Buying a used offset press from China: a pre-purchase checklist

A used offset press can be a sound purchase, but only if you know what you are buying. This checklist is what we ask sellers for before a machine is quoted.

1. Identity and age

Brand, model, serial number and year of manufacture. Ask for a photo of the nameplate and confirm it matches the listing.

2. Impression count

The counter shows how hard the machine has worked. Ask for a photo of the counter itself, not only a figure in a message.

3. Configuration

Number of colours, maximum sheet size, and any options such as a perfecting unit, coating unit, alcohol dampening or extended delivery.

4. Condition of wear parts

Ask about rollers, blankets, grippers and cylinder surfaces. These are the items that cost money after you install the machine.

5. Test run

Ask for a video of the machine running, ideally printing a sheet with fine detail so you can judge registration.

6. Power supply

Confirm voltage, frequency and phase against your factory supply before you buy, and ask whether a transformer is needed.

7. Packing, documents and freight

Agree how the machine is dismantled, packed and loaded, which documents come with it, and which trade term the price is quoted on. Check import requirements for used machinery with your clearing agent before you commit.

If you want us to run this checklist on a specific machine, send us the listing or the model and we will come back with answers.