German printer takes 1,000th Speedmaster CX 102

German full-service print shop Löhnert Druck took ownership of a Speedmaster CX 102 five-color press with coating unit at the end of last year, the 1,000^th of its kind installed worldwide since Heidelberg launched the sheet-fed press at IPEX 2010.
 
Heidelberg said the Speedmaster CX 102 combines solutions from the Speedmaster XL 105 range with the Speedmaster CD 102 platform. The Speedmaster CX 102 press features the automatic InkStar ink supply system, Prinect Axis Control color measurement and control system, dynamic sheet brake and large wallscreen. The Speedmaster CX 102 also includes an air supply cabinet and DryStar dryer.

A wide range of configurations and equipment make it possible to adapt the press to the specific requirements of different business models. It can be ordered in a variety of configurations, from straight press to dual-coating configuration and even as a Duo press with flexographic printing before offset, meaning a broad spectrum is covered with numerous application options ranging from UV equipment, foil packages, and sheeters to cold foil applications with FoilStar according to Heidelberg.
 
It added that this means there is huge demand for the Speedmaster CX 102 in the package printing market, with one in every three printing units of the 1,000 installed accounted for by this segment, a trend that is continuing to rise.
 
Fifteen presses were sold immediately following the press's presentation at IPEX 2010. China is the most important sales market for the Speedmaster CX 102, followed by Germany, Italy, France and Taiwan. The 1,000th printing unit rolled off the production line at the Wiesloch, Walldorf plant in November 2011.
 
Löhnert Druck has been operating exclusively with presses from Heidelberg since 2008. Its pressroom houses a Speedmaster CD 102 four-color press with coating unit and the new Speedmaster CX 102.

The package printing market accounts for one in every three Speedmaster CX 102 printing units installed, a trend that is continuing to rise - Heidelberg

Printing is performed using inks from the Heidelberg Saphira series, which are optimized for the presses, and Löhnert Druck is now looking to use the new investment to attract further customers in Germany and the rest of Europe.
 
Thomas Löhnert, owner of Löhnert Druck, said: ‘The Speedmaster CX 102 is exactly the right press for us at exactly the right time. We value the expert advice from Heidelberg and the strong presence in our region, ensuring us high availability and a rapid response.
 
‘The new investment was also preceded by layout planning and capacity analysis. This quickly showed that the Speedmaster CX 102 is precisely the right step for us to continue growing. We've rarely had such a smooth installation. From day one, the press has thoroughly won us over with its quality, productivity and flexibility.
 
‘We're also much more flexible now, as we can use the same plate format for both presses. [The Speedmaster CX 102] is used for extremely high-quality production with protective, spot and drip-off coating and spot colors.’

 
Pictured (above, left to right): Rainer Wolf, product marketing for 70 x 100 format at Heidelberg (left); Thomas Löhnert; and Jörn Henselek, head of Heidelberg sales region east