HEIDELBERG GERMANY—  Heidelberg has launched a new range of ink dispensing systems that allow printers to create their own special colours accurately, on-demand. The ChromaStar Series comprises four models, starting with the entry-level ChromaStar X for manual batch production, but with digital formula management. The compact ChromaStar S has 20 dosing heads and optional external pumping of 20kg or 200kg for higher consumption colour components. It handles conventional, LED/UV inks, or a combination. It is designed to handle an annual spot colour volume of between one-to-ten metric tonnes. Next, the ChromaStar M model can be configured with 16 to 32 dosing valves, again handling conventional, LED/UV inks, or a combination. Dosing is via 20kg or 200kg pumping systems, while dosing time for a 25kg batch of ink containing three components is five minutes. Annual volume is five-to-20 tonnes. Heidelberg expects the new range to be particularly popular with packaging printers due to the use of special colours in that sector, and said customers would benefit from higher productivity.