by DPS Magazine Staff
The 15th Hunkeler Innovationdays (HID) emphasized the central role of networking with the motto “CONNECT.” The event, which was hosted in Lucerne, Switzerland from February 24 to 27, 2025, attracted 6,800 participants and 120 exhibitors presenting 40 live solutions. The international print industry event is focused on high-performance digital printing and finishing.
“We are proud that, together with our partners, we were able to present pioneering solutions during the four days of the trade fair that will shape the future of the digital printing industry,” emphasized Bruno Müller, CEO, Muller Martini, in a statement about the event.
Exhibitor Highlights
Here are just a few of the innovations and systems showcased at HID.
Visitors saw the BlueCrest Evolution Inserter with Hunkeler Unwinder UW8. The Evolution Inserting System with the Hunkeler Unwinder UW8-R is a versatile, scalable solution designed to meet the evolving needs of mailers.
BÖWE SYSTEC showcased the Fusion Speed Inserter with BOXIT and Hunkeler Unwinder UW8. The inserting system was equipped with the Hunkeler Unwinder UW8-R.
C.P. Bourg debuted the Bourg Booklet Maker 40/60+ (BBM 40/60+). The device was shown offline with the Bourg sheet feeder Bourg Preparation Module equipped with both bleed trimming and creasing for three-edge trimmed document production, Bourg Booklet Maker, stitcher, folder, Bourg Square Edge finisher, and Bourg Trimmer. The new BBM 40/60+ booklet maker also introduces an “industry first” with its ability to incorporate sheet converting and stacking on the same production line as the booklet maker, giving end users the capability to eliminate guillotine cutting post printing for jobs requiring book blocks used to produce perfect bound books or mechanical binding applications such as comb binding and three ring binder documents.
Canon displayed the ProStream 2000 series, a compact version of its high-performance, web-fed inkjet presses. The ProStream 2133 demonstrated its capabilities live at the event by printing a variety of high-quality applications at speeds of up to 133 meters per minute (mpm). These include short-run, format-variable brochures, direct mail, postcards, and calendars, which were then finished nearline at the Müller Martini booth using its Connex automated workflow. The solution also features inline finishing equipment including the new Hunkeler Web Extender WE8 for optimal print quality and Weko’s new remoistening unit, designed to enhance product quality and efficiency in continuous digital inkjet production.
Diversified Nano Solutions Corporation (DNSC) highlighted its x-nano ink product line, which provides a range of solutions that utilize dyes and nanopigments in long-term stable suspension, including Magnetic Ink Character Recognition—MICR; visible and invisible Color Fluorescent—Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, White; UV [254-395nm] / IR Absorbing [780-1070nm]; and special pigmented/hybrid inks for food grade and non-food applications. These digital inks support thermal and piezoelectric printheads using aqueous, oil, energy curable (UV/LED), solvent, and eco-solvent based inks. DNSC maintains manufacturing facilities in Europe and the U.S.
Enfocus featured the latest versions of its automation solutions for printers like Switch, PitStop, Phoenix, and Griffin, which streamline workflows and turbocharge efficiency for print professionals. The modular design of each solution ensures they can be customized to suit specific business needs with a range of plugins and modules.
Fujifilm featured its Jet Press 1160CF, a high-performance inkjet printing system designed for transactional printing and book publishing. It features two optimized printing modes—speed mode reaches 160 mpm at 1,200×600 dpi, while quality mode delivers 1,200×1,200 dpi at 80 mpm for finer image reproduction. Its newly developed ink system ensures outstanding color reproduction on uncoated and matte-coated papers, while an advanced print server efficiently processes large data volumes and supports variable data formats such as PPML and PDF/VT, making it ideal for personalized printing.The processing of B2-plus sheets was demonstrated with the Hunkeler Gen8 Roll to stack solution. The DocuTrim handled these sheets at the Hunkeler booth, while the Hunkeler Web Inspection WI8 ensures precision and quality control in this highly efficient, integrated solution.
Gelato showcased GelatoConnect, its AI-powered software solution designed to help print producers unlock their full potential and shape the future of production. More than an end-to-end software platform, GelatoConnect enables a shift from traditional mass production to mass customization, opening doors to booming markets, including ecommerce and the creator economy.
The Hönle Business Unit Curing presented its LED-UV and UV curing systems as well as infrared/hot air dryers for digital printing. This year, its focus was on combined infrared/hot air modules designed for drying water-based inkjet inks. A world first is the UV Scan MACS, a dose measuring device, featuring patented measurement technology.
Hybrid’s OEM business unit (formerly Global Graphics Software) highlighted SmartDFE—the digital front end for single-pass, high-speed digital presses. SmartDFE’s capabilities include an AI-accelerated Harlequin RIP farm that drives data inline directly to the printhead electronics and OPC UA connectivity for industrial print environments, as well as integrated prepress workflow automation and advanced PDF editing tools. Meteor Inkjet was on hand to discuss printhead drive electronics and waveform development for inkjet printing devices. Hybrid’s ColorLogic business unit demonstrated its latest color management products that deliver superior color accuracy, consistency, and flexibility for even the most complex print jobs.
Heidelberg demonstrated the Jetfire 50, the company’s latest sheet-fed inkjet printer designed for new, future-proof production methods in commercial printing. Delivering exceptional image quality at 1,200×1,200 dpi, it handles sheets up to B3 size and prints at speeds of up to 4560 SRA3 sheets per hour (duplex) on paper weights ranging from 60 to 350 gsm. At the Heidelberg/Müller Martini booth, the Hunkeler Starbook Sheetfolder was showcased inline with a the Jetfire 50 sheet-fed printer creating a highly automated, fully integrated book production line. Paired with the Müller Martini Vareo Pro and InfiniTrim, this setup demonstrates state-of-the-art sheet-fed book production, transforming a blank sheet into high-quality finished books with unmatched efficiency.
Horizon demonstrated the inline Horizon iCE STITCHLINER Mark V with Canon’s varioPRINT iX3200 B3 sheetfed inkjet press. This inline solution allows users to achieve one-pass booklet production at a very high level of quality.
HP showcased an integrated book production solution alongside advancements in its HP Indigo and HP PageWide portfolios. Highlights included a live demonstration showcasing 750 fully finished books, printed from blank sheets and rolls using HP’s advanced Intelligent Automation ecosystem; HP Indigo’s next generation of sustainable consumable supplies, including a package designed to enhance productivity and reduce waste, CO2 emissions, and operator workload while maintaining print quality; HP Indigo 120K & 18K digital presses; the new HP PageWide Advantage 2200 configuration; and HP PageWide T4250 HDR and T500M HD presses.
Hunkeler demonstrated the new GEN8 EVO roll to stack solution, which is characterized by its simple, ergonomic, and intuitive operation designed to make job changeover and set-up more efficient. At the Hunkeler booth, the Starbook Sheetfolder—which debuted at drupa 2024—ran in a nearline configuration with the newly launched Pallet Feeder. The Sheetfolder itself also features key innovations, including the multicut function and a perforation dust extraction system. With multicut, it can now process formats up to B2 and eight-up printed sheets, while the dust extraction system minimizes dirt buildup from the perforation wheel, reducing maintenance time. Hunkeler also displayed the DocuTrim in its B2-plus version, featuring a single-sheet cutter. Set up in a nearline configuration with a Pile Feeder; the Gen8 Direct Mail solution, which consisted of the Hunkeler modules Unwinder UW8, Dynamic Processor DP8, Web Folder WF8, and Cutter CS8, connected to Horizon folding equipment AFV-566DF and PSX-56; and the Hunkeler Control Platform (HCP), a flexible and modular solution for end user production monitoring.
Ironsides Technology presented its completely open and agnostic tracking system that enables the company to collect machine and client production data across all production platforms. From this the company builds a unique database to drive productivity and cost analytics to help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve margins.
IST showcased its latest advancements in Smart Curing Technology, designed to revolutionize the curing process in industrial printing. Visitors experienced how its innovative solutions deliver unmatched precision, energy efficiency, and real-time monitoring capabilities, ensuring superior results for even the most complex applications.
The Kern K3200 Inserter with Hunkeler Unwinder UW8 stood out for its modular design, flexibility, high reliability, and intuitive operation. Designed for transactional printing, direct mail, and letter shops, it offers versatile configuration options to meet diverse production needs.
Kodak demonstrated the speed of the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press web-fed inkjet press, which was on show in Europe for the first time, by printing excerpts from the movie, The Last Showgirl and two music videos, Kesha’s JOYRIDE and AntsLive’s CAPTAIN ANTS that were all shot on KODAK Film to simulate the effect of a movie being projected. Leveraging its Turbo mode, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press printed the movie sequences with water-based KODAK EKTACOLOR inks at a speed of 1,345 feet per minute. When printing the images, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press achieved such a high frame rate that the movies were played back smoothly on the monitors of the press’ quality monitoring system.
KURZ presented the DM-MAXLINER 2D in live action. This marks the machine’s second public showcase following its market debut at drupa 2024. Additionally, visitors could explore the DM-UNILINER 3D with an interactive exhibit highlighting its three dimensional inkjet-on-substrate technology for label and web fed applications. It also featured the MPRINT monojet, alongside applications showcasing hot, cold, and digital embellishment solutions, including security features for brand protection.
MBO America exhibited its M9 Buckle Folder, a new dimension in folding technology designed to redefine efficiency and precision in the print finishing process. The M9 Buckle Folder is a flagship innovation, offering unparalleled user-friendliness, maximum production reliability, and significant reductions in setup times. With up to 24 buckle plates, the M9 delivers unmatched flexibility and precision. It incorporates advanced features such as camera systems, water scoring, and faulty product ejection, all of which can be monitored and controlled through its intuitive machine control system. These enhancements ensure a stable production process, making the M9 ideal for a range of applications.
Meccanotecnica featured the Universe Web for book sewing with Hunkeler Unwinder UW8 and Cutter CS8. This solution enables cost-effective, premium-quality book production directly from a printed roll, optimizing efficiency for short and medium runs. The Unwinder UW8 feeds paper through the Cutter CS8 and into the thread sewing machine, ensuring precise and durable bookbinding with minimal waste.
Muller Martini demonstrated three Smart Factory solutions.Visitors experienced how a finished softcover book was produced inline from both the white roll and the white sheet—from the digital web- or sheet-fed printing machine to the cutting robot with subsequent sorting line, fully automated and without manual intervention. The Prinova Digital saddle stitcher on show also produced eight different saddle-stitched products in very short runs from the roll in a continuous process.
OneVision Software highlighted its modular automation solutions that seamlessly integrate production processes—from file preparation, printing, and finishing to postpress. The aim is to make existing system landscapes more efficient, flexible, and sustainable. Streamlining production processes with automation software Producing on-demand books, photo books, direct mailings, and other print products in digital and inkjet printing faces the challenge of combining top-quality printing with efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Quadient unveiled its latest folder inserter, the DS-1200 G5iQ, and also highlight its MACH 9DS full-color dynamic envelope printing solution for personalized envelopes. Quadient’s intelligent document automation and customer communications management software solutions will also be highlighted, including Quadient Inspire and Quadient Impress.
Ricoh’s high-speed inkjet and sheetfed production portfolio, represented by RICOH Pro VC80000, Ricoh Pro VC40000, and RICOH Pro C9500 technologies, as well as an interactive presentation of theRICOH Pro Z75B2 inkjet press, demonstrated how everyday capabilities can be elevated to create a highly productive concept to completion environment. Efficient and profitable end-to-end production begins with software solutions including RICOH TotalFlowBatchBuilder, which simplifies and automates many steps in short-run digital production, andRICOH Process Director that captures, transforms, and manages production information and print processes with precise tracking. RICOH Predictive Insight, first introduced on the Pro VC80000 high-speed inkjet press, provides data driven insights into device utilization and operator productivity.
RISO exhibited its inkjet technology coupled with the SDD Press Trim Module. This booklet finisher creates finished booklets by pressing and trimming on three sides, and offers a square bind for a more polished look. RISO also showcased its VALEZUS T2200 printer with dual feeding and stacking capabilities and a capacity of 8,000 sheets and printing speeds up to 320 impressions per minute.
Scodix introduced exciting collaborations with industry leaders in premium uncoated substrates, including Winter & Company, Gmund, and Fedrigoni, unveiling innovative new samples for books, notebooks, and luxury packaging.
On the floor, Screen highlighted the Truepress JET 560 HDX, which delivers high-quality images at a native resolution of 1,200×1,200 dpi on extra-wide substrates up to 560 millimeters. Further, the updated Screen TruePress Jet 520NX featured a new five-inch printhead module, delivering high-quality output with resolutions up to 600×900 dpi. Equipped with new functional inks and reaching speeds of up to 225 meters per minute, it significantly expands application possibilities with advanced features and enhanced versatility.
Solimar Systems, Inc. presented in key partner stands—RISO and Screen—where it demonstrated the benefits and use cases of their industrial PDF optimization solution, ReadyPDF Prepress Server. This product optimizes fonts, images, objects, and colors and fixes most structural issues, creating PDFs that process more efficiently for printing on production cut-sheet devices, continuous feed presses, and for online ePresentment, with full document fidelity.
SpencerMetrics highlighted its new CONNECT AI Assistant. This intelligent addition to the CONNECT system transforms the way users engage with and interpret production data.
Ultimate Tech showcased agnostic connectivity and flexibility and scalability with new connectivity interface to allow more control to programmatically drive imposition and nesting as well as tie in finishing with even more device support to be announced at the show.
Under its Winkler+Dünnebier (W+D) brand, BW Converting launched the BB816+ high-performance mail inserter. This new addition to the 800 series platform of servo-driven, easier-to-operate mail inserters is built for direct mail, transactional mail, and specialized applications such as vote by mail, offering the highest levels of integrity and adaptability for customized solutions.
XMPie showcased its advanced, data-driven and variable data print solution. Perfect for high-volume, high-speed jobs, users can inject real-time data to guarantee timely, relevant, and personalized customer journeys. XMPie integrates seamlessly with Adobe InDesign and is compatible with all print presses. Built to scale, it empowers print service providers to maximize the potential of their modern print presses, add more value to print, and make every interaction count.
Looking Ahead
The next HID will be held from February 22 to 25, 2027 at the Lucerne exhibition centre in Switzerland.
Mar2025, DPS Magazine
