Corporate Brochure
HELL Gravure Systems
YO U R EN G R AV I N G I N D US T RY PA R T N ER
The company
The products
The personal touch
A company of
Based on Innovation.
OUR CORPORATE PROFILE
Our corporate profile
HELL Gravure Systems is the leading manufacturer
of prepress engraving systems. Our core areas of
expertise are packaging gravure, publication gravure and flexographic printing. Research, development and manufacturing activities for the global
market are concentrated at the company’s headquarters in the north German city of Kiel. HELL’s
products and solutions are consistently geared to
industry requirements and ensure unrivaled quality
and a long service life.
HELL Gravure Systems is a company of Heliograph
Holding.
Based on Innovation.
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22,000 qm site in the north German city of Kiel
HELL Gravure Systems
Experience brings success
Our product and service developments are entirely geared to our customers’
needs – we always keep our finger on the pulse.
As the inventor of electromechanical engraving,
HELL Gravure Systems benefits from the longest
and most in-depth experience of any company in
the engraving industry. Since it was founded over
60 years ago, HELL has kept redefining itself and,
thanks to the development of outstanding technologies, has become the strongest and most successful brand in the industry.
HELL currently has a workforce of over 100 at its
headquarters in Kiel. As a company of the Heliograph Group, HELL also has a global presence through
an efficient network of Group branches and highly
efficient representatives who are in direct contact
with customers and offer the entire HELL service and
support portfolio on a country-specific basis.
The HELL plant –
the bedrock of HELL worldwide
Leading technologies
HELL develops customized solutions based on firstclass research and development. We are the market leader in packaging and publication gravure.
Our direct laser technology brings us success in
the flexographic printing and high-performance
embossing sectors. Our highly motivated staff are
continually working on advances in the product
portfolio in these sectors.
© SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG, Photo: W. Schumacher
OUR CORPORATE PROFILE
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The sea and city port of Kiel
Our location
Nerve center and gateway to the world
Our plant in northern Germany is the driving force behind HELL worldwide.
This is the origin of the dynamic excellence that is the hallmark of all our activities.
© SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG, Photo: P. Lühr
A location with wide horizons
HELL has been based in Kiel, on the Baltic coast, for
over 50 years. Products are designed and manufactured in state-of-the-art production facilities at the
22,000 qm site. The HELL plant is the company’s
nerve center and the source of the most innovative developments in the engraving industry. Kiel is
also the hub for all our agents and representatives
worldwide.
The advantages of having just one main site are
obvious. Short information channels and concentrated actions result in highly flexible product
manufacture and delivery. Because HELL sets great
store by keeping the vertical range of production
to a minimum, new technologies are implemented
quickly and simply.
Again and again, the ongoing exchange of information and experience and the company’s great
affinity with innovations produce outstanding new
product developments. Working on new ideas and
satisfying customer needs are two areas that are
always right at the forefront of our activities.
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1981: Offset-gravure conversion
1962: HelioKlischograph K190
1969: HelioKlischograph K493
Our history
Based on Innovation.
Our products and solutions are shaped by the passion and pioneering spirit
of our founder, Dr.-Ing. Rudolf Hell. His rich vein of inventions paved the
way for a whole host of fundamental solutions for the graphic arts industry.
Tradition with a future
The roots of HELL Gravure Systems lie in the
invention of electromechanical engraving by
Dr.-Ing. Rudolf Hell. For over 60 years, he worked on developing equipment to optimize prepress operations, and he made a lasting mark
on the company with his untiring enthusiasm
for research and his affinity with industry. Dr.
Hell succeeded in producing ground-breaking inventions that provided answers to all manner
of crucial questions in the graphic arts industry and
unlocked the gateway to numerous new applications. Dr. Hell’s engraving repertoire also includes
offset-gravure conversion and filmless engraving.
Dr.-Ing. Rudolf Hell (* 1901 - † 2002)
Awarded the Knight Commander’s Cross
of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic
of Germany and winner of the Gutenberg Prize
Details about the life’s work of Dr. Hell
can be found online at www.hell-kiel.de
OUR CORPORATE PROFILE
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1985: HDP Helio Data Processing
1988: HelioSet job preparation workstation
Over 50 years of product development
Innovations overview
For over half a century, HELL Gravure Systems has been developing unique
and successful solutions – and the best is yet to come!
1958
1962
1965
1969
1974
1980
1981
…
1958
First gravure reproduction based on
electromechanical engraving
1990
HelioKlischograph K305 and K306, HelioScan CN 420 – redigitization
of film originals
1962
HelioKlischograph K190 – premiere
of the first HelioKlischograph
1995
Gipsy: Gravure Image Processing System
HelioForm: printing form assembly for
publication
HelioRip: PostScript connection for gravure output
1965
HelioKlischograph K193 – separate scanning and engraving beds
1969
HelioKlischograph K493
1974
HelioKlischograph K200 with digital
electronics
HelioKlischograph K301, K302, K303
1997
HelioKlischograph K405/K406
HelioCom: cylinder layout workstation
for packaging
TIFF direct engraving and job ticket
workflow
HelioFormproof: cylinder layout
proofing system
1980
HelioKlischograph K201/202
with process computer control
1981
Offset-gravure conversion
1983
1985
Electron beam engraving presented
to the trade
HDP: Helio Data Processing
1998
HelioSprint: 8 kHz high-performance engraving system
CellGuard: camera system for packaging
1988
HelioKlischograph K304
HelioSet job preparation workstation
1999
HelioKlischograph K500
Gipsy NT: real-time data processing on a PC platform
8
1959: First electromechanical engravings by HELL R & D staff
...
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2000
CellGuard: camera system for
publication
AutoSpacer: measuring system for axial
register
2001
HandyCam: measuring camera with online link
2002
HelioKlischograph Compact
HelioKlischograph K6
SprintEasy: measuring station for
engraving heads with camera
BookletProof: engraving job simulation
2003
High Quality Hinting: quality-optimized gravure output
TIFF Upgrade Kit: HelioKlischograph modernization option
HELL Security Engraving: Intaglio
engravings
2004
AutoCon: fully automated publication production line
HelioLinkPro: for importing and
standardizing magazine pages
XtremeEngraving: high-resolution engraving
CellGuard III: volume-oriented cutting
GravureCheck: final quality check
1998: HelioSprint development at HELL
2005
AutoCon: fully automated packaging production line
Cellaxy: Direct laser for chrome and copper
StatusManager: online production monitoring
WebApproval: online customer approval
HelioKlischograph K6 XL
2006
FormManager: automated form layout creation
PremiumSetter
2007
CellEye: repeat-accurate cylinder
engraving
2008
HelioKlischograph K5
HelioKlischograph K50
HelioKlischograph K500 Twain
HelioSprint III
PremiumLine: fully automated flexo-
graphic printing form production line
HelioFlow: JDF and PDF publication
workflow
2009
HELL Gravure Systems becomes part of the newly founded Heliograph Holding
2010
PremiumSetter S1300
2011
Cellaxy for embossing
HelioKlischograph E1
OUR CORPORATE PROFILE
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2008: Laser development at HELL
Our commitment to innovation
Always one step ahead
Our particular strengths include expertise and agility in product development. It goes without saying that this involves thinking outside the box.
Full steam ahead
HELL Gravure Systems is the engraving industry’s
innovator. Since it was founded, the company has
kept launching new solutions that represent pioneering trends and rapidly become industry standards.
HELL equipment ensures top quality and precision
because it is optimized on an ongoing basis to satisfy
customer needs.
The current industry favorites are the HelioKlischograph K6, the AutoCon automated production line
with HelioKlischograph K500, PremiumFlexo and
Cellaxy. This wide range reflects HELL’s comprehensive portfolio and is evidence of the company’s
technology leadership.
In our element
Every third HELL employee works in research and
development. There are many different tasks and targets involved in these activities, but the one objective shared by all innovations is to make customers successful. Again and again, the results of our
research and development efforts are patented
and honored with awards. HELL is unrivaled when
it comes to optimizing products and processes,
cutting production times and improving reliability
in production.
HELL products also lead the way in terms of durability – their legendary long service life is unique in
the industry.
Of course, innovative product development also
includes localization of the different language versions. In addition, our customers benefit from a
state-of-the-art user interface that sets ergonomic
standards and provides inestimable added value in
the day-to-day working life.
OUR PRODUCTS
Our products
HELL is active in four main sectors – packaging gravure, embossing, publication gravure and flexographic printing. The comprehensive product portfolio
on offer to customers is unique – from mechanical
engineering and software to services and complex
application solutions, all products come from an
expert source and ensure a smooth workflow. A
further advantage of the portfolio is the ideal priceperformance ratio. Anyone investing in a HELL product can be sure of unique mechanical precision.
The HelioKlischograph K500, laser engraver Cellaxy, HelioKlischograph K6, and the PremiumFlexo
method are all ambassadors for their class. Short
innovation cycles ensure that every HELL product
is state-of-the-art and satisfies the toughest global
requirements.
Based on Innovation.
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Our product portfolio
Packaging, publication and flexographic printing
Every generation of outstanding HELL products has its own milestones.
The current highlights in the packaging, embossing, publication and
flexographic printing sectors are described below.
Packaging gravure with the K500
HelioKlischograph systems are the fastest and most successful
engraving machines of all time. Well over 2,000 machines have
been installed since they were first launched on the market.
The K5 and K500 units have thus earned their reputation as
undisputed industry standards when it comes to output devices
for packaging gravure. Thanks to their modular design, the
machines are suitable for many different applications. HELL
offers a comprehensive spectrum capable of handling any application on the international packaging gravure market – from the
K5 as an entry-level machine for cylinder engraving to the highend K500 for integration into a fully automated production line.
Embossing with the Cellaxy
The Cellaxy represents a new era in the manufacture of
embossing forms. At its heart is a high-resolution laser
that, for the first time, delivers the high power density
needed to process copper, aluminum, nickel, and steel
cylinders with a high level of productivity. This enables
the production of top-quality 3D embossing structures.
The high-power laser in combination with maintenancefree optics ensures that this system reaches a level of
productivity never achieved before in this application.
TIFF direct engraving and the job ticket workflow ensure maximum productivity and transparency in the HELL production
system for packaging gravure.
The Cellaxy integrates seamlessly into any existing HELL
workflow, making it even easier to produce embossing
cylinders.
Packaging gravure
Normal engraving (top)
XtremeEngraving (bottom)
Gravurbild mit Xtreme
Lasergravur
Embossing
3D leather
embossing structure (top)
Packaging
embossing form (bottom)
OUR PRODUCTS
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Publication gravure with the K6
The fully automated HelioKlischograph K6 ensures
cutting-edge publication engraving, top quality and
commercially successful production through flexible,
efficient and cost-effective cylinder manufacture. As the
logical successor to the globally successful K406, the
K6 combines the tried-and-tested components of its
predecessor with a whole host of innovative functions.
With up to 18 channels, the K6 offers extremely quick
printing form manufacture for magazine and catalog
printing with absolute ribbon balance.
Flexographic method with PremiumFlexo
PremiumFlexo proves that cost-effective flexographic production in gravure quality is no longer a pipe dream. For the
first time, plates and round printing forms can now be produced in just a two-stage process with top-quality results.
The key component in the process is the PremiumSetter, a
laser engraving machine that enables direct engraving of
elastomer printing forms.
The HelioFlow production system for publication gravure
processes individual PDF pages that can still be altered
or exchanged as little as 2 minutes before engraving
begins.
The three-dimensional screening developed by HELL for
the PremiumSetter is based on TIFF input data provided by
any standard rip.
Publication gravure
Flexographic method
14
Print samples from all over the world
Examples from packaging and publication
OUR PRODUCTS
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The many different results reflect the wide range of
packaging and publishing methods used around the
globe. All these print samples have one thing in common, though – they were all created using HELL equipment. All kinds of packaging, labels for many different
kinds of products, colorful postage stamps, magazines
and catalogs are not only ambassadors for cultural
diversity, but also evidence of the global success of
HELL products.
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Production in Kiel
Our expertise
Parts and More
HELL‘s Parts & More department is structured entirely in keeping with our
customers’ needs. We vouch for the quality and reliability of our products.
Production reliability included
HELL has a comprehensive range of services, in particular when it comes to providing customers with
comprehensive know-how on using HELL products.
In addition, HELL offers concrete expert assistance
for day-to-day production, thereby improving the
availability of individual systems and their competitiveness on a lasting basis.
Engraving head maintenance for consistent
quality
Because a whole host of factors influence system
performance in practice, engraving heads require
regular, professional care and maintenance to ensure
engraving results of a consistently high quality. At
HELL, highly qualified specialists develop, manufacture and maintain the most state-of-the-art engraving systems in the world.
Technical improvements are continuously brought
to bear during the annual manufacture of over 300
new HelioSprint engraving heads and the maintenance of over 1200 existing engraving heads. As a
result, HELL’s know-how is unique in the industry.
Contacts for every occasion
HELL offers comprehensive and expert support, with
no gaps in its service network. Customers quickly
find the right contact to solve problems or respond
to any of a number of different inquiries.
Quality down to the smallest detail
As part of its service offering, the Parts & More
department keeps a wide range of components,
products and spare parts in stock. HELL customers
can rely on quick supplies of all the parts they need,
creating the best possible conditions for smooth
production.
OUR PRODUCTS
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Comprehensive customer and staff training at all levels
An unbeatable combination
The quality and long service life of HELL machines
are legendary. The software used in the equipment
and at the prepress stage plays a major role in this
success and has long made software development
one of the company’s key activities. All advances and
innovations for existing systems are made available
through HELL’s software updates and software support agreements – needless to say, with consistently
high system compatibility. All products are designed
with future adaptations in mind.
High-performance and compatible software
On the safe side
HELL offers comprehensive training for all products of
the four main sectors – packaging, embossing, publication and flexographic printing. To ensure customers
get the most out of hardware and software and keep
them operational, HELL conducts special user and
hardware training courses, either in Kiel or on the
customer’s premises. Training covers every possible
requirement – from how to operate the individual
products and how to create an end-to-end workflow
to equipment maintenance and repair.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
The personal touch
The success of a company and its products is intrinsically linked to the people behind it. Only with hard
work, personal commitment and expertise can products be developed that satisfy all the requirements
on a lasting basis. HELL is committed to the success
of all its customers and ensures reliable, personalized cooperation worldwide.
Based on Innovation.
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Graphics
Our management team and partners
Practical vision
The Management Board of HELL Gravure Systems and its partners
in Heliograph Holding tackle all the tasks and challenges of the industry
with masterly expertise.
Dr. Jörg Pohé
CEO of
HELL Gravure Systems
We know what’s important to you
The know-how that distinguishes HELL products
and makes them unique has not come about simply
by chance. Our management team, under the leadership of Dr. Jörg Pohé, understands how things
work in practice – from the viewpoint of both our
own customers and their customers.
Heliograph Holding – a strong team
The gravure industry is increasingly looking for
powerful integrated solutions. Heliograph Holding
– comprising HELL Gravure Systems, Daetwyler Graphics, K. Walter, Johannes Bauer Logistik-Systeme,
Schepers and OHIO – combines key competencies
for highest quality printing form manufacture.
The entire management team and our employees
make sure that everything they do on a day-to-day
basis reflects the company’s many years of experience in all areas of gravure, its excellent understanding of customer-specific concerns and its clear
insight into the new opportunities that regularly
present themselves.
Heliograph Holding combines industry expertise,
know-how and reliable solutions for electro-plating,
automation, surface treatment, and engraving and
laser systems like no other. Augmented by highly efficient transport and warehousing systems,
Heliograph Holding offers a complete portfolio of
top-of-the-range technologies for seamless endto-end solutions.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
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Our employees
Qualifications and commitment
Our highly qualified and motivated staff are key to the company’s success
and customer satisfaction.
The personal touch
HELL employees are special because of their invaluable experience and their passion for engraving technology. Their know-how has cut production times,
increased automation levels and improved quality
standards. A third of HELL staff work in research
and development, putting the company’s innovative strength into practice on a daily basis. It is extremely important to all our employees to impress
customers and reward them for their loyalty to HELL
and its products.
Investment in skills and the future
The ongoing training and development of its printing experts, electrical engineers, physicists and
software experts always keeps HELL one step ahead.
HELL joins forces with customers to open up new
opportunities, set trends and create innovations –
because progress is the driving force behind the
company. HELL regularly takes on trainees at its
headquarters in Kiel, not only taking responsibility
for the next generation, but also investing in the
future of all concerned.
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Our representatives around the world
Local partners
Wherever in the world presses are rolling
HELL Gravure Systems is renowned for customeroriented service and support. Through the highly
efficient branches and representatives of Heliograph Holding, HELL is represented in over 50 countries worldwide. These local contacts know their
customers well, speak their language in the truest
sense of the word and are well equipped to deal with
any inquiry, whatever is involved.
Further details of our representatives around
the world can be found on our website at
www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com
HELL is actively represented
in major engraving industry
associations:
ERA
European Rotogravure
Association
www.era.eu.org
GAA
Gravure Association
of America
www.gaa.org
DFTA
German-Speaking
Flexography Association
www.dfta-tz.de
Heliograph manufacturing sites, branches and representatives on all five continents
Australia
Brazil 1
China 2
Colombia
Corea
Czech Republic
Finland
France 1
Germany 2
Greece
India
Indonesia
Italy
Japan 1
Branch of Heliograph Holding
1 Malaysia
Mexico 1
Netherlands
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia 1
Serbia
Singapore 1
South Africa1
Spain 1
Sri Lanka
Switzerland 2
Taiwan
Manufacturing site of Heliograph Holding
2 Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom 1
U.S. 2
Vietnam
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
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The big picture
Our website
The whole world of HELL is available in English and
German on our website – see you there!
As well as a full range of information and the latest
news about us and our products, technical data
sheets, brochures, and the Versiontracker can also
be requested on the Internet.
In addition, there is comprehensive customer support covering every possible requirement in spare
parts and accessories, software and engraving head
maintenance, training and technical support. Direct
e-mail contact with our representatives around the
world rounds off our online offering.
Take a look for yourself at
www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com
Based on Innovation. HELL
HELL solutions satisfy the toughest demands in terms of print quality, cylinder service
life and printing speeds. Printing forms engraved using HELL equipment benefit from
simplified color matching, minimal start-up waste and optimum engraving results with
high print densities, soft vignettes, brilliant contones and razor-sharp lines.
Your local HELL representative will be happy to provide further information and personal
advice on our products and services at any time. For contact addresses and additional
product information, see our website www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com
HELL Gravure Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Philipp-Reis-Weg 5, 24148 Kiel, Germany, Tel. +49 (0)431-2377-0, Fax +49 (0)431-2377-1235
info@HELL-Gravure-Systems.com, www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com
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