drupa Finishing Preview |
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| 25.02.2004 |
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Mark Hogan, business executive for finishing at Heidelberg UK, says: "Networking CIP 4-style is not a new subject but it is mirroring CtP which was talked about for several years before becoming a commercial reality. At this drupa we expect to talk, talk to become buy, buy. Already in the UK TL Visuals has begun to operate a fully networked production environment. Although some believe there will be less advantage in taking data from prepress to finishing than in going prepress to press, there could be surprises. Make-ready times achievable with a saddle-stitcher like the ST 400 are extraordinary."
As well as an enhanced saddle-stitcher range, visitors can expect to see perfect binders with the Heidelberg name on the side this drupa. In all aspects of finishing Heidelberg expects its visitors to look at ways of reducing cost per copy by improving performance, make-ready and connectivity.
The folding range is a "must see", whether looking for a standalone combination or buckle folder or a folder-enhanced product such as a Flexomailer or a thread sealer. A Speedbander for banding up finished sections off the folder will be on show in Dusseldorf.
One of the certainties at drupa will be that POLAR's new guillotine range will be shown. Unveiled at the start of the year shipments have begun already but anyone looking for that cutting edge in guillotine will be unable to resist a visit to the Heidelberg stand. POLAR's joint managing director Michael Neugart, did after all, hint that the company could be close to solving one of the main stumbling blocks to entirely automated cutting lines - an automated jogger.
Untended systems are not just blue sky thinking. Quad/Graphics in the US is outputting tens of millions of finished sheets, 24 hours a days, seven days a week - without human assistance. This is a comprehensive POLAR system designed for publication and catalogue work. A further four fully automatic systems are on the order books at POLAR. Many more industrialised printers and finishers will look at semi-automatic solutions in future.
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But even for those with less ambitious requirements the new range, the X and XT versions which replace the E and ED ranges in 78 to 176 centimetre width, are worth a look. The X stands for ten as these machines mark the tenth generation cutters produced by POLAR since 1947. The T means touchscreen and designates the higher specification version.
Only in the 78 centimetre size is an S version launched, a simple and economical design to offer a top quality product to customers who use the product only a few hours a day. Its screen display, 15 inches or nearly twice the size of the previous model, is a real ergonomic improvement. Only the POLAR 66 remains unchanged as it is a practical low cost system for the digital and quickprinter market.
All the new machines have larger, heavier frames giving extra rigidity and better economics. In addition on the 78 and 92 centimetre guillotines there are deeper front tables and on larger cutters a machine frame and front panel designed as casing. Both X and XT versions are fully compliant with existing and anticipated European safety standards.
A neat development on both X and XT versions is the new Optiknife knife change and adjustment system which has the potential to double the life cycle of a knife. A normal HSS knife gives and average of around 2,500 cuts and not even half that if it is badly fitted. Optiknife allows more accessible and simpler knife changing and eliminates the potential for poor fit. Adjustments are made low down in the cutting position rather than in the fully up position which to date has been an industry standard.
Across the range the guillotines will have a P-Net option, allowing them to have full Ethernet networking capabilities. The option is retrofittable. In effect the guillotines become the server so will be able to centrally adjust future peripheral equipment. Software updates and remote control diagnostics will then also become a reality. POLAR has hinted that there will be more to see at drupa and network compatible peripherals has to be a good bet.
Drupa will also reflect Heidelberg's growing commitment to the packaging market and on the finishing side this means the first public display of its Jagenberg product range. The company has already announced that it is rebranding its die cutters under the name Dymatrix to well alongside the Diana folder gluers but there have been hints all along the way that the products would feature significant changes at this show. With its Moenchangladbach production site in reachable distance there will be opportunities to visit Jagenberg during the show.
"Finishing remains the last bastion of old printing," says Mark Hogan. "The difference today between the forward-thinking printer or trade house and the old guard is becoming more marked. Those who fail to identify the challenges of today's market and who do not look at ways technology can help them reduce costs (be it reducing manning and waste or enhancing throughput) and add value in what they can offer their customers will fail. No one can afford to ignore the changes that will be unveiled at drupa."
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Company Profile
Over the course of its more than 150-year history, Heidelberg has grown from a traditional printing press manufacturer to become the world's largest solutions provider for the print media industry. With its seamlessly integrated hardware and software solutions, it has established a commanding lead over other market players. Heidelberg is a one-stop supplier of everything from prepress solutions to a wide range of products for printing and finishing pro- cesses, relevant training and accompanying services.
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