Heidelberg has increased the maximum running speed of its
57" Speedmaster VLF XL 145 and 64" Speedmaster VLF XL 162 presses by
up to 20 percent. Targeting the folding carton market, this next level of
efficiency is enabled by the new "Packaging Speed Performance" (PSP)
packages. Heidelberg's Speedmaster XL 145/162 PSP printing presses are now
available with increased maximum speed and top productivity up to 18,000 sph
for the Speedmaster XL 145 and 16,500 sph for the Speedmaster XL 162. These
speeds lead the industry and confirm that the newest press platform available
is also the fastest.
Perfect for
High-Volume Producers
Heidelberg's new PSP speed class presses are designed for
converters requiring maximum throughput and minimal waste. Key applications
include conventional long runs in VLF packaging, e.g., pizza and cereal boxes,
frozen foods, confectionery, pet food, and electronics. Superior Overall
Equipment Efficiency (OEE), a measure of makeready time, makeready waste,
average net production speed and level of utilization, is critical to the
success of this business model. By optimizing all of the components of OEE, the
Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 145 PSP drives performance to new heights.
Calculations confirm that a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 145 VLF with PSP package,
working three shifts per day, six days per week, produces twice as many sheets
as a 2007 packaging press running at a maximum rated speed of 15,000 sph. The
Speedmaster XL 145 with Packaging Speed Performance can produce 70 million or
more sheets per year.
Many innovations enable the Speedmaster XL 145/162 to
achieve top speeds consistently. These include an updated feeder, improved
sheet guidance, and a 32-foot delivery optimized with Heidelberg's patented
high-performance dryers. Not only do the Speedmaster XL 145 PSP and XL 162 PSP
feature the longest drying sections on the market, but also
unique-to-Heidelberg, round air nozzle technology that ensures efficient drying
for the coating. The dryers are also equipped with seven slide-in units to
ensure smooth production and complete drying at maximum speed.
When print quality is a priority, the high-performance
inking and dampening system of the Speedmaster XL 145/XL 162 sets standards in
color consistency throughout the run, i.e., the form rollers are smoothly
transitioned onto the plate (no bending required), rather than hitting the
front bend of the plate, often leading to stripes. Especially at higher machine
speeds, Heidelberg's Prinect Inpress Control spectrophotometric inline
measuring and control system provides a major assist for operators by adjusting
color and register on the fly.
The Evidence Is In
One year ago, key innovations on Heidelberg's Speedmaster XL
145/162 VLF press series platform were recognized with the 2013 InterTech™
Technology Award from Printing Industries of America-the first press ever in
the 57"/64" class to be so honored. Heidelberg became the U.S. market
leader in VLF packaging presses for the first time in 2014, and has sold multiple
Speedmaster VLF XL 145/162 models with the new PSP option to demanding
customers in three U.S. locations to date this year.
Since the start of series production in 2009, more than 100
VLF Speedmaster XL 145/162 presses have been sold worldwide. Some 70 percent of
these are used in package printing. Exacting customers in North America and
abroad also have placed multiple repeat orders for Heidelberg's VLF XL presses
after seeing their initial investment exceed expectations in terms of
availability, capacity, and print quality. Currently, Heidelberg is recording
the highest volume of orders since the start of production.
