Key to the purchase is the technology incorporated into the presses. All three are equipped with the Prinect Inpress Control, a colour control device that automatically measures process and spot colours.
This allows automatic registration of the print control strip without stopping for monitoring of the production run.
"This kind of highly industrialised and productive operation is particularly important for pharmaceutical packaging, with runs starting at just 2,000 sheets," said Philippe Ratte, member of the LGR Management Board responsible for technology.
"It's impressive how quickly we achieve OK sheets with Prinect Inpress Control, resulting in extremely short makeready times, less waste, and very high quality," he added.
One of the two new machines is already in operation, while the other is expected to be installed in the summer. LGR Emballages said that its third new Speedmaster XL 105 will work alongside two existing Heidelberg presses at the LGR-CFL St. Eusèbe, France plant. The facility at this location focuses on packaging for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.
Speedmaster adoption
With the Speedmaster XL 105 presses, Heidelberg are well on the way to making a name for themselves as the industry choice for packaging requirements that require short runs – a current industry trend that make the Inpress Control pay off in the long run.
In addition, pressure on prices characteristic of the current climate is forcing many packaging firms to consolidate their printing operations.
In March of this year, pharmaceutical packaging firm, Diamond Packaging recently added a custom-configured Speedmaster XL 105 UV Press to their pressroom line-up. The company produces custom-made paperboard and plastic folding cartons for the, health care, cosmetic, as well as pharmaceutical industry.
Other customers that have taken orders of the Speedmaster XL 105 UV Press include Colordruck Baiersbronn, a German-based packaging firm that produces folding boxes for the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.
Short runs
The pharmaceutical industry has been the main recipient of advances made in producing improved packaging solutions from short run production lines. While short runs are seen as the way forward, variations in language, carton format and dimensions especially in Europe can make set-up time longer than running time.
Some of the latest technology serves to separate functions within the machinery and central set-up control reduce this problem. In addition, use of a logistical storage unit greatly improves overall through-put.