Heidelberg is set to give its Saphira roller range a big boost. Saphira rollers sourced from Rotadyne’s Melbourne manufacturing site will give customers peace of mind as Heidelberg ramps up supply, service and technical support for their press ready, exchange program. The new roller factory helps improve choice, lead time and quality for the local market.
John Harper, product manager at Heidelberg, highlights the company’s approach to the consumables market: “The Saphira product range is about quality products that help optimize the press and print process, competitively priced and complete with Heidelberg’s extensive support and backing. The ability to source locally manufactured, Heidelberg R+D accredited rollers is another example of a product that fits well into our Saphira concept."
He adds, “Our Printing Instructors are second-to-none, with a knowledge base that extends nationally and globally, our technical people know the press inside and out, they know what products work well, how to set them up correctly and get the best from them. This support extends to rollers and is part of our overall approach to win new sales.”
- John Harper, production manager, Heidelberg
After just three years in the local market, take-up of Saphira rollers has been very strong. Heidelberg has a global partnership and footprint with Rotadyne and the establishment of the Melbourne plant after Rotadyne acquired Ace earlier this year, illustrates the commitment Rotadyne have to Heidelberg and the Australian and New Zealand market. Saphira rollers are now fitted to a significant number of presses in Australia and throughout the globe. Harper also notes Heidelberg’s simple ‘hassle free’ exchange system as another key differentiator. “Heidelberg essentially sells the rubber only as a press ready roller. Once the roller is fitted used roller cores are returned to Heidelberg by the customer for re-use. Up front customers only pay the exchange price, there is no messy credit process and as long as the core is returned within 60 days there are no hidden costs”.
The new factory will further expand local capability to bring a high level of service to customers. Rotadyne has made a considerable investment revamping the Ace facility to substantially increase capacity by modernising the manufacturing process and bringing automation to inspection and testing. Rollers are individually measured by laser scanning equipment to provide a digital inspection for every roller that comes off the production line.
According to Harper this level of detail is critical to meet the quality expectations of customers, dealing with complex chemistries, achieving acceptable performance at higher press speeds and demand for durability. “Rollers are a key component of a press. Print output performance and quality are affected directly by the rollers. If they’re not in good condition, properly set and maintained print production and ultimately profit will suffer,” says Harper.
With the factory up and running, Saphira customers will receive fast response and benefit from local technical feedback whenever required. Harper predicts the new site will eventually account for the majority of Saphira product in the local market. Saphira rollers are manufactured to perfectly compliment the press. They are produced using specialised automated techniques in a range of original roller compounds all using original parts and accessories.