Heidelberg has optimised its XL technology: the optional increase in printing speed for the Speedmaster XL 106 to 21,000 sheets per hour makes this high-performance system currently the fastest sheetfed offset press in the world, according to the manufacturer. Pilot user Cardbox Packaging expects significant increases in productivity with the same labour input.
The new Speedmaster XL 106 was unveiled at the Packaging Day at Heidelberg's Wiesloch-Walldorf site. With a speed of 21,000 sheets per hour, it is now also possible to an output of over 100 million prints per year is possible in folding carton production, according to the company. The increase in the Speedmaster XL 106's printing speed from 18,000 to 21,000 sheets per hour is therefore particularly attractive for producers of packaging applications in the 70 x 100 format, who are demanding ever higher machine output and end-to-end automation.
The economic benefit is an eight to ten percent higher net output and - assuming the full productivity potential is utilised - an amortisation period of around two years. In order to achieve this, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG has around 200 components of the overall system have been optimised from the attachment to the boom. In future, for example, two servo motors will drive the feeder directly and weight-reduced gripper bridges in the boom, which have been adapted to the new speed, will ensure stable and safe operation.
„Since its market launch in 2004, the XL technology from Heidelberg has set the benchmark in terms of productivity, performance and reliability for the high-end sector in our industry. Since then, Heidelberg has continuously developed this successful press platform. With the Speedmaster XL 106 that we are now presenting, we are taking performance in sheetfed offset printing to the next level and enabling folding carton manufacturers in particular to increase their competitiveness.“ Dr Ludwin Monz, Chairman of the Management Board at Heidelberg
The international packaging producer Cardbox Packaging headquartered in Wolfsberg, Austria, has a long-standing partnership with Heidelberg. Cardbox relies predominantly on Heidelberg technologies for printing and finishing at its international locations. The Speedmaster XL 106, which has been in operation at the Wolfsberg site since 2018, is working at its productivity limit. This makes Cardbox the ideal pilot user for the new Speedmaster XL 106, which the company has already put into operation.
„Competition is fierce in the international packaging market. For us, there are no compromises when it comes to quality, reliability and on-time delivery. Consistently high productivity is an important competitive factor. We are therefore delighted that we have been able to commission the new Speedmaster XL 106, currently the fastest sheetfed offset press in the world, and expect a significant leap in productivity after the start-up phase.“
Roland Schöberl, Managing Director at Cardbox Packaging Holding GmbH
In addition to the new high-performance system in the printing press area, Cardbox will also be launching two new printing presses at the end of the year. MK Mastermatrix high-performance punching presses, which were recently introduced to the market, into operation and thus also close a productivity gap in the area of further processing.
Heidelberg plans the Start of series production for the new Speedmaster XL 106 in autumn 2023. Further pilot installations will be carried out step by step over the next few months.
Source: Heidelberg
