After extended pilot projects, German publisher Axel Springer is equipping all its newspaper presses with inkjet imprinting systems.

The decision means an order for a further 19 systems – making a total of 23 at nine print sites – for manroland web systems, which has already integrated most of the previous installations.

It brings to 33, the total number of systems in use at Axel Springer sites, and follows cooperation at pilot projects in Ahrensburg and Spandau (Berlin).

The Kodak Prosper S30 technology is being used for a variety of value-added variable data applications, including lotteries, breaking news, tailor-made ads and cross-media promotions.

manroland service and printcom president Anton Hamm says integration needs to be optimised using two modules: “The automation module lays the foundation for electronic and software-related requirements, and the web lead module ensures the constructive, mechanical, and technical adjustment of the web lead,” he says. “Automation focuses on inkjet software integrated in the operating concept. It bundles the requirements and commands of key components such as the control console with multi-touchscreen, the central encoder for speed, and the SmartCam mark reader.”

Software transmits resulting control commands to the Kodak imprinting systems.

manroland has patented the processes it developed for the application.