Heidelberg Introduces New Saphira Presswash And Roller Care Products To U.S. Market

Florida Printer Sees Enhanced Print Production from New Saphira Solution

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KENNESAW, Ga. – March 18, 2008 – Heidelberg USA today introduced a new line of Saphira press and roller care chemistry products to the U.S. market. These latest offerings are part of Heidelberg’s broad range of consumables and maintenance solutions designed to help companies get the most from their prepress, press and postpress equipment.

“Our Saphira consumables enhance the quality of printed materials, and because of that high quality, customers are increasingly turning to Heidelberg consumables to maximize their equipment,” Heidelberg’s Product Manager for press consumables Kurt Wiggins said. “Consumables are a key part of Heidelberg’s full range of solutions, including top-line equipment and service, which work in harmony to provide high-quality results and long-term cost savings for our customers.”

An early adopter of Saphira press cleaning consumables, Alta Systems of Gainesville, Fl., is experiencing enhanced press production after less than one month of use. The company installed a new 6-color Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74 press with coater and perfecter in February, and selected Heidelberg consumables to care for the new press.

“Our pressmen are using Saphira Presswash Conventional Ink, which keeps the equipment protected, even for blankets,” said Production Manager Tom Idoyaga.

The philosophy at Alta Systems is simple: Printing is a craft. “We ensure that things are done right the first time, instead of just looking for the quick answer,” Idoyaga said. “It always pays off in the long run to take the time and ensure the best results – both in cost savings and in customer satisfaction. We use Heidelberg consumables to ensure the best care for our presses, since maintenance is a top priority to stay ahead of the game.”

The four new Heidelberg Saphira solutions introduced to the U.S. include:

Saphira Presswash Conventional Ink– a cleaning solvent for use in automatic blanket and roller washing systems for all Heidelberg presses
Approved for use in all Heidelberg automated wash up systems
Flammability flashpoint of over 55 degrees Celsius
Prevents rust with added corrosion inhibitors

Saphira Chrome Roller Cleaner – a maintenance cleaner developed for consistent use with the Heidelberg dampening system
Eases maintenance of Alcolor dampening system for Heidelberg press chrome and matte chrome rollers
Removes oxidation from chrome and matte rollers to maintain quality printing
Restores water receptivity of metal dampening rollers for better dot quality, higher print contrast and less toning

Saphira Roller Paste – a high technology cleaning paste used for deep cleaning of inking rollers
Extends roller life by cleaning without strong solvents, abrasive chemical additives or strong odors
Reduces amount of wash ups when changing ink color from dark to light
Eliminates roller glaze and improves ink transfer

Saphira Calcium Rinse – a special rinse developed to dissolve calcium deposits in rollers
Cleans both surface and inside rubber of rollers to completely dissolve calcium deposits
Increases ink receptivity of the inking roller train, allowing for better ink and water balance when running alkaline papers

Heidelberg’s new Saphira press and roller care chemistry products are part of a wide portfolio of high-quality consumables for prepress, press and postpress – including standard print jobs and special applications. All Saphira consumables from Heidelberg have been specially optimized and tested for use in Heidelberg solutions, and help users benefit from the full range of functions the equipment offers.
Find out more at www.us.heidelberg.com.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
With a global market share for sheetfed offset printing machines of more than 40 percent, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is the world’s leading solution provider for commercial and industrial customers in the print media industry. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, the Company focuses on the entire process and value chain for popular format classes in the sheetfed offset and flexographic printing sectors. Apart from printing presses, the product portfolio includes plate imaging devices and finishing equipment, as well as software components designed to integrate all print manufacturing processes. In addition, Heidelberg offers a wide range of spare parts, consumables, used equipment and services, along with extensive training programs provided by the Print Media Academy. Furthermore, the Company assists its customers’ investment plans by offering financing concepts.

Heidelberg is most active within the major OECD industrial regions and is expanding its involvement within growing markets such as Asia and Eastern Europe. With development and production sites in six countries and some 250 sales offices world-wide, the Company offers services to more than 200,000 customers around the globe. Heidelberg generates 85 percent of global sales through company-owned sales offices and well above 80 percent outside of Germany. In fiscal year 2006/2007, Heidelberg achieved sales of Euro 3.803 billion referring to the divisions Press, Postpress and Financial Services as well as a net profit of Euro 263 million.

As of March 31, 2007, the Group employed 19,171 staff worldwide.

Editorial Contact:
Manning Selvage & Lee
Rebecca Harbin
404-870-6825
rebecca.harbin@mslpr.com