For the small- and medium-sized printing companies, the 50 x 70 cm format is the perfect fit for their product range in commercial and packaging printing. Many packaging printers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics segment in particular use the 50 x 70 cm format, which offers benefits for small folding carton and a high level of embellishment, as well as short runs. Over 19,000 printing units of Speedmaster CD 74, XL 75 and CX 75 have been installed. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is now working to upgrade the platform with a modern, ergonomic design to enhance its user-friendliness. Delivery of the new redesigned Speedmaster CX 75 and Speedmaster XL 75 is set to begin in September 2019.
Modern, ergonomic design
Heidelberg is working on enhancement of the model series in the 50 x 70 cm format. For example, the foundation for the Push to Stop philosophy was laid for drupa 2016 with the IntelliStart 2 user software. The Speedmaster CX 75 was presented one year later, tailored to the needs of smaller printing companies in one- and two-shift operation with much smaller footprint and high substrate flexibility.
“We have seen how the user ergonomics is becoming more relevant in the industry. Even though automation manages most of the routine tasks today, the operator is still required; to perform functions on the machine, like staging printing plates, adding ink, changing washup clothes and rubber blankets, or maintenance. The generous space between the printing units in the Speedmaster XL 75 and CX 75 is already useful; however, we went a step further and modernized the entire gallery concept even more,” explains Frank Süsser, product manager for the 50 x 70 format.
The redesigning of the Speedmaster XL 75 and CX 75 was inspired by the Speedmaster XL 106 gallery concept as well as the feeder and delivery gantries.
The machines will be on display for the first time at Pack Print in Thailand in September 2019, and at a customer event in October 2019 in Heidelberg’s Print Media Center Commercial in Wiesloch-Walldorf. “This is the first foretaste of drupa 2020. Other innovative solutions will follow in the 50 x 70 format for our customers,” explains Süsser.
New ergonomic design well received by customers
“Our Speedmaster CD 74 was already a great machine – but the new Speedmaster XL 75 is on another level. Even after just a few days of installation, our printers can’t imagine life without the new ergonomic design. The machine is much more comfortable to operate. As for technology, the machine is up to date with latest industry standards,” reports Michel Schwander, head of commercial printing at Theiler Druck AG in Wollerau, Switzerland.
The world’s first Speedmaster XL 75 5-color press with coating unit and the new design was installed at Theiler Druck AG. “With AutoPlate Pro, Prinect Inpress Control, and the entire preset control system, the individual work steps are now carried out automatically and are also clearly visible on the Wallscreen. This means that we can produce one job after the other much more quickly and efficiently,” concludes Schwander. The machine is used to produce brochures, mailings, advertising materials, and packaging.
