A Speedmaster XL 75 Anicolor in a five-colour configuration with coater is running in the commercial print solutions and services area of the Heidelberg installation at Drupa.

Chairman and chief executive Bernhard Schreier said: “This press has been expected for a while, and now it’s here. We have found a new formula – 90:50:50 – 90% less paper waste, 50% shorter makereadies, and 50% higher productivity.”

The press manufacturer also revealed that it has sold more than 1,000 printing units of the existing B3-format SM 52 Anicolor model.

All Anicolor presses are being supplied carbon neutral as standard. Board member for equipment Stephan Plenz stated: “The Anicolor is the most green printing press in the industry. The 75 is targeted at short-run commercial print and also packaging.”

Quizzed on the likelihood of even larger formats, Plenz told the drupa report daily: “Our web-to-print customers would like a VLF 162 eight-colour version, but this presents some technical challenges due to the weight of the screen roller. Let’s see.”

Among the 60 innovations being shown by the firm is a major advancement in folding productivity, with output on the Stahlfolder TH 82 up by 50% compared to a conventional folder thanks to the PFX feeder.

Heidelberg is also showing a range of potential future print technologies, including 3D decoration using inkjet and clever drying technology using surface emitting lasers. “Drying is key in our industry, and drying could be revolutionised,” Plenz added.

This article originally appeared at printweek.com

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