SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 14, 2025 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is set to showcase its groundbreaking digital ecosystem for end-to-end print production at the upcoming Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025. This innovative solution, centered around the Jetfire 50 B3 sheetfed inkjet system and the new Stahlfolder Fireline nearline postpress solution, promises to revolutionize the way print shops handle short runs and achieve maximum efficiency.
Addressing the Challenges of Short-Run Printing
The printing industry is increasingly driven by the demand for short runs, requiring print shops to adapt and optimize their production processes. HEIDELBERG recognizes this challenge and has developed a digital ecosystem that minimizes manual intervention and maximizes profitability.
"Print shops are facing the challenge of having to process a growing number of short runs both efficiently and profitably in their production departments. That means keeping manual interventions to an absolute minimum. Integrating industrial inkjet printing into a digital ecosystem is therefore extremely important for the commercial market and the growth strategy of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG)," states the company in its press release.
Jetfire 50: The Heart of the Digital Ecosystem
The Jetfire 50, launched at drupa 2024, plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. Its integration with Prinect technology allows for seamless workflow automation and optimized print production. The system is already making its mark, with installations scheduled soon for customers in Switzerland.
Stahlfolder Fireline: A World Premiere in Postpress Automation
At Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025, HEIDELBERG will unveil the Stahlfolder Fireline nearline postpress solution. This innovative technology enables highly automated processing of digitally printed sheets, from cutting and creasing to folding, all in a single operation.
"In the industrial printing context, efficient and highly automated postpress operations are vital if production departments are to process a large number of highly diverse orders efficiently and ensure the profitability of digital print production. That makes our new Fireline postpress solution a key addition to the HEIDELBERG digital ecosystem, taking us a big step closer to end-to-end print production,” emphasizes Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG.
Expanding the Fireline Family for B2 Format
While the Stahlfolder TH 56 Fireline is designed for the Jetfire 50, HEIDELBERG is also developing the Stahlfolder TH 66 Fireline to support the upcoming Jetfire 75, planned for release later in 2025. This expansion will extend the benefits of the Fireline solution to the B2 format.
Seamless Integration and Automation with Prinect
The Stahlfolder TH 56/66 Fireline seamlessly integrates with the Prinect workflow, enabling automatic presetting based on job parameters. This minimizes operator intervention and streamlines production. The system comes equipped with standard programs covering a wide range of end products, including:
- A3 and A4 posters with full-bleed trims
- Four-page pamphlets in various formats
- Eight-page A6 products with different fold types
Prinect further enhances efficiency by batching similar orders, optimizing the workflow between the Jetfire 50 and Stahlfolder TH 56/66 Fireline.
Empowering Efficiency and Productivity
The high degree of automation offered by the Fireline solution allows even less experienced staff to achieve professional results and maintain high productivity. In addition to the pre-loaded standard programs, users can manually configure and save custom programs to meet specific needs.
HEIDELBERG at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025
Visitors to Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025 can experience the Jetfire 50 in the HEIDELBERG design and witness the world premiere of the Stahlfolder Fireline at Stand P 2 in Hall 1, shared with Müller Martini AG.