Challenge, the US post-press manufacturer, has been going strong for more than 130 years.
Founded in 1870, it has been producing guillotines since 1887. With that kind of heritage, it is no surprise the company has made it's mark in the sector, and its products remain popular today.In 1996 it launched the Titan range of guillotines after identifying a demand for smaller products. A smaller footprint made the range ideal for the copy shop or highstreet print market where space was tight. UK printers have been quick to take advantage with around 200 Titan installations since 1996. Its popularity aided no doubt by the reputation Challenge established with its CCM Premier range of medium- to large-format guillotines, launched in the late 1980s.The Titan range replaced Challenge’s Model 20 product. "The most significant improvement was the introduction of programming capabilities while other new features included computerised diagnostics, manual foot clamping and maintenance functions," says Chris Cooper, managing director of UK agent Terry Cooper Services (TCS). "This is a compact machine that puts big-machine technology within the grasp of B2-format and smaller print firms." The Titan 200 was first to be unveiled, followed a year later by the 265. This year, the range was upgraded with the launch of an intermediate-sized Titan 230. The original 265 was christened XG to differentiate it from the upgraded XT. The XT incorporated an infrared line indicator, superior to the white light systems. According to Cooper, this feature is particularly important as the line shows exactly where the substrate is about to be cut. The XT also boasts a Windows-based touchscreen control system. On all the models, the positioning of the backguage (the mechanism that positions the paper stack for the guillotine) was designed so the machine could cut more precisely.Ease-of-use was also at the forefront of Challenge’s mind when it came to installing the machines. For example, the Titan 200 can be easily dismantled for transportation."The top half of the machine can be flipped open for easy service or repair," says Cooper.As the main UK dealer, Nottingham-based TCS stocks the majority of parts in the UK and others can be obtained from Challenge in the US. New machines come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and TCS has 10 Titan service engineers covering the UK. The service history of any machine is important. It is vital to check it has had regular attention from a reputable dealer. "Mechanically, older machines may need the backguage, spindle and bushes replacing so it’s worth checking their condition," says Cooper. "If you buy a used machine, which has a warranty, this shouldn’t be a problem."
Founded in 1870, it has been producing guillotines since 1887. With that kind of heritage, it is no surprise the company has made it's mark in the sector, and its products remain popular today.In 1996 it launched the Titan range of guillotines after identifying a demand for smaller products. A smaller footprint made the range ideal for the copy shop or highstreet print market where space was tight. UK printers have been quick to take advantage with around 200 Titan installations since 1996. Its popularity aided no doubt by the reputation Challenge established with its CCM Premier range of medium- to large-format guillotines, launched in the late 1980s.The Titan range replaced Challenge’s Model 20 product. "The most significant improvement was the introduction of programming capabilities while other new features included computerised diagnostics, manual foot clamping and maintenance functions," says Chris Cooper, managing director of UK agent Terry Cooper Services (TCS). "This is a compact machine that puts big-machine technology within the grasp of B2-format and smaller print firms." The Titan 200 was first to be unveiled, followed a year later by the 265. This year, the range was upgraded with the launch of an intermediate-sized Titan 230. The original 265 was christened XG to differentiate it from the upgraded XT. The XT incorporated an infrared line indicator, superior to the white light systems. According to Cooper, this feature is particularly important as the line shows exactly where the substrate is about to be cut. The XT also boasts a Windows-based touchscreen control system. On all the models, the positioning of the backguage (the mechanism that positions the paper stack for the guillotine) was designed so the machine could cut more precisely.Ease-of-use was also at the forefront of Challenge’s mind when it came to installing the machines. For example, the Titan 200 can be easily dismantled for transportation."The top half of the machine can be flipped open for easy service or repair," says Cooper.As the main UK dealer, Nottingham-based TCS stocks the majority of parts in the UK and others can be obtained from Challenge in the US. New machines come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and TCS has 10 Titan service engineers covering the UK. The service history of any machine is important. It is vital to check it has had regular attention from a reputable dealer. "Mechanically, older machines may need the backguage, spindle and bushes replacing so it’s worth checking their condition," says Cooper. "If you buy a used machine, which has a warranty, this shouldn’t be a problem."
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SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum cutting width
265: 673mm
230: 584mm
200: 508mm
Maximum cut depth
265: 711mm
230: 610mm
200: 508mm
Knife cycle speed
265: 26cuts/min
230/200: 20cuts/min
Dimensions
265: 1,370x1,770mm
230: 1,270x1,680mm
200: 920x1,240mm
Net weight
265: 808kg
230: 454kg
200: 363kg
What to look for
Service historyCondition of backguage spindle/bushes
Price
New: 200 from £7,000 to £9,500
Used: 2004 200 with light beam and programming £5,000
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