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.
Specifications
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
(Added February 2013)
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 – optional
• Egan (John Brown) Model VB1026LC Sheeter /
Batcher Stacker
• Date 3/31/92 (Serial No. 100290
• Retrofit for 44” pile (Added November 2012)
Rewinder – Optional
• WTI Turret Rewinder
For more information Please contact us. Bob Dowling 708-721-0792 Call or text this number. And Bob is available on Whats App too. Or you can call Bob Nuttmann at 619-227-9840 or text this number Whats app works if you use Robert Nuttmann
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