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

Printers' requirements for presses with more than four colours and coaters, which could not be included in the design of the QM DI 46-4 (pictured), along with other 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 Heidleberg UK marketing manager for small format Richard Bradley. "It's restricted to four units and you're unable to fit coaters and finishing kit."

Bradley added that developments such as Heidelberg's recently announced anilox inking system, Anicolor, were more efficient and cost-effective in cutting 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 big stir, it could be the star of Ipex," he said.

The firm will carry on supporting customers with service, consumables and upgrades to the RIP hardware and software for the 100 plus DI machines installed in the UK.