PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Bigger, Faster Speedmasters Debut

Long-anticipated large format Speedmaster sheetfed presses—the 40×56´´ XL 145 and the 47×64´´ XL 162, were previewed last month at Heidelberg's factory in Wiesloch, Germany. The scale of the new Hall 11 in which they are built is so grand that the larger Speedmasters don't appear that different in person. Situated next to a 41´´ XL 105, though, they are several feet longer and taller—with a catwalk that is nine stairs above floor level.

Understanding that bigger presses are both longer and taller, Heidelberg improved ergonomics of operational controls. The firm's Prinect Press Center control system was upgraded across the entire Speedmaster line, with large-panel flat-screen displays added to accompany the standard-size touch screen control panels.

These large screens, which began arriving as early as December with some Speedmasters, scale up to present a full-sized press sheet, even for the 64´´ machines. They can also display the color channels for a job juxtaposed to the ink keys in actual size. It certainly makes it a lot easier for operators to envision the work in process on-the-fly, while reserving the touchscreen for control of the press. There are now three touch screen controls: one in the Prinect Station, and one at each end of the press.

The Speedmaster 74 CD has been replaced by a larger XL 75, in 20.87×29.53´´ C-format and 23.82×29.53´´ F-format versions. XL 75 carries a new simultaneous platechanging system, Autoplate XL, that declutches the press units from the parent drive so all plates can be changed in one minute.

A number of high-performance features from the XL line, such as sheet-braking and Intellistart, a highly automated start-up program, are now standard on the regular Speedmaster line. Heidelberg said it will continue to manufacture and enhance both the 40´´ SM102 and SM102CD alongside its faster Speedmaster XL line.

Heidelberg also announced an expansion of its perfector lines. During a pre-drupa factory tour for journalists, a 5-over-5 XL 105 perfector with coater and a 4-over-4 XL 145 were shown. The large perfectors use Heidelberg's version of a double circumference perfector transfer system, allowing them to handle thicker stock.

A live run of a 6-unit XL 162 on .025´´ folding carton box stock was presented on the factory floor as well, in a black-cyan-magenta-yellow-green-violet sequence. That press, with a flexo chamber coater, will be on the floor at drupa.

The larger presses are founded on the platform of the XL 105. Some elements, such as grippers and sheet braking, were adapted directly from the 41´´ version to the larger machine, according to Dr. Jürgen Rautert, management board member responsible for engineering and manufacturing at Heidelberg. Brand new, and placed on all the XLs, is a jog wheel control at delivery. This is reminiscent of the Apple iPod control, allowing the operator to navigate intuitively through various press control screens. Rautert calls the iPod the “best example of a human interface to electronic controls.”

ONLINE: go to www.us.heidelberg.com