Following the successful market launch of the Boardmaster, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is extending the range of applications for this new inline flexographic web printing system to flexible paper packaging in the medium term. The move responds to global demand for sustainable, recyclable and compostable packaging.
“The global increase in demand for sustainably produced, budget-friendly, and recyclable or compostable packaging makes flexible paper an attractive growth market for us,” said Christian Steinmassl, head of the packaging segment at Heidelberg.
“Our Boardmaster flexographic web printing system – which can process water-based inks, coatings, and barrier layers at production speeds of up to 600 metres per minute with an availability of up to 90 per cent – is ideal for this market,” he adds.
From drupa 2024 onwards, a complete Boardmaster will be available for customer demonstrations in the Print Media Center (PMC) at the Heidelberg Wiesloch-Walldorf site. Options for various requirements maximise the number of automation and inspection functions this press can demonstrate for potential customers. The Boardmaster is available in four printing widths, ranging from 850 to 1,650 mm.
When developing the system, the company focused on its customers’ key challenges and requirements: significant cost pressures, quality and operational reliability, sustainability, and high investment security.
“Systems are already operating in the USA, the order situation is very encouraging, and we have received inquiries from all over the world,” said Steinmassl.
Printers currently using large-format offset production for food and beverage packaging are also interested.
The Boardmaster is designed for maximum overall equipment efficiency in nonstop operation with flying job changes. It achieves an availability of up to 90 per cent and a printing speed of 600 metres per minute.
This corresponds to double the productivity of previous, comparable systems. Maintenance costs are 50 per cent lower than for systems that use other printing processes.
A high degree of automation and simple operation support production with low staffing levels. This also counteracts the shortage of operating personnel.
Lastly, the AI-supported printing plate and sleeve scanner Intellimatch help ensure print results meet high-quality standards.
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