Connecting Digital Presses

Heidelberg supports a number of digital presses that can be connected online to the Prinect system. In addition, Heidelberg provides all machine manufacturers with a JDF/JMF interface for online con­nection. Machines that cannot be connected online can be connected via a PDF connection or a Data Terminal.

You can find a list of the supported machines that can be connected online in: Supported Digital Presses.

In principle, there are the following different connection types:

•Online connection

•Online Connection of Other Manufacturers

•Connection via PDF Output

•Data Terminal Connection (Offline Connection)

Connection Types for Digital Presses

Online connection

With this connection type, the machine communicates directly with the Prinect Digital Front End (DFE). On the Prinect DFE, the jobs are prepared (imposition, color management, etc.) and then sent to the press to be printed. The machine automatically reports back production data like quantities and status messages. Other production data like login and logout of the staff can be recorded manu­ally on the Prinect DFE (within the Digital Printing Terminal) (see screenshot below). Finally, all pro­duction data display in Analyze Point.

Online Connection of Other Manufacturers

Heidelberg provides all machine manufacturers with a JDF/JMF-based interface for the connection to Prinect. This makes online connection also possible for machines that are not found in the list of supported machines. Machines with this interface can receive and report back the same data. The only difference lies in the configuration of the connection. See Set up Connection for Third-party Machines with JDF/JMF Interface.

Connection via PDF Output

All digital presses that cannot be connected online can be connected through a generic interface. With this connection type, the Prinect DFE places the imposed PDF in a set folder that the press must access.

In contrast to the online connection, the press does not send any feedbacks to the Prinect DFE. This also means that the press cannot request any printing material. Instead, a default group of printing materials is created automatically after you have set up the press. You can edit this group manually (see Printing Materials and Substrates).

Data Terminal Connection (Offline Connection)

With this connection type, there is no direct communication between Prinect and the machine. It is solely for manual production data collection for a connected MIS and/or Analyze Point. The job data generally come to the machine from a third-party prepress system.

Supported Digital Presses

Heidelberg supports a number of digital presses that can be connected online. The table below lists supported presses. Digital presses that cannot be connected online can be connected through a generic interface ("Generic").