Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is showcasing the Speedmaster CX 102 at IPEX 2010. This will mark the world premiere of a new printing press for industrial offset printing with a production speed of 16,500 sheets per hour. The new machine joins the ranks between the Speedmaster SM 102 and Speedmaster CD 102 with a maximum speed of 13,000 sph, respectively 15,000 sph, and the Speedmaster XL 105 with a maximum speed of 18,000 sph. This press puts the finishing touch to the Heidelberg 70 x 100 cm format and offers the perfect solution for every press speed and level of productivity. The Speedmaster CX 102 addresses both commercial and packaging printers and can be ordered as of IPEX 2010.

Consistent platform strategy and the best of two worlds
Although Heidelberg customers have long been able to equip tried-and-tested presses in the Speedmaster SM and CD 102 series with individual Speedmaster XL 105 components to boost productivity, Heidelberg has gone one step further by incorporating peak performance technology from the Speedmaster XL 105 into the design of the CX 102. In addition to familiar XL technologies such as the fully-automated Preset Plus Feeder and Delivery and dynamic sheet brake, high-performance components such as the gripper system and cylinder bearings, which were previously available exclusively for the XL platform, are now also incorporated for the first time. The construction of the printing units has also been reinforced to ensure smooth running at maximum speed and to prevent disruptive vibrations. "With the introduction of the Speedmaster XL 105, we have successfully established a completely new performance class in the last few years. Right from the start, the Speedmaster SM 102 and CD 102 series have benefited from the achievements we made in XL development," explains Stephan Plenz, Member of the Heidelberg Management Board and responsible for the equipment sector. "Thanks to the host of innovations and new maximum speed of 16,500 sheets per hour, the Speedmaster CX 102 is an interesting option for anyone who is impressed with the XL technology and wants to combine it with the benefits of the CD 102 platform. The Speedmaster CD 102, CX 102 and XL 105 machines are enabling us to achieve a unique level of market coverage worldwide and to offer our customers an optimum combination of price and performance."

Versatile performance
The new Speedmaster CX 102 impresses with both its high productivity and excellent versatility. It can handle flimsy papers, stiff board and a wide range of plastic materials.

Its modular design enables flexible, customized machine configurations. In fact, the Speedmaster CX 102 caters for all requirements - from conventional straight presses through to Duo configurations with a coating unit before the offset units. No matter whether customers opt for UV operation, mixed operation with conventional and UV inks or a dual-coating press, this solution offers a wide range of inline finishing options right through to cold foil application with FoilStar. These properties make this press the ideal choice for packaging printing, label printing and high-quality commercial jobs.

Fit for the future
A consistently high production speed only really pays off when the accompanying processes, such as make-ready, can also be performed efficiently. That is why the CX 102 can be integrated seamlessly into the Prinect workflow and delivers excellent ergonomic benefits and a wide range of automated functions, e.g. for plate and ink changes or sheet travel.

Press control takes place via the high-performance Prinect Press Center and Intellistart, the process-oriented operator guidance system. As with the XL 105, communication with all the machine components and auxiliaries takes place via the decentralized Sheetfed Control press control system. Prinect Inpress Control, the spectrophotometric inline measuring system, is key to significantly reducing makeready times and paper waste on the Speedmaster CX 102. The color and register are controlled in a closed loop on the fly and kept constant throughout the entire production run.

High productivity and comprehensive environmental protection
Only a holistic approach can improve environmental performance. In addition to focusing environmental protection concepts on the printing process, Heidelberg also factors them into the development and production of its equipment. Improved energy efficiency, a long service life, low consumption of resources and auxiliary materials, and lower emissions all played a key role in the development of the Speedmaster CX 102 and the integrated Star peripherals.

The Speedmaster CX 102 is ideal for reduced-alcohol and alcohol-free printing, for instance, while peripherals such as the AirStar or CombiStar make a major contribution to boosting the press's energy efficiency. Inline color measuring systems such as Prinect Inpress Control reduce paper waste on average by 100 up to 150 sheets per print job and lower the level of CO2 emissions significantly. What's more, Heidelberg offers customers the chance to help the environment further still by purchasing emission credits from climate protection projects. This carbon offsetting makes good the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the press production process.