Next month at the Inprint show in Munich, Heidelberg will unveil its Jetmaster Dimension 250, a four-colour press that can print three dimensional items with a diameter of up to 250mm based on inkjet technology.
Heidelberg calls this process 4D printing and says print companies can use it to customise the flexible digital printing of three-dimensional items such as soccer/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 target groups.
The company says it will have a solution to show at drupa next year. Jason Oliver, head of digital at Heidelberg, says, “Heidelberg supports creative players both within and outside the print media industry with technologies that go beyond conventional printing. 4D printing based on inkjet technology paves the way for high-quality, cost-efficient customized surface finishing of mass-produced consumer goods, even in small quantities. Heidelberg is also planning a solution in time for the upcoming drupa that opens up new opportunities for industrial users in particular such as those in the automotive industry.”
Heidelberg first promoted its 4D printing technology a year ago, initially in a version for black-and-white printing. The company says that 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.
A German start-up company from the food retail sector will use Jetmaster Dimension to personalise packaging for the Christmas market, printing in-store each individual. Another company, BVD Druck und Verlag in Liechtenstein, offers a variety of balls with different print designs. Customers can configure their preferred models online and have them sent directly to their homes.
Oliver concludes, “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.”
