Heidelberg was at the recent China Print tradeshow at Beijing, China, where it showcased the new Speedster CX104 A1 format press in a CX 104-8+LYY-1+L configuration, saying it is the “longest 13-unit offset machine in exhibition history”.
The Speedmaster CX 104 can handle all materials from lightweight paper up to carton stock for packaging.
It enables users to flexibly switch between conventional and instant drying UV colours – supported by the additional washing cycle for the inking unit, blanket, and printing cylinder.
It allows for high performance ranges with speeds of up to 16,500 sheets per hour, uses intelligent assistance systems like Intellistart 3 and Intelliline, which revolutionise job changes with time optimised automation and complete transparency, and features an improved anilox roller change in the coating unit that makes setting up noticeably easier, safer, and faster.
The integration into the machine control via the Prinect Press Center XL 3 also offers a multitude of options for remote adjustment, such as register setting, pressing provision, and outlet control.
The LYY-1+L configuration consists of an extended double coating system.
According to Heidelberg, an annual increase of around four per cent in paper-based packaging makes the Chinese packaging market a growth driver for the company.
Heidelberg Greater China CEO Benny Huang said, “Heidelberg is investing into the China market as we have seen a strong uptake of our machines in this country. Print volumes in China are growing year-on-year and our technological expertise is crucial as we plan to grow our market share in this country. Heidelberg machines enhance competitiveness and our factory in Shanghai has proven to be a success story for the business and our customers”.
Showcased on a footprint of over 2,000 m2, the company’s packaging and commercial printing solutions focused on enhanced efficiency and productivity, end-to-end hybrid production using offset and digital printing and Prinect Touch Free control, the development of new business opportunities, and the digital transformation of the sector.
Also on display was Heidelberg’s flagship A2 format press, the Speedster XL 75-8+L.
The machine offers flexibility thanks to extensive configuration options for demanding requirements in commercial, label, and packaging printing. Some of its features include: a 50 × 70 format, Push to Stop functionality, the new Intellistart 3 assistance system, and new Intelliline system.
Jetfire 50 digital system celebrates trade show debut in Asia
In addition, Heidelberg also showcased its Jetfire 50 with a complete digital print ecosystem, making its debut at an Asian tradeshow.
The digital ecosystem consisted of machinery, software, consumables, service, and consulting. Using the new Prinect Touch Free software, the system can be integrated into a hybrid production environment with offset printing. Assisted by artificial intelligence, the software determines the most efficient and cost-effective means of production.
The machine, which was announced at drupa 2024, is based on inkjet technology from Heidelberg’s cooperation partner Canon and marks its expansion into industrial digital commercial printing.
In addition to a wide range of prepared print jobs, such as various brochures, flyers, cards or posters, customers can also test their own print jobs on the machine. The Jetfire 50 can cover a wide range of up to B3 format products in the commercial sector. Shengda Printing Technology, which is China’s largest web-to-print company, is the first Chinese user of a Jetfire 50.
Heidelberg said customers from the packaging sector invested in primarily its sheetfed technology, with a total of just under 350 printing units sold at the event, exceeding the company’s expectations.
“The huge interest in the innovations and displays at our booth provides impressive proof that Heidelberg is a leading market player in China,” the company’s chief technology and sales officer Dr. David Schmedding said.
“We won over a large number of customers with our integrated solutions for packaging and commercial printing from a single source, many of which are manufactured locally. The resulting incoming orders have given us a strong start to the new financial year, which began in April.”
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