Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has expanded its automation capabilities in prepress with the introduction of the Compact Pallet Loader (CPL) and Compact Bender systems. Integrated into the computer-to-plate (CtP) line alongside the Suprasetter, the systems aim to streamline plate handling while reducing operator involvement and costs.
The company’s approach aligns with its broader objective of automating the entire print production workflow. The new CPL and Compact Bender can be integrated into existing Suprasetter 106/A106 systems, with models from 2017 onward eligible for retrofitting.
The Compact Pallet Loader enables fully automatic plate loading into the Suprasetter 106 models, supporting up to 55 plates per hour and accommodating various performance classes. It integrates directly into Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow, autonomously managing plate supply according to individual job structures. The Compact Bender completes the process by bending imaged plates automatically, with optional barcode recognition allowing presorting by press, job, and plate set.
Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at Heidelberg, said, “By systematically pushing ahead with the goal of achieving end-to-end automation in prepress production, Heidelberg is emphasizing its credentials as a full-range supplier for the entire packaging, commercial, and label production process. Print shops can use the Compact Pallet Loader and the Compact Bender to cut operating and personnel costs and counter the skills shortage.”
The CPL can process up to 1,200 plates continuously in sizes ranging from 650 x 750 mm to 1,050 x 1,200 mm, enabling contact-free plate handling and minimizing manual intervention.
Druckstudio GmbH in Düsseldorf has been among the first to pilot the new system. Founder and Managing Partner Werner Drechsler noted that automation has significantly improved productivity, saying, “Work such as filling plate cassettes by hand and bending imaged printing plates previously took a great deal of time. Thanks to automation, we can now make these processes much more efficient.”