Carded Graphics, Staunton, VA, installed one of the first Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 presses with hybrid UV capability (shown) in the U.S. The packaging printer and folding carton converter (cardedgraphics.com) also moved to a new, 60,000-sq.ft. facility to house the press, which will double the company's production capabilities.

The 7-color, 41´´ press with aqueous coater, hybrid UV and full logistics for non-stop production is linked to a full Heidelberg prepress system—including a Suprasetter 105 platesetter, Prinect Prepress Manager workflow system integrated to on-press quality controls, Prinect Prepress Interface, Image Control color measuring and Inspection Control, which monitors color consistency across the sheet during the run.

“Every part of our process, from prepress to finishing, can now connect and work seamlessly to create a finished product with faster turnaround and precise color management,” says owner Murry Pitts.

The new press included a plastics and substrates package for printing any grade of folding material up to 40-point thickness.

“Our capability now covers the full spectrum,” Pitts says. “Some of our customers request foil board and other substrates, and we can now do that internally— there isn't much we can't print now.”

The new press was built on an elevated platform allowing for higher piles for printing on thicker substrates and larger stock. The press incorporates a fully automatic logistics system with pile changing, material conveying and pile buffering, said to be critical for securing a constant maximum production speed with the thicker board substrates.

Heidelberg will showcase a 10-color perfector version of its Speedmaster XL 105 at this month's Graph Expo in Chicago. graphexpo.com, us.heidelberg.com