GATF InterTech awards Heidelberg for technical innovation
Two Heidelberg solutions, ST 400 saddlestitcher and Magnapak newspaper packaging system, received the prestigious GATF InterTech Award this year.
Of the 13 awards Heidelberg was the only company honoured with more than one winning entry. The company has won 20 InterTech Awards since the programme was started in 1978.
The selection of the postpress products highlights Heidelberg's position as a solution provider for entire print media industry. Other winners were detailed in a previous report. (Search archive = GATF).
ST400 makes makereadies easy
Heidelberg's ST400 integrates state-of-the art electronic design technology with the quality and integrity long associated with the Heidelberg name, making the ST400 the premiere saddlestitcher in today's market.
The company’s signature touch screen user interface enhances input functions for the operator, which eases makeready, and creates a working environment that is embraced by both the operator and management. The ST400 makeready occurs in an unprecedented time saving fashion – automatic synchronization takes place in the blink of an eye. This synchronization process optimizes all saddlestitcher settings and the time saved equals greater profit margin.
Heidelberg designed the ST400 to meet the demands of shorter turn around times and high productivity that customers demand. Automating the manual processes with computer driven stepping motors and servo drives for each component of the stitcher allows the operator to independently control each area without influencing any other part of the stitching process. In the end, the operator has more control of the functionality of the ST400 and the computer enhanced makeready procedures with independent servo drive motors reduces makeready time up to 50 per cent.
Magnapak for newspapers - insert, collate, wrap
The Magnapak provides versatility, speed and zoning advantages to enhance advertising insert capabilities for newspapers.
The packaging system is the first to allow standard inserting, collating and wrapping, or both functions simultaneously with a single machine. Systems are modular and easily expandable, to accommodate a wide range of speed, circulation and insert volume requirements.
The Magnapak cycles at up to 30,000 papers per hour, with a shaftless design that allows independently driven hoppers to be shifted in and out of production at full speed. With this feature, newspapers can zone inserts into specific papers according to geographic or demographic data without compromising production speed. The shaftless design also reduces maintenance requirements, an important feature in deadline oriented newspaper operations.
"Heidelberg is proud of GATF's recognition of the ST400 and Magnapak. They are both indicative of Heidelberg’s commitment to developing integrated products focused on our customers' needs," said Niels M. Winther, president, Heidelberg USA. "Through innovations such as these, we will continue to be the complete solutions provider for the print media industry."
About GATF/PIA: GATF was established in 1924 to serve the graphic communications community in the USA as the leading resource for technical information and services through research and education. In 1999, GATF consolidated with the Printing Industries of America, Inc. (PIA). Founded in 1887, PIA is the world's largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees and $160 billion in sales. Together GATF and PIA promote the interests of more than 13,000 member companies.
