BY MARK VRUNO
As always when exhibiting at drupa, printing press manufacturer Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Hall 1/C30-1–C30-5) has brought ‘iron’ to the latest edition of the quadrennial trade fair. Heidelberg highlights its latest sheetfed offset technologies in Hall 1, where commercial/publication printers can see integrated Prinect workflow software driving multiple devices
The German manufacturer believes its Speedmaster XL 106 model will become the new standard for offset production that requires frequent job changes—at maximum speeds up to 21,000 sheets per hour (16% higher than 18,000 sph)! ‘This machine has the capacity to produce 100 million sheets annually,’ points out Clarence Penge, executive VP of sales, marketing, and product management at Heidelberg USA. ‘And, it’s powered by AI [artificial intelligence] to address the industry’s lack of skilled press operators.’ Penge’s vision: fewer operators, charged with managing processes, running multiple machines.
‘We strive to help our customers be more competitive…by lowering their cost per thousand [pieces printed],’ he adds. The SM XL 106 features end-to-end automation from plate imaging to plate feeding. ‘The combination of Plate-to-Unit and Prinect on the front end can produce 18 to 20 jobs per hour on a 450-sheet run,’ notes Penge. In addition, the new generation of CutStar reelsheeter facilitates automated processing of thin substrates (thickness range: 0.2mm to 0.6mm). It is supplemented by collaborative robotics in postpress with StackStar C, making high-volume output more efficient and economical than ever before.
In the company’s Experience Center, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of services beyond pure machine technology. Here are presented innovative and entertaining ways in which AI-based analysis tools, intelligent assistance systems, online services, and sustainable production solutions can make print products better — and PSP’s jobs easier. The 360° view provides specific solutions for present-day challenges, including issues such as:
• Addressing the skilled labor shortage
• Producing more efficiently
• Operating sustainably, economically
• Taking advantage of ‘digitalization’
Also shown, for smaller print shops, is the Speedmaster XL 75-4+L Anicolor featuring short makeready times and up to 40% higher productivity. This press employs the latest generation of anilox rollers in a zoneless inking unit (with dampening system) to yield quick, even inking. The additional benefit of consuming 20% less energy makes the machine an ideal illustration of environmental friendliness.
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