Original Heidelberg Platen Press

It was often referred to as the Heidelberg Windmill, after the shape and movement of its paper feed system.

[4][5] Although the Original Heidelberg Platen Press is no longer being manufactured, it is still in wide use for commercial and enthusiast letterpress printing.

In addition, if the press is set for precision registration ("with gauges"), the feed arm drops the sheet onto moving gauge blocks that then pull it into precise alignment just before the press closes, then picks it back up to carry it to the delivery rack.

The platen then opens up to release the printed page and allow the rollers to apply more ink to the forme.

Air suction is used to pick up the next sheet of paper from the feed pile, so the blade can grab it as it comes around.