Cardbox Boosts Postpress Efficiency with HEIDELBERG

Within the growing packaging market, the finishing sector is playing an increasingly important role. It is precisely here that significant efficiency gains can still be realised to improve profitability. To achieve this, packaging printers need a higher degree of automation, greater productivity, and more transparency in individual processes in order to further optimise production. As an end-to-end system integrator, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) works with partners to develop integrated solutions for the entire value chain in packaging production, from design through to shipping.

MK Duopress Power Combines Hot Foil Stamping, Die-Cutting

In the area of folding carton finishing, customers benefit from the long-standing partnership between HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork. The most recent example is the further development of the MK Duopress Power. What makes this system unique is the combination of die-cutting and hot foil stamping in a single machine. In addition, the individual panels are separated and die-cut from the sheet. This is made possible by two die-cutting units arranged in series, which can be used in different ways: the first for hot foil stamping and the second for die-cutting only. However, both stations can also be used solely for hot foil stamping or die-cutting to create particularly creative packaging designs.

“Today’s customers don’t expect individual machines, but rather integrated production solutions. As a system integrator, we have the expertise to work with industry specialists and partners such as MK Masterwork to develop end-to-end solutions and successfully implement them in practice,” says HEIDELBERG Chief Technology and Sales Officer Dr. David Schmedding.

Thanks to the high register accuracy achieved through the optimised gripper structure, the company has succeeded in raising hot foil stamping to a new level of quality while simultaneously increasing the maximum production speed, depending on the substrate, to 7,000 sheets per hour. The new gripper structure ensures precision and stability throughout the entire process, even at maximum production speed. The MK Duopress Power concept helps meet the market’s rising quality demands, particularly for sophisticated cosmetics and luxury food packaging, as well as for confectionery and spirits packaging.

Cardbox Packaging Expands Facility in Wolfsberg

Packaging manufacturer Cardbox Packaging has installed the enhanced MK Duopress Power system at its facility in Wolfsberg, Austria. The decision follows a long-term partnership with HEIDELBERG and the company’s service commitment.

The firm relies primarily on HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork technology for post-press operations at its five locations in Europe and the United States. “We value the open and solution-oriented dialogue we have with HEIDELBERG. This enables us time and again to master the challenges we face as a packaging printer and to resolve them in the best interests of our customers,” emphasises Roland Schöberl, Managing Director of Cardbox Packaging Holding.

Benefit Through System Integration

Cardbox Packaging has integrated the MK Duopress Power into its die-cutting operations to address limited production capacity and eliminate bottlenecks. The new equipment also introduces advanced standards in hot foil stamping. According to Chris Düringer, Director of Cardbox Packaging, the machinery’s application options are designed to meet the high standards of clients in the cosmetics, food, and beverage industries. “The increase in our die-cutting capacities, combined with hot foil stamping, is therefore an ideal complement to our production from a technical standpoint as well,” says Düringer.

Cardbox Packaging is leveraging the global HEIDELBERG service network across its five production locations. “This lays the foundation for stable processes, high equipment availability, and sustainable optimisation of finishing processes,” adds Schöberl.

At its Wolfsberg site, the company operates two Speedmaster XL 106 presses for folding carton production, one of which has a printing speed of 21,000 sheets per hour in combination with three high-performance MK Mastermatrix 106 CSB die-cutters. At the Cardbox facility in the U.S., a Speedmaster XL 106 operates alongside an MK Promatrix 106 CSB die-cutter and an MK Diany Easy folding carton gluer. To further expand die-cutting capacity, Cardbox will soon install an additional MK Promatrix 106 CB unit.

Integration into HEIDELBERG Prinect Workflow

HEIDELBERG is gradually integrating MK Masterwork’s portfolio of finishing systems, including the MK Duopress Power, into the Prinect workflow, enabling customers to benefit even more from the advantages of an end-to-end solution. “Through this workflow integration, we are driving greater automation, transparency, and productivity in industrial packaging printing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of our customers in the packaging sector,” adds Dr. Schmedding.