Spectra and Heidelberg Sign License, Development and Supply Agreement
LEBANON, N.H. — New Hampshire-based Spectra, a market leader in the printhead
OEM market, and German-based Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
(Heidelberg), a market leader in providing solutions for the print media
industry, announced the recent signing of a long-term license, development
and supply agreement aimed at developing a new generation of digital graphic
arts equipment based on Spectra’s proprietary piezoelectric inkjet technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Heidelberg and Spectra will work closely
together to support the development of technology and products aimed at a broad
range of digital printing applications.
“This is a milestone in Spectra’s
development. Spectra has worked closely with Heidelberg for a number of years
resulting in the impressive technology demonstration of a page-wide imprinting
unit at Drupa 2000,” said John Batterton, president and CEO of Spectra.
“Substantial resources will be allocated to develop leading edge products and
technology for several segments of the graphic arts market.”
At Drupa 2000,
Heidelberg unveiled and demonstrated the VDP 921 Imprinting Unit, a 12.5 inch
wide inkjet engine with over 7600 nozzles, built by Spectra, and integrated with
a Printmaster QM 46. With a line speed of over 300 ft./min., a resolution of 600
x 600 dpi and a capability of generating 300 million drops per second, it is one
of the highest performing inkjet engines ever built.
“As a worldwide provider
of solutions to the print media industry, Heidelberg follows trends and market
developments within the sector and is constantly working to develop and improve
technological concepts,” said Wolfgang Pfizenmaier, member of Heidelberg’s
management board and CEO of Heidelberg Digital. “At drupa 2000, Heidelberg
presented, together with Spectra, a possible answer to the market trend toward
the integration of high-quality color offset printing and personalization with
an innovative inkjet head. As the feedback of our customers was very positive,
we are glad to extend the relationship with Spectra to continue the partnership
in the future,” Pfizenmaier said.
For more information visit www.spectra-inc.com.
This article originally appeared in the March 2002 issue of Recharger.