Warneke Paper Box (Denver, Colo., USA) recently began installation of the new Heidelberg Primefire 106. The 7-color industrial inkjet 40˝ B1 size digital press will allow the corrugated package printer to expand its business by collaborating with its customers on targeted short-run packaging campaigns and provide added security to cartons through variable content.

According to VP and COO Steve Huppert, "We first saw the Primefire at drupa 2016 and were amazed by the results. We’re excited for the new opportunities that it will create for both us and our customers."

Being the first commercially available industrial inkjet digital printing system in the 70x100 (40˝) format, the Primefire 106 is designed for high production volumes. Based on the platform of the Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106, the machine gives packaging printers the confidence of over 80% available print uptime, while also integrating seamlessly into offset environments. With its ability to match offset print quality, the Primefire gives Warneke the option of whether to print digitally or offset based on job length. The Primefire’s direct to sheet 7-color imaging registration even allows for unique security printing features to be incorporated, along with variable content, for anti-counterfeiting packaging designs.

The Primefire 106 digital printing system offers the highest quality of 1,200x1,200 dpi with initial production speeds of 2,500 sheets per hour and is designed to achieve volumes of up to 1.5 million sheets per month. The platform is modular, which accommodates further speed increases and feature updates without having to replace the press. Additionally, custom press configurations using the XL 106 common offset modules are possible.

"We’ve trusted Heidelberg as a partner for years to develop groundbreaking technology that can help their customers turn a profit. We have no doubt that the Primefire will do just that," said Stacy Warneke, president and CEO of Warneke Paper Box. "We’re thrilled that we will be the first in the US to put this state-of-the-art technology to work."

After being a beta site for many other Heidelberg products, Warneke felt that they could trust Heidelberg to produce reliable groundbreaking technology that will provide an immediate return to its business.

"We’re excited for Warneke to install the very first Primefire in the United States," said Felix Mueller, president of Heidelberg America. "We expect that this machine will help the company expand their business while also increasing profitability.