With Christmas just around the corner, production at Ravensburger is running at full speed. The German manufacturer, known for its board games and puzzles, recently invested in an HP Indigo 18K. This digital press is now in operation to manufacture personalized puzzles, a segment that has been growing strongly for several seasons.
This B2 press, capable of printing up to 4âeuros600Â sheets per hour, has five color stations. It is mainly used in Ravensburg for small runs, such as photo puzzles on demand, delivered with personalized packaging.
Growing demand for special formats
Because, according to Ravensburger management, demand is no longer limited to classic rectangular puzzles. Limited editions, original shapes (round, square or die-cut) and special effects, such as fluorescent inks or augmented reality integrations, are booming. These new expectations have necessitated a strategic rethink of the production chain.
Ravensburger compared several digital printing solutions before selecting the Indigo 18K. The press was evaluated under real-life conditions at the HP Graphic Experience Center in Barcelona, notably in terms of print quality and consistency of color rendition. The LEP (Liquid Electro Photography) technology developed by HP, often presented as a credible alternative to offset, convinced the technical teams with its precision and flexibility.
Range extension beyond the puzzle
Expanding the range of printable substrates was also a factor in the decision. The Indigo 18K press accepts special substrates such as metallized materials and laminated plastic films.
"The HP Indigo 18K gives us both the speed and quality we need for our puzzles, while giving us the flexibility to explore other product categories." explains Kai Linsner, Group COO, quoted by HP
