Connection of Finishing Machines

Finishing machines can be integrated into the Prinect workflow in different ways. The highest level of automation is offered by an online connection with an integrated Data Terminal. However, this type of connection is not available for all machines. The press overview shows which presses have which connection options. See Supported Finishing Machines.

Note: Instructions for connecting a Polar cutter are provided in a separate chapter. See Connecting Polar cutters.

Connection Types for Finishing Machines

In principle, finishing machines can be connected to the Prinect workflow in the following ways:

​•​Online connection with a Data Terminal

​•​Offline connection with a Data Terminal

​•​Data Terminal with counter box (semi-automated connection)

​•​Online JDF connection of third-party machines with Data Terminal

Online connection with a Data Terminal

With this type of connection, the Machine communicates "online" with Prinect Integration. With this connection type, the press receives all the data it needs (job data, presetting data) directly from the Prinect Workflow and automatically sends operating data such as counter readings or speed details back in the same way. Other production data (e.g. operator login and logout times) can be reported back manually through a Data Terminal installed on the press.

Offline connection with a Data Terminal

With this type of connection, there is no direct communication between the Prinect workflow and the press or workplace. All communication is through a Data Terminal that is installed on a separate computer. The Data Terminal receives job data and presetting data from the Prinect workflow and reports back manually entered production data.

Unlike with an online connection, the machine operator has to preset the press manually. Furthermore, no automatically generated machine signals (counter readings, speed details) are reported back.

Data Terminal with counter box (semi-automated connection)

With this type of connection, communication between the Prinect workflow and the press is controlled via a Data Terminal, in the same way as an offline connection. See Offline connection with a Data Terminal.

In addition, a counter box that automatically reports back the counter readings of the machine to the Prinect workflow is connected.

Online JDF connection of third-party machines with Data Terminal

HEIDELBERG provides machine manufacturers with a JDF/JMF-based interface for the connection of machines to the Prinect workflow. This makes online connection also possible for machines that are not found in the list of supported machines. See Supported Finishing Machines. Machines with this interface are connected through "Data Terminal with JDF Machine". In the same way as an online connection, the machine communicates directly with the Prinect workflow. See Online connection with a Data Terminal. The only difference to the online connection is that the Data Terminal is not installed on the machine but on a separate computer.