must be free of deep scratches or repairs. Any damage here will result in permanent ghosting or uneven ink distribution.
2. Gear Play and Backlash
The registration quality of a Komori depends on its gears. Check for “backlash” in the gear train. Excessive movement between gears indicates years of heavy wear and can lead to doubling or poor color registration.
3. Gripper and Swing Arm Precision
A key part of Komori Lithrone maintenance tips is checking the gripper pads and tips. If the grippers are worn out, the paper won’t transfer smoothly between units, causing registration shifts at high speeds.
4. Electronics and Drive Systems
Modern Komoris rely heavily on their electronic boards. Check the main drive motor and the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Replacing a proprietary Komori board can cost lakhs, so ensure the console (PQC) is fully functional without error codes.
5. Check the “Total Impression” Count
While a low impression count is attractive, it’s not the only factor. A machine with 100 million impressions that followed strict Komori Lithrone maintenance tips is often better than a neglected machine with 50 million. Ask for the maintenance logbook.
6. Oil Leaks and Lubrication Lines
Inspect the floor under the machine and the internal lubrication lines. Blocked oil lines are the silent killers of offset presses. If the automatic lubrication system has failed, the bearings are likely compromised.
7. Ink Fountain and Roller Condition
Examine the ink fountain keys (especially if it’s an APC or semi-APC system). Ensure the keys move freely. While rollers are consumable and can be replaced, damaged ink fountains are a significant expense.
8. Feeder and Delivery Performance
Run the machine at its maximum rated speed (e.g., 15,000 SPH) during the trial. Observe the feeder’s stability and the delivery’s pile neatness. If it shakes or jams at high speeds, there are underlying mechanical timing issues.
9. Damage History (The “Crash” Check)
Ask the seller directly if the machine has ever had a “crash” (cylinder wrap). Look for non-original bolts or fresh paint in hidden areas, which might suggest a major repair was recently performed.
10. Availability of Spare Parts
Before finalizing your purchase based on an inspecting used Komori press report, ensure you have a reliable partner for spares. According to the using genuine parts is the only way to maintain the machine’s long-term resale value.
Why Trust Alliance Graphic Equipment?
Inspecting used Komori press units isn’t just about a visual check; it’s about technical validation. At Alliance Graphic Equipment Private Limited, we act as your technical partner. We offer:
- Pre-purchase technical audits.
- Expert dismantling and precision re-installation.
- A wide inventory of inspected
