The Heidelberg Primefire 106 digital printing system is running on schedule, with US packaging printer Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) beginning the pilot phase.
MPS, which is planning a major expansion of its digital packaging printing arm, is the first pilot user of the Primefire 106, the first industrial digital printing system in B1 format from Heidelberg that is powered by Fujifilm Inkjet Technology.
Heidelberg presented Primefire 106 at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf and has reported strong interest from packaging manufacturers around the world.
“The start of the pilot phase according to schedule is a further milestone in the implementation of our digital strategy in cooperation with our partner Fujifilm,” says Montserrat Peidro-Insa, Heidelberg’s head of digital sales and GM digital sheet-fed. "The newly designed system is providing dependable offset-like quality production with the benefits of digital printing.
“In MPS we’ve found the perfect company for the first Primefire 106 pilot. Our long-standing partnership, its digital business model in packaging printing, its worldwide presence, and its industrial manufacturing approach build the right environment for Primefire 106 to be tested under real life conditions. It brings us a big step closer in qualifying Primefire 106 for true production and starting to establish industrial digital printing in the market.”
Primefire 106 enables packaging printers in particular to develop new areas of business, with the production of variable and personalized packaging or by adding traceability and security elements on each box. Printing on demand with Primefire 106 can streamline supply chain processes and reduce inventory costs. The 7-color inkjet system enabled by Fujifilm Inkjet Technology and Heidelberg Multicolor technology covers up to 95 per cent of the Pantone color space, resulting in time and cost reduction. Water-based inkjet printing meets environmental requirements and also permits food-safe production.
“Digital applications in packaging printing are changing the market,” says Montserrat Peidro-Insa. “Packaging will have to become more adaptable to each market segment, more relevant and more creative to attract more interest among consumers. This is exactly where we expect the Primefire 106 will bring value to our operations and the industry.”