Speedmaster XL 75 - the Latest Addition to the Peak Performance Class from Heidelberg

• Unique and highly automated press concept in the 50 x 70 centimeter format class
• Exceptionally high level of automation thanks to preset settings of mechanical and air-supported sheet guidance
• Innovations available as standard include the new Prinect Press Center with Intellistart and the new delivery control panel with touch screen and jog wheel
• Flexible design for special applications

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will unveil the latest addition to its peak performance class at drupa 2008, which will take place from May 29 to June 11, 2008 in Düsseldorf. The Speedmaster XL 75 is a unique press concept that sets new performance standards in the 50 x 70 centimeter (19.69 x 27.56 inch) format class with a capacity of up to 18,000 sheets an hour.

The Speedmaster XL 75 boasts a larger sheet format and innovations, such as the new Prinect Press Center with Intellistart and the new delivery control panel with touch screen and jog wheel. Exceptional flexibility is ensured thanks to a broad choice of substrates that can be used in thicknesses from 0.03-0.8 millimeter, and the wide range of straight printing and perfecting press models with up to 12 printing units plus coating unit. As a customized press with finishing options, such as UV coatings, double coating units, cold foil application with FoilStar, and Duo presses with flexographic printing units before the offset units, the Speedmaster XL 75 also supports versatile configuration for generating added value for customers. As a result, the Speedmaster XL 75 is the perfect choice for commercial, packaging, and label printers.

A number of technical highlights, such as the innovative suction head, air presets for the entire sheet travel from feeder to delivery, the dynamic sheet brake, and Prinect Inpress Control, offer ideal conditions for maximum production safety in the 50 x 70 centimeter format. The cylinder concept, sheet guidance concept, perfecting technology, and the high level of automation have already been adopted for the Speedmaster XL 105. "We have streamlined our product portfolio and as of drupa 2008 we will be offering the Speedmaster XL 75, Speedmaster XL 105 and Speedmaster XL 145/162 model ranges in the peak performance class. Each model range will set new benchmarks for productivity in their format class," explains Dr. Jürgen Rautert, Director for Engineering and Manufacturing at Heidelberg.

New performance class with minimum makeready times and maximum operating comfort
The Speedmaster XL 75 is supplied as standard with the new Prinect Press Center. This can be adjusted in height during installation and offers improved integration of color measuring systems and a new standard daylight lamp. The 19-inch touchscreen and optional wallscreen of the Prinect Press Center ensure an optimum overview of the print process and press functions.

Intellistart - the innovative and process-oriented operator guidance system - generates a process-oriented list containing all the necessary steps for each job change and processes them automatically in a logical sequence at the touch of a button. This cuts the number of operating steps by up to 70 percent. Presets for mechanical and air-supported sheet guidance throughout the press provide the highest level of automation in the 50 x 70 centimeter format class. The delivery is equipped with a central control panel with touchscreen and jog wheel where the printer can adjust the settings for production runs, dampening, and sheet travel. Changed values can be saved and called up for repeat jobs.

In the standard model and perfecting press version, the Speedmaster XL 75 is designed for production speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour. In the straight printing version, the press can produce up to 18,000 sheets per hour. The maximum sheet format is now 605 x 750 millimeters (23.82 x 29.53 inches) for F-format and 530 x 750 millimeters (20.87 x 29.53 inches) for C-format, which is of particular benefit with special formats such as B2, B3, and B4. The sheet brake can also be adjusted more flexibly to utilize the full printing format. The color measuring systems Prinect Axis Control, Prinect Image Control, and Prinect Inpress Control are available as options and provide for improved and more reliable print quality.

Image 1 (Overview of the Speedmaster XL 75):
Heidelberg will unveil the Speedmaster XL 75 at drupa 2008. The press sets new benchmarks in the 50 x 70 centimeter format class and boasts a larger sheet format and innovations such as the new Prinect Press Center with Intellistart and the new delivery control panel.

Image 2 (Delivery with control panel):
The delivery of the Speedmaster XL 75 is equipped with a central control  panel with touch screen and jog wheel that the printer can use to adjust the settings for production runs, dampening, and sheet travel. Altered values can be saved and called up for repeat jobs.

Further information for journalists:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Hilde Weisser
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 66
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 69
E-mail: hilde.weisser@heidelberg.com