March 7, 2006 -- In launching the new Speedmaster SM 52 with the new Anicolor inking unit technology – the zoneless short inking unit – in conjunction with conventional printing plates and offset inks, Heidelberg is offering a new and attractive solution for cost-effective production of short runs in offset quality. This new technology, which Heidelberg unveiled at the end of February and will be on the market from early 2007, will deliver dramatic reductions in makeready time and cut waste by up to 90 percent. Heidelberg has thus discontinued production of Direct Imaging presses in its Quickmaster DI 46-4 and Speedmaster 74 DI series. Service support and the supply of consumables and spare parts for presses already on the market will continue to be available in the usual Heidelberg quality. Heidelberg’s own imaging technology will be continued in its highly successful CtP Suprasetter family. "Heidelberg’s DI technology enjoyed fifteen highly successful years during which it was at the very forefront of development and saw over 2000 presses installed worldwide. Users focusing on short color runs will still be able to use their DI presses to deliver high-quality, cost-effective results. Heidelberg and its service network will continue to provide them with ongoing support they can rely on", says Andreas Forer, Head of Product Management Imaging Systems at Heidelberg.