April 28, 2008 -- On May 1, 2008, Heidelberg will start construction work for drupa in Düsseldorf. The world's largest trade show for the printing and paper industry will run from May 29 through June 11, 2008. On an area of 7,800 square meters in Halls 1 and 2, Heidelberg will be showcasing its integrated portfolio of solutions for commercial and packaging printing that extends right up to the end product. "We are facing a particular challenge this year - creating a giant print shop in a record time of just 28 days," reports Franz Haaf, Technical Manager in charge of the Heidelberg trade show presentation. "Normally, it would take over six months to set up such a comprehensive print shop with prepress, press, postpress and networks," explains Haaf. The tight timeframe is the result of the interpack trade fair, which is also being held in Düsseldorf - from April 24 through 30, 2008. Heidelberg is also participating in this event, though without exhibiting any equipment.

Visitors to the Heidelberg booth at drupa will be able to see how a fully integrated commercial or packaging print shop operates. In collaboration with adidas, around 80 real-life print products, such as advertising posters, autograph cards, product and service brochures, and packaging products, will be prepared in prepress, then printed and finished.

Heidelberg will also be using the event to demonstrate its commitment to an integrated environmental concept. All printed products will have FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and environmental protection guidelines will be complied with when disposing of paper, washup solutions and consumables.

At over 200 tons, the new Speedmaster XL 162 is the centerpiece of the Heidelberg exhibits
This year, Heidelberg has opted for a completely new booth architecture with an even clearer layout for visitors. The construction work has been organized and prepared down to the last detail. First, the infrastructure for the two halls will be put in place. This involves laying over 70 kilometers of power and data cables and installing 2,500 spotlights. Things will really start to take shape on May 7 with the installation of 17 presses incorporating around 120 printing units. Franz Haaf and his team of 150 qualified engineers will assemble a total of 50 prepress, press and postpress exhibits.

The centerpiece will be the new Speedmaster XL 162 with six printing units and a coating unit, which Heidelberg is giving its world premiere at drupa 2008. The press has been designed primarily for use in packaging printing and industrial publishing. The individual components will be transported to Düsseldorf from the Heidelberg production site in Wiesloch-Walldorf. On arrival, a crane will first unload the 35-ton paper delivery, followed by the coating unit, then the printing units - each weighing 23.5 tons - and finally the paper feeder. Once assembled, the 30-meter press will weigh in at over 200 tons.

"From May 19, we will be testing all the assembled machinery and checking that all applications are printed and finished smoothly," says Haaf. “The print shop visitors see on May 29 will be totally realistic," he adds.

Some 3,500 Heidelberg staff and 200 hostesses are receiving special advance training on everything from expert advice on products to booth organization to give visitors to the event the best possible experience.
 
Selected machine assembly dates in Halls 1 and 2:
May 7, 2008 Speedmaster XL 162-6-L

May 13, 2008 Dymatrix 106 die cutter and Eurobind 4000 adhesive binding system, both used for finishing

May 19, 2008 Start of test phase