The Hunkeler innovationdays show the flexibility and scope of the vendors working in the digital print finishing market. In this the majority of these companies specialize in digital and they only work in limited areas of the offset markets. There are some vendors that do offer some products mainly for the small size end of the offset markets.
This brings me to a question and it is mainly directed at Heidelberg. Heidelberg is perhaps the largest supplier of finishing systems to the offset printing market but does not have any products aimed at the digital sector. When one thinks that Heidelberg endeavored to be a key player in digital printing with its Nexpress, one has to wonder why they never developed any finishing products for the requirements of the digital printing market. One of the reasons for the lack of success of Nexpress at that time was because it failed to provide inline-finishing connectivity when companies like Xerox provided major functionality in this area.
Why did this not show Heidelberg the potential of this market for finishing systems? Today far more digital presses are sold worldwide each year than offset presses, and there is a major market for inline, near-line and off-line finishing systems. Why does Heidleberg not see the potential of this market?
They did have a tiny stand at the event but this was to sell standard offset finishing systems. It may not be too late for Heidelberg to get into an area that definitely shows growth for the future.
Discussion
By Bill Fleck on Feb 18, 2009
Does this come as a surprise to the industry? Heidelberg has ALL their press eggs in one basket, offset..........they have always known what is best for the printing industry!If not, just ask them!
By Digital Printing Dallas on Feb 19, 2009
who knows? maybe they were already planning on it, or maybe they were thinking of a new marketing strategy that will surpass this one, if they were the largest then it is easy for them to create new trends.
By Jan Eskildsen on Feb 19, 2009
After having a look at the list of exhibitors / parcipants in the event, I can see that Bourg, Horizon and Müller-Martini are listed, as is Heidelberg. Bourg and Horizon were among the first companies in the finishing branch to deliver small flexible systems, and now they can deliver what ever you need to run inline with your printer.
I think Heidelberg is not interested in anything small anymore, and espcially not when it's about digital print.
By Don Piontek on Feb 23, 2009
The 'big iron" firms (with the exception of Muller Martini) do not seem to be interested in developing finishing systems for the digital market, even though this is clearly where the opportunities and growth lie. Demand for new finishing systems will grow as digital presses continue to get faster (and wider). Sadly, Heidelberg, Goss, Kolbus, etc. seem to be focused on the past rather than the future.
Discussion
Only verified members can comment.