Heidelberg to present ideas for colour 4D printing at InPrint Show next month

Visitors to InPrint 2015, which is taking place in Munich from November 10-12, will be able to find out more about the diverse possibilities of colour 4D printing at the Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) stand.

This is the name given by Heidelberg to customised, flexible digital printing of three-dimensional items such as football/golf balls, drinking bottles, and other curved surfaces. Depending on the application, companies such as manufacturers of branded and consumer goods can print customised images and texts on these items for all kinds of target groups.

For this purpose, the company will be unveiling the new Jetmaster Dimension 250 – a four-colour press that can print items with a diameter of up to 250 millimeters based on cutting-edge inkjet technology. Potential customers will discover how they can use 4D printing to expand their business model and unlock new market segments.

“Heidelberg supports creative players both within and outside the print media industry with technologies that go beyond conventional printing,” commented Jason Oliver, head of digital at Heidelberg. “4D printing based on inkjet technology paves the way for high-quality, cost-efficient customised surface finishing of mass-produced consumer goods, even in small quantities.

“Heidelberg is also planning a solution in time for the upcoming drupe Show that opens up new opportunities for industrial users in particular such as those in the automotive industry.”

The InPrint exhibition will be accompanied by a conference programme giving academics and practitioners alike the chance to find out about future developments, trends, and opportunities in industrial printing. On November 12, Oliver will be giving a talk about practical trends and the possibilities being opened up by 4D printing.

Heidelberg first unveiled 4D printing around a year ago, initially in a version for black-and-white printing. The flexibility of this technology helps ensure cost-efficient production of small batches and customised end products.

It is based on a combination of advanced inkjet technology and high-precision robotics. The modular Jetmaster Dimension range makes it possible to print all kinds of items, surfaces, and applications. Easy implementation of personalisation concepts adds further value. Heidelberg offers the press with the 4D service agreement on a click-charge basis that covers ink consumption, maintenance, and consumables and is geared to the user’s actual requirements.

A buyer has also been found for the Jetmaster Dimension 250 that will be on display at InPrint in Munich. After the event, it will be heading to BVD Druck und Verlag in Liechtenstein, which offers a variety of balls with different print designs on its dedicated platform. Customers can configure their preferred model online and have it sent directly to their premises. The new four-colour press will complement the black-and-white machine that has been installed at the company since the end of 2014.

“All kinds of customers are using 4D printing from Heidelberg. This shows we are on the right track to open up new market segments ourselves by also getting companies outside the industry interested in printing,” added Oliver.