Heidelberg ROTASPEED Model RZO, with Suluminum gripper bars, 28" x 40" - Age 1967


Built in 1967, this Heidelberg Rotaspeed may not seem to be old enough for the museum. But, it’s included for a reason. This was one of the last to leave the Wiesloch factory with a chain transfer design. Originally, in the early sixties, Heidelberg experimented with a chain - afterall, Faber & Schleicher had been very successful with their Rolands. Besides, chains were much cheaper than a drum and gear.

At first, Heidelberg tried using the standard delivery gripper bar. That was disaster. Then, they tried a Suluminum special material. Finally, with constant register problems, they gave up and built the Rotaspeed as a cylinder and gear transfer.

The Rotaspeed is not a happy memory for Heidelberg to this very day, and was quickly replaced with the hugely successful Speedmaster in 1975.

Heidelberg ROTASPEED Model RZO, with Suluminum gripper bars, 28" x 40" - Age 1967

Age: Serial No.: Size: Restored:

1967 400486 S 28" x 40" 1999