When HEIDELBERG first connected one of its printing presses to the Internet 20 years ago, it marked the beginning of a technological transformation that few could have foreseen. Today, as we look back, it’s clear that this pivotal step opened up vast possibilities for intelligent, networked printing.
By 2011, as discussions around "Industry 4.0" and smart manufacturing emerged, HEIDELBERG had already been a pioneer in these areas for years, reshaping the printing industry with its innovative approaches.
From that point on, HEIDELBERG evolved from a mechanical engineering company into a technology leader, integrating digital solutions across products and services. Recently recognized as a digital champion, the company continues to push the boundaries of digitalization, offering end-to-end solutions for modern print shops, while embracing the emerging power of AI.
Discover this remarkable journey through 20 years of digitalization by exploring the hotspots in the interactive graphic.
The PAT AI tool launches: Performance Advisor Technology provides contract customers with straightforward recommendations for action in their print shops (now part of the HEIDELBERG Customer Portal). This technology expands the press’s existing AI functions.
First use of a press’s performance data. One of the first elements for consulting, benchmarking, and performance contracts. Smartphone apps have been available since 2012.
Since drupa 2024, HEIDELBERG has been a total solution provider for all printing methods. The new Jetfire 50 offers digital printing with inkjet technology and, thanks to Prinect, works in conjunction with offset presses.
The new Peak Performance generation Speedmaster XL 106 offers even better performance thanks to cloud functions. It also benefits from even more AI software. The new StackStar C coexisting robot does not require a safety fence. It works directly alongside people on postpress operations for print products.
HEIDELBERG brings in the era of Smart Manufacturing and connects its presses to the Internet. This is made possible by Sheetfed Control – the new, fully digital control unit. At the same time, the HEIDELBERG Cloud is launched as a platform for remote maintenance and digital services. This is an important milestone after the introduction of Prinect software (2000), which networks all machines and systems in a print shop into one workflow.
Subscription starts: HEIDELBERG presses, consumables, training, and consulting are now also available via a contract-based subscription.
HEIDELBERG expands its cloud service and, with its new Customer Portal, now offers all digital services from a single source.
Fully automated production from prepress through to printing is now possible thanks to the Push to Stop philosophy. This involves operators being guided by assistance systems. Launch of the HEIDELBERG Assistant: The online application shows key performance indicators and services at a glance (now part of the HEIDELBERG Customer Portal).
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG has been automating printing for a long time, such as with the ORIGINAL HEIDELBERG Tiegel platen press, which was introduced in 1914.
Starting in 1977, the steps involved in the printing process were gradually digitalized. Since 1995, for example, operators working at a PC have been imaging plates directly in the platesetter (CtP: Computer to Plate).
The StackStar P industrial robot deposits stacks of folded print sheets on a pallet. With Plate to Unit and the Prinect Scheduler, printing plates reach the press automatically from now on.
Two decades of digital innovation have enabled printers around the world to increase efficiency, compensate for skill shortages with automation and produce competitively. Simply fill out the form below and we'll send the whitepaper straight to your inbox.
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