Heidelberg expands lifecycle offering with the ChromaStar ink despensing system

Packaging Solutions

Cost pressures combined with increasing process complexity and brand compliance are shaping the situation in print shops, with spot colours often becoming a growing bottleneck in the production process, particularly in packaging facilities. Limited availability, a lack of standardisation, and the fact that production is often done manually lead to delays, limited flexibility, and a high degree of dependence on individual employees. Overall, this results in a production flow characterised by increased effort, longer turnaround times, and supply chain risks in order fulfilment.

With the new ChromaStar Series, Heidelberg will therefore offer a comprehensive portfolio for the intelligent production and delivery of spot colours directly in the print shop. The modular concept enables a tailor made configuration for different production volumes, from manual batch preparation with the ChromaStar entry level system to high performance, highly automated solutions for industrial applications. The ChromaStar series includes the X, S, M, and P models. The concept supports the safe and efficient processing of conventional, UV, and low migration Saphira inks for applications in the food and non food sectors and ensures an efficient and resource saving ink supply through precise dosing technology, short mixing times, and high process reliability. Print shops benefit from higher productivity, reproducible colour results, and automation that is optimally tailored to their requirements.

The ChromaStar S, compact intelligent dispensing solution, is already available for customer demonstrations at the ‘Home of Print’ in Wiesloch-Walldorf and was unveiled for the first time at the ‘Packaging Day’ in June. It is designed for an annual spot colour volume of one to ten metric tonnes.

‘With the new ChromaStar series, we are offering our customers, particularly in packaging printing, a highly integrated solution that improves productivity, quality, and sustainability in equal measure,’ said Dr David Schmedding, CSO at Heidelberg. ‘At the same time, as a system integrator, we are further expanding our position in the market for consumables and tapping into additional growth potential in the packaging segment.’

The ChromaStar integrates seamlessly into the workflow. The combination of Saphira Inks, Saphira Cloud, Saphira Check, and Saphira Control ensures end to end transparency, traceability, and consistent colour results.

The solution links formulation, dosing, and colour control into a seamless process. In addition, a separate proof output supports colour accurate communication throughout the process chain. As a result, colour definition and production match exactly, which is a decisive factor for quality and repeatability.

Today, print shops expect a complete portfolio of process and spot colours from a single source, which Heidelberg already offers. Saphira consumables are an essential component of a high performance and cost effective printing process. As one of the largest suppliers of consumables in the printing industry, the company combines a comprehensive portfolio with a global sales and service network and local application expertise. These products, which are optimally tailored to its presses and workflows, ensure consistent print quality, high process stability, and minimal downtime. As a result, customers benefit from higher productivity, lower total costs, and a sustained increase in competitiveness.

With the ChromaStar series, Heidelberg is systematically driving the expansion of its Lifecycle business. The solution is an integral part of the company’s strategy to further expand its offerings, particularly in high growth segments such as packaging printing and in emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.