Following the successful launch of the Boardmaster, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is set to broaden the applications of its new inline flexographic web printing system to include flexible paper packaging. This move aims to tap into the growing demand for sustainably produced, cost-effective, and recyclable or compostable packaging solutions.
“The global increase in demand for sustainably produced, budget-friendly, and recyclable or compostable packaging makes flexible paper an attractive growth market for us,” says the Head of the Packaging segment at HEIDELBERG, Christian Steinmassl. “Our Boardmaster flexographic web printing system – which can process water-based inks, coatings, and barrier layers at production speeds of up to 600 meters per minute with an availability of up to 90 percent – is ideal for this market.”
‘’From drupa 2024 onward, a complete Boardmaster will be available for customer demonstrations at HEIDELBERG’s Print Media Center (PMC) located at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site. The system will showcase a variety of automation and inspection functions tailored to meet diverse customer requirements. The Boardmaster is offered in four printing widths ranging from 850 to 1,650 mm’’.
“The Boardmaster has already seen a successful market launch, with initial systems operational in the USA. Steinmassl highlights the positive response, stating, “Systems are already operating in the USA, the order situation is very encouraging, and we have received inquiries from all over the world.” The system has garnered interest from printers currently using large-format offset production for food and beverage packaging”.
“Designed to address key customer challenges such as cost pressures, quality and operational reliability, sustainability, and high investment security, the Boardmaster boasts impressive features. It achieves an availability of up to 90 percent and a printing speed of 600 meters per minute, doubling the productivity of previous systems. Additionally, maintenance costs are 50 percent lower than those of other printing processes. The system’s high degree of automation and ease of operation support production with minimal staffing, mitigating the impact of personnel shortages”. Steinmassl said.
Furthermore, Steinmassl stated that the AI-supported Intellimatch printing plate and sleeve scanner ensures high-quality print results, further enhancing the Boardmaster’s appeal. With these advancements, HEIDELBERG is well-positioned to lead in the flexible paper packaging market, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the printing industry.
