The firm said that its decision was based on customer demand. It explained that falling orders meant it was no longer able to justify continued production.

Demand for presses with more than four colours and coaters which could not be included in the design of the QM DI 46-4, along with more cost-effective ways of cutting makeready and improving efficiency, were cited as the reasons for DI's declining popularity.

"From our perspective, DI has had its day," said Heidelberg UK marketing manager for small format Richard Bradley.

Bradley added that developments such as Heidelberg's anilox inking system, Anicolor, were more efficient and cost-effective in cutting both makeready time and waste for short-run offset print than DI technology.

"[With Anicolor] makeready is the time it takes to mount four plates four minutes," he said. "Colour is there instantly and if you need to you can alter the density during the run."

He added that the technology would make offset competitive with digital below 100 sheets and, in some cases, down to 50 sheets. "I believe it will cause a stir it could be the star of Ipex," said Bradley.

The firm will continue to support customers with service, consumables and upgrades to the RIP hardware and software for the UK's 100-plus DI machines.

- Stockport-based Paragon Printing has bought a five-colour Speedmaster SM 74. The press will replace a three-back-two Speedmaster 74 DI, which was the UK's first B2 DI press when it was installed in January 2000.  The new press was installed in January this year. The firm will retain a Quickmaster DI, which runs alongside the new press, as well as a SM 52-4 and Printmaster QM 46-2.