Automation on Heidelberg’s XL VLF Series Presses Achieves Systematically Shorter Makeready Times
Smart Automation
Parallel processes also cut makeready times: each press comes equipped with dedicated impression and blanket cylinder wash-up devices – i.e. blanket and impression cylinders are washed at the same time. For shops with frequent ink changes, a separate drive can be added to specific individual or to all inking units – allowing the washing of the ink fountain roller and the inking unit at a higher speed while the press washes the blanket and impression cylinders at a lower speed.
Color Makeready
As for print quality, the fully integrated, inline Prinect Inpress Control system automatically measures and controls color and register in the control strip on the fly, at any speed — again cutting makeready time and enabling the operator to focus on the sheet itself, rather than on the process of producing the sheet.
Customer reports for Speedmaster XL VLF presses equipped with Prinect Inpress Control show the following averages for 4-color makereadies, including a coating plate change:
- Companies:
- Heidelberg
- Quad/Graphics
