Mitsubishi Sheet-Fed Printing Machines: Complete History & All Models
The complete Mitsubishi sheet-fed story — from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' printing division through the Diamond series 1000, 2000, 3000, 3F, and the 2013 transition that created RMGT. Every model, India installed base, and guide.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) — one of Japan's largest industrial conglomerates — operated a printing machinery division producing sheet-fed offset presses under the Diamond brand. The Diamond series competed directly with Heidelberg, Komori, and manroland in the B2 and B1 market segments, particularly through the 1980s and 2000s. In 2013, MHI's printing division was merged with Ryobi's printing machinery business to form RMGT (Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology). The Diamond brand was discontinued for new presses, but a significant installed base remains in India and globally.
This is one of the most confusing brand relationships in the print industry. Here is the clear version:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) made sheet-fed offset presses under the Diamond brand from the 1960s to 2013.
Ryobi Ltd made sheet-fed offset presses under the Ryobi brand from 1961 to 2013.
In 2013, MHI's printing division and Ryobi's printing division merged into a joint venture: Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology (RMGT).
New presses are sold as RMGT — neither Ryobi nor Diamond. See the Ryobi/RMGT page for the current RMGT range.
Pre-2013 presses with a "Diamond" badge are Mitsubishi-origin. Pre-2013 presses with a "Ryobi" badge are Ryobi-origin. Both are now supported by RMGT/authorised service.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries brought engineering credibility from aerospace, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery to the printing press market. Their early presses were conservative but well-engineered — built to MHI's industrial standards with robust construction. Initial focus was the Japanese domestic market and select export markets where the Mitsubishi brand name carried institutional weight.
| Model | Years | Format | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Diamond models (B2 / B1) | c.1965 – 1985 | B2 to B1 | MHI's first commercial offset presses. Sold primarily in Japan and government/institutional markets in Asia. Limited India presence in early era. | Discontinued |
| Model | Years | Format | Max Sheet | Max Speed | Colours | Notes & India significance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond 1000 (early gen) | 1978 – 1995 | B2+ | 52 × 72cm | 12,000 s/hr | 2C, 4C | MHI's first widely exported B2 press. Competed with Heidelberg SM 72 and Komori L-40. Some India presence in institutional and government print. | Discontinued |
| Diamond 1000 (2nd gen) ★ India commercial | 1988 – 2005 | B2+ | 53 × 75cm | 13,000–15,000 s/hr | 2C–6C, coater option | Updated B2+ Diamond. CPC console, improved inking. Competed with Heidelberg SM 74 and Komori LS-40 in India. Good build quality, known for reliable operation. Moderate India installed base in commercial printers and packaging converters. Used Diamond 1000 4C: ₹30–70 lakh. | Discontinued |
| Model | Years | Format | Max Sheet | Max Speed | Colours | Notes & India significance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond 2000 ★★ India B1 presence | 1985 – 2008 | B1 | 72 × 102cm | 13,000–15,000 s/hr | 4C–10C, coater, perfecting variants | MHI's B1 flagship for two decades. Direct competitor to Heidelberg SM/CD 102, Komori LS-102, and Roland 700. In India: the Diamond 2000 found a market among large commercial printers and government printing establishments who valued the Mitsubishi engineering heritage and often had institutional relationships with MHI from other industries (shipbuilding, power plants, defence). Estimated 150–250 Diamond 2000 presses in India. Used Diamond 2000 4C: ₹60–150 lakh. | Discontinued |
| Diamond 2000 UV | 1995 – 2008 | B1 | 72 × 102cm | 13,000 s/hr | 4C–8C + UV lamps | UV variant of Diamond 2000. Used by Indian premium packaging converters for metalised board and specialty substrates. Moderate India presence. | Discontinued |
| Diamond 2000 Perfecting | 1990 – 2008 | B1 | 72 × 102cm | 13,000 s/hr | 4+4, 6+6 simultaneous | Perfecting version for book printing and high-volume catalogues. Some India book printing installations. | Discontinued |
The Diamond 3F (introduced c.2008) was Mitsubishi's most technically advanced sheet-fed press — simultaneous plate changing, high-speed automation, and LED UV capability on later configurations. It was in production when the 2013 RMGT joint venture was announced. The 3F's technology formed part of the foundation for the RMGT press range. In India, Diamond 3F installations are rare — the press was expensive and the RMGT announcement in 2013 created uncertainty that delayed purchases. The Diamond 3F is a capable, well-built press and Diamond 3F owners receive service support through the RMGT/authorised network.
| Model | Years | Format | Max Sheet | Max Speed | Colours | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond 3000 ★ India presence | 2000 – 2010 | B1 | 75 × 105cm | 16,500 s/hr | 4C–12C, UV option, coater, perfecting | Updated B1 Diamond with improved automation. Competed with Heidelberg CD/XL 102/105 and Komori LG-102. Some India installations at progressive commercial and packaging printers. Used Diamond 3000 4C: ₹80–200 lakh. | Discontinued |
| Diamond 3F | 2008 – 2013 | B1 / B2+ | 75 × 105cm | 18,000 s/hr | 4C–14C, LED UV option, coater, perfecting | Final Diamond generation. Peak MHI sheet-fed technology. Very few India installations. Service through RMGT network. | Discontinued (RMGT merger) |
Diamond brand discontinued — new presses are RMGT. See Ryobi/RMGT page
Through RMGT and authorised service network in India
Contact RMGT India agent (Priya Machines, Mumbai) for Diamond press parts
Parts and service: Contact Priya Machines (RMGT authorised agent, Mumbai) for Diamond press parts and service. MHI engineering quality means Diamond presses tend to be mechanically robust and well-maintained examples have long service lives.
Buyer's note: A Diamond 2000 or 3000 in good condition represents excellent value in the Indian used market — MHI engineering quality at a price discount versus comparable Heidelberg SM/CD 102. Verify parts availability for specific model before purchase.