Canon and HEIDELBERG Announce Global Cooperation in Sheetfed Inkjet Printing

Canon and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), leaders in inkjet and sheetfed offset printing, have announced a global sales and service partnership focusing on inkjet printing. This collaboration aims to support commercial print businesses in adopting hybrid offset/digital production to meet evolving print buyer needs and handle shorter, more diverse print runs efficiently.

HEIDELBERG will expand its technology portfolio with a new inkjet product family based on Canon's recently announced B2 sheetfed inkjet press and the well-established B3 sheetfed inkjet press. Both presses will be integrated into HEIDELBERG's Prinect workflow, with service and Saphira Ink provided through HEIDELBERG.

Akira Yoshida, President & CEO and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Canon Production Printing Holding B.V, stated, “Canon has invested significantly in developing leading inkjet technology to offer commercial printing customers a clear vision for the future. HEIDELBERG's unique heritage, extensive customer base, and deep understanding of commercial print business needs make us confident that our collaboration will accelerate the adoption of hybrid offset/digital production and drive transformative innovation globally.”

Dr. David Schmedding, Head of Sales at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, added, “Canon is the perfect partner for HEIDELBERG, providing best-in-class inkjet press technology and expertise in digital applications and business development. Our goal is to offer print shops operating both sheetfed offset and digital presses an integrated and attractive service and product portfolio. We are thrilled to provide innovative industrial inkjet presses integrated into our Prinect workflow for flexible and cost-effective autonomous production.”

To date, over 650 Canon B3 sheetfed inkjet presses have been successfully adopted by customers worldwide, enhancing their ability to produce a wide range of shorter-run jobs efficiently and profitably. The new Canon B2 sheetfed press, available in Q4 2025, promises exceptional digital productivity, quality, and media versatility for industrial customers.

The new HEIDELBERG inkjet portfolio is being showcased at the Heidelberg stand in Hall 1 at drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 28 to June 7. Visitors can view a technology animation of the new B2 sheetfed inkjet press at the Canon stand in Hall 8a.