RDP 260 Press

General Specifications.

The RDP Marathon web press (often referred to by model lines such as the RDP 260, 200V, 260V, 300V, SR series, etc.) is a line of high-performance variable-repeat web offset printing presses originally manufactured by RDP Marathon Inc. (a company with roots in Montreal, later acquired and integrated into broader Barry-Wehmiller/PCMC operations).

These presses are engineered for high-volume commercial printing, business forms, direct mail, labels, packaging, and specialty applications. They emphasize flexibility, reliability, and inline finishing capabilities for efficient production.

Key Features and Specifications (General Across the Line):

• Variable Repeat/Cutoff: Adjustable cylinder sizes (e.g., 17–28 inches or wider ranges depending on model) for format flexibility without full cylinder changes.
• Web Width: Varies by model — e.g., ~20.5″ for smaller models like the 200 series, up to 26.5″+ for the 260 series, and larger for 300/380 models.
• Printing Units: Highly configurable (1–10+ colors), with options for blanket-to-blanket perfecting (two-sided printing) or other configurations.
• Speed: Up to 1,500–1,800 feet per minute (fpm), depending on the specific model and configuration.
• Inline Capabilities: Supports coating, UV/EB/hot air drying, numbering, perforating, die-cutting, folding, sheeting, and other finishing in a single pass. Many include advanced controls like Smart•Set systems.

RDP Marathon web presses use offset lithography principles on continuous paper rolls (webs), with heat-set or cold-set options. Their modular, variable-size design makes them versatile for printers handling diverse jobs — from short-to-medium runs with frequent format changes to long, high-speed production. They are known for robust construction, customization (including hybrid digital conversions in later years), and strong performance in demanding environments.

Used RDP Marathon presses remain active in the secondary market, valued by commercial printers for their durability and cost-effectiveness compared to newer equipment.

This is a basic overview. Let me know if you’d like details on a specific model (e.g., the 260), comparisons to other presses in your inventory, technical specs, or anything else!

A powerful, reliable workhorse offset press, the RDP 260 was installed in May

1992. The original configuration consisted of a splicer, four conventional ink

units, numbering units, all processing units and a folder.

In 1996, the four existing print units were rebuilt for UV printing. Six

additional UV print units were added. Also installed at the time was a unit

for applying remoist, scratchoff, and varnish, as well as UV and RF drying

capability.

In 2012, a hot-air drying unit

was added for aqueous coating,

with a two-sided silicone applicator

installed in 2013.

Information specific for this press.

General

• Speed – Mechanical Drive -50fpm to 1500fpm

• Gear Lubrication – Continuous oil bath

• Drive Train – Tubular drive shaft with flexible steel

disk couplings at gear boxes

• Press Drive – Electric DC Drive 150 HP

• Max web width – 26 1/2”

• Max print width – 26”

• Print cylinder circumference – 22”

• Web Break Detectors – Electric eye style mounted

over the web

• ET web guide

• Frames – 2” thick cast iron (34” inside frames)

Unwind

• Martin Model EC Plus-1526 Automatic Splicer

• Max splicing speed – 1500fpm

• Max web width – 26 1/2”

• Max roll weight – 1800 lbs

• Max roll diameter – 52”

• Two pneumatic core shafts (3”, 5” dia)

Web Cleaner

• Doyle Web Cleaner

Print Units

• No. Units – 10

• Reel-in Blankets

• Motorized Circ. Register with remote control

• Motorized plate side lay with remote control

• Plate cylinder skewing and form roll adjustment

• Auxiliary Unit drive motors

• 360 deg circumferential gear boxes

• Dahlgren dampening system

• Master Flo SF100 Central Refrigerated circulator

for dampening (10 units)

• Chilled vibrators each unit (Master Flo Chiller)

• Ink Agitators

• EPG motorized ink key controls with operator

console

• Auto ink roll wash-up

Back Printing

• Print units 1-4 are reversible

• Hockey sticks on print units 1-6, 9

• Turn bars between units 4-5, 5-6

UV Dryers

• Prime UV curing system

• Prime Smart system control

• Three units for positioning after unit 1, 4, 5 or 1

Other In-Line Features

• Double numbering unit (constructed for arabic

numbering, barcoding or marginals)

• IDC combination remoist / scratchoff / varnish unit

• Prime UV and Proctor Strayfield model SW 25/76 RF

dryer for above unit

• Double filehole unit

• DK Hart die cutter with rewind

• Processing unit inc. linehole punching, vertical perfs

(3 shafts) and two cross perf cylinders

ADDITIONS

In-Line Coating Equipment Additions

• Megtec Silicone Applicator (Added June 2012)

• ASI Hot Air Drying System for Aqueous Coating

(Added June 2012)

• Modified Silicone Applicator to 2 Sided

Register Control

• Electromat auto register and cut-off control

• Electromat inspection system for two-sided viewing

Folder

• Fordyce VS 1326 single stream

• Max web width – 26 1/2”

Sheeter

• Egan (John Brown) Model VB1026LC Sheeter /

Batcher Stacker

• Date 3/31/92

• Retrofit for 44” pile (Added November 2012)

• Sheeter Optional

Rewinder

• WTI Turret Rewinder (Mod. No. 50/26.5/1200)

Rewinder is optional

This is a very highly optioned press with many features added so that it can produce a wide variety of work. If it fits your needs this is a good machine to look at and add to your plant.

For more information please contact either Bob Dowling 708-721-0792 you can call or text on this number or Bob is available on Whats App – or you can also contact Bob Nuttmann at 610-227-9840 call or text and I am available on Whats App too