CHICAGO, October 10, 2004 – Heidelberg will introduce its line of Eurobind perfect binders for small and mid-sized printers to the North American market at Graph Expo/Converting Expo 2004. Also making its domestic debut are the high-volume Stitchmaster ST 350, a top-quality, operator friendly semi-automatic saddlestitcher, as well as the entry-level Stitchmaster ST 90 Saddlestitcher. Finishing highlights include the Stahlfolder Easyfold and TH 66 buckle-plate folders and the Dymatrix die-cutting system. The spectacular post-drupa success of the POLAR Automated Cutting for Efficiency (P.A.C.E.) line of Generation X/XT high-speed cutters and cutting systems has been well-documented. These enormously productive, ergonomically friendly cutters and paper handling equipment represent a quantum leap in cutter technology. Automation in the postpress department has been shown to increase throughput and reduce labor costs, yielding higher profit margins and boosting productivity. “Heidelberg has risen to the special challenges of automating postpress functions and working to integrate them with the rest of the plant,” said Larry Tanowitz, senior vice president, Finishing, Heidelberg USA. “The range and variety of finishing equipment and systems we’re displaying in our booth give ample proof of Heidelberg’s leadership in postpress automation and workflow integration across every market segment, from small entrepreneurial shops to mid-sized commercial operations and highly industrialized providers.” In addition to the equipment and announcements outlined above, Heidelberg will host live demonstrations and presentations to showcase entire systems and discuss detailed components that make Heidelberg’s finishing equipment the finest in the world. Below is a general summary of postpress equipment being demonstrated at the show. Eurotechnica Perfect Binders/Eurotrim: Eurobind model 500 is geared to the commercial print market segment. The Eurobind 1200 and 2000 high-end models are ideal for the industrial print segment and may be augmented as required with the Eurotrim automatic three-knife cutter. The Eurobind 500 and 1200 and the Eurotrim will be on display at Graph Expo. (Numbers in the product name stand for the hourly cycle rate of the machines.) The Eurobind series and the Eurotrim are produced by Eurotechnica in Padua, Italy, which was acquired by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG in 2003. The new perfect binders replace the Quickbinders and the Bindexpert. Stitchmaster ST 350 Saddlestitcher: The Stitchmaster ST 350 saddlestitcher is designed for a wide range of uses in the performance range up to 12,000 cycles per hour. The ST 350 covers paper sizes from 12. 5/8 x18.7/8” to 3 3/8x 5.0” and delivers high quality, reliability and ease-of-use. In addition, it can be integrated into the workflow using CIP4. Operating data captured on the ST 350 is transferred automatically to the industry software for post-costing, making for transparency in costs. This makes the ST 350 a cost-effective, flexible alternative for industrial printers and finishing specialists that produce high-gloss brochures for industry and advertising. The Stitchmaster ST 350 replaces the Stitchmaster ST 300. During Graph Expo, Heidelberg will connect the Stitchmaster ST350 with its newly expanded Web-Based Remote Service to demonstrate the functionality of Intelligent Device Management. Stitchmaster ST 90 Saddlestitcher: This entry-level stitcher outputs at 9,000 copies her hour and is ideal for short to medium-run jobs. It enables growth-oriented small and medium-sized shops to add professional saddlestitching to their menu of in-house services. Easyfolder: Durable, compact Easyfold is ideal for quick turn around short runs that copyshops, quick printers, digital printers and in-plant printers handle on a daily basis. The machine folds a maximum of 14” x 20” sized sheets and a maximum weight of 65 lbs cover. The fold rollers contain a toner-repellent compound that makes the Easyfold the ideal folder for digital market. All settings can be fine-tuned by means of an easy-to-use display. The six most frequently used fold types are preprogrammed and can be selected at the touch of a button. Three additional fold types can be stored in the memory. All settings can be changed manually and easily saved for repeat jobs. Stahlfolder TH 66: The Stahlfolder TH 66 is a member of the new generation of folders making their North American debut at Graph Expo 2004. This buckle-plate folder offers exceptional folding quality and shorter makeready, and is also available in widths of 56 and 82 cm. The modular design concept means that applications can be chosen and retrofitted for virtually all hardware features to suit individual requirements for easy integration into existing workflows as well as user-friendly, ergonomic operation. Optional automation features, such as automated fold rollers settings and motorized buckle plates are the means to truly integrate and cut down on folder makeready times considerably. The machine can be controlled by a touch screen monitor and the automatic learning mode helps guide the operator through the process of setting up a new job. Dymatrix: The Dymatrix die cutters are the only platen presses in the industry with an upper moving platen completely equipped with roller bearings and motorized adjustment of cutting pressure. This guarantees consistent quality material flow on one level without any vertical material movement allowing high speed converting of up to 9,000 strokes per hour, even with lightweight material. The rigid concept of the cutting station in connection with the high quality of manufacturing considerably reduces makeready for its users. POLAR Cutting Systems Generation X/XT: The variety of POLAR cutting components ranges from a core group of high-speed cutters designed for print shops of every size and job mix, to an array of paper handling devices that extend the benefits of automation to every corner of the bindery. The basic POLAR 66 model remains unchanged, while high-speed models begin with the entry-level POLAR 78” X 30” cutters through 36”, 45”, 54”, 61”, 69” sizes, with all essential functions needed for a largely automatic work sequence. POLAR high-speed models are manufactured in two versions: basic high-speed “X” and high-performance “XT” with ergonomically designed 15-inch color touch screen display, which has few operating elements and is easy to learn. Both versions are network configurable through P-Net and Compucut and can be retrofitted for CIP4 and JDF compatibility at any time. An array of thoughtfully designed and expertly engineered peripherals increases the already outstanding productivity of POLAR high-speed cutters.