Because print runs are getting shorter while the number of jobs is increasing, print shops urgently need greater flexibility and the highest possible level of automation to remain profitable. As a result, print shops are increasingly investing in a hybrid production environment that combines the advantages of offset and digital printing in a single workflow.
One example is the Siepmann printing company, based in Hamburg, which specializes in the production of package inserts, packaging, and high-quality, partially customized commercial print products. To remain competitive in this demanding market environment, the company has now invested in a highly automated hybrid production environment featuring state-of-the-art offset and digital printing technology from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg).
By combining a Speedmaster XL 106 from the Peak Performance class with the Versafire LV digital printing system, Siepmann has laid the foundation for maximum flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in print production. Both systems are integrated into a continuous workflow via Prinect. This enables Siepmann to produce the same print jobs either via offset or digital printing from a single workflow, depending on demand and with efficient control, while still achieving color-accurate results every time. The Versafire also offers the ability to economically produce finished print products even in the smallest print runs.
Offset printing with maximum efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
The new Speedmaster XL 106 of the Peak Performance Generation, which Heidelberg unveiled at drupa 2024, produces at Siepmann up to 18,000 sheets per hour and offers maximum efficiency for all print runs, materials, and design requirements. The new DryStar Combination Eco dryer technology reduces energy consumption by up to 30 percent.
The Prinect Inpress Control 3 color measurement system ensures precise color control and significantly less waste right from the start-up phase. Prinect Inline Inspection 4, the new generation of automatic quality control, provides full-surface monitoring of every sheet throughout the entire print run and constantly compares it with the stored PDF data. For the production of sensitive printed materials such as pharmaceutical package inserts or high-end packaging, this means a level of reliability and error prevention in print production that was previously unattainable. The new Hycolor XL inking and dampening unit enables excellent print quality while reducing waste. Thanks to the direct-drive Preset Plus feeder, the machine reaches its production speed faster while also enabling more efficient job changes.
Digital Versafire LV offers flexibility and new printing applications
With a Versafire LV, Siepmann is expanding its production range and digital printing capabilities. The machine is used for small to medium print runs as well as customized print products. The system enables banner printing up to 1,260 mm single-sided or 1,030 mm double-sided, as well as the production of six- to eight-page documents and large-format posters. Finishing options with special colors such as opaque white, gold, silver, and metallic effects are also available. Integration into the overall workflow is handled via the Prinect Digital Frontend.
Prinect – the key to greater efficiency and lower costs
The total investment also includes the Prinect Production Manager, which enables highly automated and cost-effective end-to-end production – from quote calculation and production planning to finishing – without the need for standalone solutions. The integration solution also supports sustainable production with less waste and the prevention of operator errors.
“By investing in a hybrid production environment, Siepmann is setting the course for a successful future,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Executive Board Member for Technology & Sales at Heidelberg. “The combination of offset and digital printing, integrated via the Prinect workflow, is unique to Heidelberg and enables maximum flexibility, highest efficiency, and sustainable production. This means Siepmann is ideally equipped to meet the growing demands of the market.”
Managing Director Mark Siepmann also describes the investment as a logical step toward the future: “Our customers expect precision, flexibility, and absolute process reliability. With the new Heidelberg solutions, we are creating the conditions to reliably meet these demands today and tomorrow.”
