Based on research conducted in the North American market, this award celebrates OEMs that best support their customers on reducing costs and/or increasing business based on different printing applications. Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1e LED UV Inkjet Press was specifically recognized for its ability to print on diverse substrates.

Being able to print in a larger variety of substrates increases the number of applications a print service provider can produce and sell. According to feedback from Keypoint Intelligence, the Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1e with UV inks enables users to print on an array of media that other cut-sheet technologies cannot. Greeting cards, gift cards, hotel room keys and even ID badges can be printed on texture film or PVC. Other applications could be printed on synthetics, PET adhesive, polypropylene and polyethylene.

“Art applications printed on canvas sizes up to 23 x 29.5 in. can be output on the KM-1e,” said German Sacristan, director of on-demand printing at Keypoint Intelligence. “Additionally, the KM-1e has an offline laser-cutting system specifically built for the B2+ sheet size that is capable of producing different types of sleek finishes. Also important is that Konica Minolta supports its customers’ success with business development and a customized professional service program.”

“The AccurioJet KM-1e is a key part of our strategy to enable our customers to grow their businesses and maximize their workflow efficiency leading to higher and sustainable long-term profitability,” said Bill Troxil, senior vice-president, industrial and inkjet printing, Konica Minolta. “This recognition from Keypoint Intelligence affirms our leadership position in the North American marketplace with our LED UV inkjet technology and finishing solutions, and we are proud to receive this honour.”

Based on state-of-the-art silicon micro-electro-mechanical systems (Si-MEMS) design and manufacturing of the Samba G3L printhead, the Samba cartridge is one of the most advanced technologies in inkjet printing, now available for use with all DMP-2800 model printers.

The new Samba cartridge provides a native drop volume of 2.4 pL, which has the potential to create ultra-fine line widths from a single dot size of 30 μm. Accounting for smaller scale applications, the Samba cartridge offers use of a small capacity 1.5 mL cartridge, which requires considerably less fluid when screening fluid formulations for jettability and cured ink properties. To enable a full-service solution from R&D applications to commercial production, the Samba cartridge offers the same internal jet design, jetting characteristics, and native drop volume as the Samba G3L printhead, which allows an easy transition from R&D applications to commercial production with the Samba G3L printhead.

“We believe that the ability to analyze in-flight drop formation and jetting characteristics, joined with direct development on an industrial inkjet printhead jet design at a small scale, will facilitate R&D to transition to a production environment, and FUJIFILM Dimatix will help customers achieve this by starting with the Samba family of products,” said Martin Schoeppler, CEO, FUJIFILM Dimatix.

The Samba cartridge is available to order now. For more information, visit http://dimatix-5352080.hs-sites.com/samba-how-to.

Featuring increased speeds of up to 436 feet/minute, the new printer boasts one of the highest resolutions and print quality of any digital printing press at that speed. The printer combines new inkjet innovations with proven offset printing techniques, allowing commercial printers to migrate higher volume jobs from offset to digital inkjet. This new press can help boost production levels, reduce turnaround times and increase profit margins across a variety of applications, including premium and high-volume direct mail, books, catalogues and magazines.

The higher speeds allow the printer to produce up to 114,245 letter images or 11,300 B2 sheets per hour at a high print quality. It can be used on a variety of media, including standard offset coated, uncoated and inkjet optimized papers from 40gsm to 300gsm. It can also print items up to 22” wide and 60” long, allowing the printing of calendars, posters and point of sale applications. The ProStream 1800 eliminates the need to stop production to switch between different format lengths, providing flexibility.

The ProStream 1800 features an air floatation drying system to dry all jobs evenly and allows the ability to print on a wide range of paper since the drying system does not come into contact with the paper, preserving the gloss and paper surface. The ProStream 1800 features artificial intelligence linked to a sensor to continuously adjust the drying system during the print run. It also maintains the optimal web temperature, reducing energy consumption.

The ProStream 1800 uses 1,200dpi Piezo Drop-on-Demand print heads and proprietary polymer pigment inks with Canon ColorGrip conditioning fluid to provide colour consistency. Canon’s optional Inline Quality Control camera system provides automatic print quality assurance for fast quality verification.

Canon’s ProStream 1000 remains available and existing customers can upgrade to the ProStream 1800 if more volume is required.

The system is said to efficiently produce short-run digital book printing jobs of varying run lengths including ‘books of one.’ Available with a tack-gluing option, the StreamFolder 5152 operates, in-line or near-line, at speeds up to 750 fpm/230 mpm to take full advantage of the emerging generation of high-speed inkjet presses.

“StreamFolder 5152 plow-folds the web once or twice along the travel direction, enabling efficient use of a web-fed press at its maximum print width,” Tecnau officials said in an April 27 statement. “This folded web is very strong as the paper is up to three times thicker for system reliability (especially for lighter weight papers) feeding through the cutter and stacker.”

In addition, all modules operate in taut web to generate the smooth paper flow required for high-speed operations. “Curl is cancelled out as the web is folded back onto itself, for reliably flat books,” Tecnau said. “The StreamFolder 5152 also features ‘north/south job offsetting’, offsetting sets/book-blocks back and forth in the direction of travel to maintain full speed even for multiple consecutive small sets.”

The StreamFolder 5152 is a member of Tecnau’s Revolution 50 series, a family of products featuring top speeds, Internet-of-Things (IoT) compatibility, and media flexibility.

IIMAK, a global developer and manufacturer of printing consumables for automatic identification, packaging and graphics, has partnered with Leibinger Coding and Marking Systems to become a distributor of the full line of JET continuous inkjet printers.

The company chose the German Leibinger CIJ printer for its efficiency and flexibility. With various models and options, IIMAK can customize the coding system to meet specific needs, from entry level to specialty applications.

The printer is known on the market for its ease of installation and use, a user-friendly interface with colour touch display, and Windows-based operating system. The system also features comprehensive diagnostic software with status display for easy troubleshooting. The unique Sealtronic automatic nozzle seal offers a trouble-free startup even after long shutdowns.

“We support customers with a variety of compatible inks for both open and closed inkjet systems,” Jeanette Klein, senior business manager at IIMAK, said in a statement. “As business expands or old equipment needs to be replaced, we are thrilled to also have the ability to offer our customers a high quality, low TCO coder technology.”

The company had the option of staying open due to its involvement with essential industries such as food and pharmaceutical packaging, but decided to close for a short period to evaluate and prepare its own measures to guarantee a safe working environment for its team, in addition to those imposed by the Italian government.

The new measures saw a revision to the layout and workflow of the company’s plant, ensuring the health and safety of all the team involved. The company has also calculated and arranged all personal protective equipment PPE required in order to be distributed on time from Inkmaker base in Shanghai.

“I speak for the board when I say, we are extremely proud to see the speed in which the Inkmaker team calmly came together in creating and activating an emergency plan; from different parts of the world, to ensure that when we would reopen, it would be a safe environment to do so,” Christophe Rizzo, CEO EMEA/Americas, Inkmaker Group, said in a statement. “With Inkmaker Shanghai now open too, we are confident it can be ‘business as usual.'”

Domino Digital Printing Solutions has now introduced the UV97BK food packaging-compliant, UV-curable black ink available for use with Domino’s K600i high resolution digital ink jet printer.

UV97BK was developed “in response to customer demand for a non-CMR black ink that can be used for non-direct food packaging applications,” said Jim Orford, K-Series product manager at Domino. “This follows on from the successful introduction of a food packaging compliant full-color ink set for use with our N610i digital label press at Labelexpo 2019.”

Under the right conditions, UV97BK is migration compliant; and it was developed in line with Nestlé’s guidance on food packaging inks and is fully compliant with the EuPIA exclusion policy and EuPIA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). All materials used are listed on the Swiss Ordinance for Food Packaging Inks.

It is a non-CMR ink and so, subject to migration status, can comply with the European Union plastic materials and articles intended to be in contact with food regulation.

“In addition to compliance, UV97BK does not compromise on reliability or other mechanical properties so it also provides excellent adhesion properties and abrasion resistance,” Orford said. “The release of UV97BK clearly demonstrates our ability to provide customers with a reliable, robust and compliant black ink for non-direct food packaging applications across multiple sectors.”

Len Lauer, CEO of digital inkjet technology provider Memjet, died on April 13 at age 62.

In a press release, Memjet said that Lauer passed away unexpectedly at his home in La Jolla, Calif. No cause of death has been given.

Lauer was named the CEO of Memjet in 2010 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2012.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and employees worldwide we extend our deepest sympathies to Len’s family during this very difficult time,” said Tony Duddy, Memjet’s group president, R&D and Operations and board member. “An outstanding leader, visionary, and champion for high-quality, innovative digital printing technology for all markets, Len was a tireless advocate for Memjet Technology, our employees, and for delivering beautiful precision to the OEM partnership communities we serve as and their customers.  Most importantly, Len was a devoted husband, father, and friend. We all will miss his tremendous presence in our lives.”

Lauer was born and raised in Springfield, Mass., and received his Bachelor’s in Science degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1979.  For over 30 years, Lauer held leadership roles with leading global technology innovators, developers and providers, including Qualcomm, Sprint, Bell Atlantic and IBM, and for the past 10 years, Lauer held the role of Memjet CEO, overseeing the company’s growth to its current status as a leader in the development of inkjet printing technology.

Effective immediately, the Board of Directors has named print industry executive and Memjet board member Sunil Gupta as CEO of Memjet. Gupta joined Memjet’s Board of Directors in January of 2019. He has held leadership roles in major print industry businesses, including Fuji Xerox Australia, Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific and Xerox International Partners, and Xerox Corporation.

Called the Wide Format Investment Program, this special financial program – offered through partnership with national lender North Star Leasing Company – is available through Mimaki’s widespread U.S. authorized dealer network.

“Mimaki is committed to putting our customers and their families first by providing more options to ease financial strain while they adjust their businesses to support their local communities,” said Naoya Kawagoshi, Mimaki USA President.

To help you accommodate customer demands, improve workflow efficiencies, and increase margins, see Mimaki’s Wide Format Investment Program details below:

• Up to six months of payment relief, subject to credit approval
• Below market rate: 3.99% fixed rate for 60 months

For more information, visit https://www.mimakiusa.com/support/financing-options

This follows on the heels of the January 2020 announcement from Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd. (Japan) concluding an exclusive international sales agreement for the distribution of OKI Data’s ColorPainter printers, consumables, and maintenance parts.

Available now through select authorized Mimaki dealers, Mimaki USA will be offering three models for sale: the 64-inch wide ColorPainter M-64s Traffic Sign Printer, the 64-inch wide ColorPainter M-64s Graphics Printer, and the 104-inch wide H3-104s Grand Format Printer. Each of these models features photorealistic quality and production print speeds; Dynamic Dot Printing Technology to control and optimize dot size and density; SX or 3MTM SX eco-solvent inksets with extended-CMYK configuration options; and outdoor durability with comprehensive warranties with and without lamination to support any application.

Unique among the new series, Mimaki USA said, is the ColorPainter M-64s Traffic Sign Printer, an application-specific model that can help print service providers expand their business to serve a continuous need for traffic, wayfinding and safety signage.

In addition to the features found in the Graphics model, the Traffic Sign Printer supports SX spot inks in seven approved traffic colours: red, green, blue, brown, black, yellow and orange. It includes special media handling features for thicker films designed for outdoor traffic signage. The Traffic Sign Printer models can print directly to variety of retro-reflective sheeting grades. The combination of SX inks and approved films provides up to a 10-year warranty for maximum durability, and is ASTM and MUTCD compliant.

The program allows printers to purchase necessary RIP and workflow software with little cash outlay and interest-free payments, enabling them to direct resources to employee retention and consumables.

“We recognize the stress all businesses are enduring and want to do something that will impact our market in a positive way,” said Karen Crews, president of Xitron. “These plans provide our customers the software to streamline prepress operations without adversely affecting their cash flow, or their ability to participate in the small business loan program authorized by the U.S government’s CARES Act.”

Most software packages are eligible under the Xitron program guidelines, including RIP upgrades, new Navigator RIP software, RIP & Workflow bundle packages, CTP interface kits, and ink key setting systems such as the Ryobi Ink Saver, which is a 64-bit Windows 10 compatible replacement for the Ryobi Ink Volume Setter. Interest-free payment plans are available from 90 days to 12 months or more, depending on the package.

With Navigator products, all available options such as trapping and Raster PDF output will be enabled during the first 60 days so that users can experiment with additional functionality at no cost. “We’re working closely with our dealers to isolate and identify end users facing tough decisions from the hardship this pandemic has created in the printing industry,” Crews said. “With their help and participation in the program, we hope to provide a financial ‘hand-up’ to deserving printers.

Xitron’s stimulus program is slated to run through the end of June. For more information, visit www.xitron.com.

According to John Galea, managing director of Wagner Prestige Labels, which is headquartered in Wetherill Park, Sydney, the company’s choice of Durst’s RSC technology was driven by speed, quality, and environmental considerations. “We decided to ramp up digital color capacity to the highest we could, and the Durst Tau 330 RSC E came up trumps,” Galea said. “In only six months it has really proved itself, to the point that digital is now between 30 and 35% of our business. The quality of the labels is right up there with flexo and letterpress.”

Another important benefit is that waste is greatly reduced, Galea said, with the threaded meterage on the Durst Tau 330 RSC E even being able to be drawn back and printed. “Waste is a big issue for label printers, especially with multiple versions, so anything we can do to reduce it is good for the environment,” he said.

The Durst Tau 330 RSC E is a good addition to Wagner Prestige Labels’ one-stop solutions business, which has diversified into new areas and is also part of the JV Group that brings together label, printing, and embroidery companies to provide customers with a complete promotional service – Web-inspection devices and processes including flexo, letterpress, screen, thermal paper, hot and cold foiling, die-cutting, laminating, dye-sublimation and embroidery for textiles, plus general commercial printing.

“We do everything in-house, and, if a customer wants a fully-embellished label with embossing, foiling, spot varnishing, fancy die-cutting, we have the equipment to do it,” Galea said. “You have to keep up with changes – change enables growth and diversity, but you also have to make sure the right job goes on the right machine. Before the investment in Durst’s RSC technology we were falling short on digital capacity. Our customers – trade, print brokers and end-user – are tending to order shorter runs, more frequently, so we carefully researched all the available options. The Durst has proved to be the ideal choice.”

Aries Grupo de Comunicación, a full-service commercial print business headquartered in Madrid, invested in a Fujifilm Jet Press 750S in order to keep pace with growing customer demand for high-quality short-run work.

Consisting of five companies under one roof, Aries Grupo produces a range of products, from books and calendars, to brochures, catalogues and packaging.

“When we saw a need to invest in a new digital print solution to meet growing customer demand for high quality short-run work, the Jet Press was the obvious choice, not just because of the technology – which is second-to-none – but because Fujifilm is a company that we already have complete confidence in,” said Aries Grupo CEO Antonio Martin.

“We work with our own customers in the same way,” Martin continued. “They have always been focused on three things: speed, quality and price, and meeting those core requirements have always been critical. In recent times though, we’ve increasingly noticed that these three things alone are not enough. Our customers now want more from us: consultancy, advice and support. We’ve adapted our business to meet those expectations, and in Fujifilm we have a partner who does the same thing for us.”

The Jet Press is the logical next step in Aries Grupo’s business relationship with Fujifilm, which has been supplying Aries Grupo with plates and CTP equipment, and support, for more than 20 years

“The speed with which we can turnaround high-quality short-run work has improved significantly and this opens up the opportunity to reach new customers and new markets,” Martin said.

The AccurioJet KM-1 inkjet press from Konica Minolta is one of the most efficient and accurate B2+ digital inkjet presses on the market today, capable of reaching upwards of 90-percent uptime. It is the ideal solution for commercial printers, and printers that run variable data personalization jobs. The KM-1 offers digital colour precision and ink density in its finished jobs that are indistinguishable from offset quality. With such advancements in technology, it’s no wonder more print shops are making the switch to digital.

Tim Wakefield, President, Insource Corp.
Offset may have been pushed aside but the need for ink remains. Inkjet offers the best of both worlds, an ink-based device but on a digital platform that is easy to use. Inkjet makes the print shop more versatile, addresses jobs that requires ink and creates an avenue to new revenue streams. Inkjet uses “no heat” — unlike toner, it does not fuse the image to its substrate. The elimination of heat brings about less wear and tear on parts, increases uptime and as a result, opens the door to endless amounts of “burst printing.” If you’re printing a majority of your monthly volume in just a few days, inkjet is the way to go.

Inkjet makes it easy to put ink on paper. But equally as important are the B/W toner jobs being converted to inkjet colour. For all those people who have been trained to believe that colour was too expensive, inkjet is a lifesaver. It allows for the transition of monochrome to colour with minimal impact to the print budget. While end-users have embraced inkjet’s low-cost colour output, many industry resellers struggle with the look of the output and the economics of the technology.
The Riso GD9630, which prints cutsheet inkjet at 9600 impressions per hour in colour, is our best inkjet press for commercial printers.

Announced late 2018, Fujifilm’s third generation J Press 750S generates 3,600 B2 sheets per hour for both static and variable jobs.

Ed Pierce, Product Marketing Manager, Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division
There has been, and continues to be, a shift in the market from being a volume-driven market to one that is value-driven with continuously decreasing run lengths. Each printed piece needs to provide more value and return. And, as run lengths decrease, the expectation of delivering high-quality printed output hasn’t gone down in a linear pattern with run lengths. Toner has continually improved and it still has a place, but it cannot achieve the quality levels of production inkjet technology.

Today’s inkjet technology, specifically the J Press 750S from Fujifilm, exceeds the quality of offset while answering the value proposition by delivering a cost-effective method to print short-run jobs, multiple versions as well as personalized applications. With the J Press 750S, there are no consumables that wear out and result in diminishing quality or require operator replacement. Daily maintenance is minimized to just a short cleaning of the primer roller at the end of the day – there is nothing else for the operator to maintain on their own on a daily basis. As the press is built on a very robust offset transport chassis, it is reported to experience uptimes of over 95 percent by actual customers, with most of the downtime attributed to automated head-cleaning cycles.

Featuring a larger sheet size of 23 x 29.5 inches, the 750S leads the category in hourly output at 3,600 sheets per hour for both static and variable data jobs. It also runs standard offset stocks, eliminating the need to purchase treated stocks which add unnecessary cost. Configuration flexibility is also important, as commercial printers look to use their assets for a variety of applications. The J Press can be configured to run both general commercial stocks and folding carton applications requiring stocks up to 24 pt.

Komori describes the Impremia NS40 as “the inkjet game-changer,” saying it combines the best of offset and inkjet with the use of Landa technology, Nanography and Nanoink.

Brett Rogers, Technical Sales Manager, Komcan Inc.
Inkjet offers the best possible combination of incredible uptime, minimal makeready time and waste, print quality, substrate freedom, and durability. These can all lead to increased margins on existing work (running litho or other digital methods), and in many cases, expanding the markets printers currently serve. In some cases, given the higher crossover point with inkjet, jobs requiring larger sheet sizes and/or litho quality can easily make the switch to inkjet, saving time and money. Adoption of cutting-edge technology is always slow at the outset, but as the pool of users continues to grow, comfort levels will increase, making inkjet the de facto method for printing anything in the short- to medium-run and variable market. The Komori Impremia IS29 is our current flagship press for inkjet production. Komori stands behind the three main goals of our offering: Quality, productivity/reliability, and substrate freedom. All of these are easily achievable with the IS29, which is capable of perfecting a 23 x 29-inch sheet. Uptime specific to the IS29 is often reported in excess of 85 percent, and that only increases the more you run. Look to drupa when the NS40 will be commercially available, offering faster print speeds (6,500 sheets per hour) in the 29.5 x 41-inch format.

Richard Lee, CEO, Delphax Solutions
It is fair to say that production inkjet has finally come of age. Media suitable for the platform is now a staple offering from all suppliers. Production users and end-user customers see the benefit of faster turnaround, greater flexibility, higher quality and print-to-print consistency and lower cost output. Users of our Elan series devices, such as the Elan 500 HD, benefit from lower upfront and ongoing operating costs with these high-speed inkjet platforms. The nature of inkjet technology means there is no direct contact between the marking technology and the media, and inkjets have fewer components in the image pipeline when compared to legacy contemporaries. This simplicity in design allows our customers the option to self-maintain the devices (with our support if needed), which is something that cannot be offered with most toner devices. The result for Delphax Solutions’ customers is system uptimes in the mid-90-percent range, increased productivity, and cost savings, all the while providing production users with the confidence to move away from their toner devices.

Cost-effective, shorter production runs with variable print remain a challenge for traditional methods of production, such as offset shells with personalization. Fast turnaround expectations are becoming the norm for many production printers and their clients. Having high-speed, high-quality devices that are always available to run is critical for success, and this is where inkjet becomes the obvious choice.

The biggest challenge for inkjet is overcoming the perceived quality or “feel” when compared to toner or offset. Each successive generation continues to address these concerns and as development continues, the combination of technology, media and customer education will fulfill the potential of inkjet technologies to become the single solution for all production.

Philip Hampson, Senior Director, Print Production and Display Graphic Systems, Canon Canada
To remain competitive, printers should look to invest in inkjet technology as it offers a low operation cost, greater quality that is comparable to offset. Because the technology continues to evolve, it’s here to stay. Shorter runs have become the norm, and many printers have invested in inkjet presses as they are more efficient for runs under 2,500 impressions. Additionally, there is no makeready time and resources required (no plates needed), which contributes to greater uptime and productivity for printers. Printers can have confidence when they partner with Canon. Not only do our inkjet printheads last long, but we consistently achieve a 95-percent uptime with our customers. We also have a predictive maintenance program that further supports our customers and keeps their businesses moving. In addition to long-lasting printheads, our inkjet presses provide a simple paper path and various quality counter-measures to ensure press uptime and consistency. Canon offers two great solutions for the “typical” commercial printer: The Canon VarioPrint i300+ and the Canon ProStream 1000. For cutsheet media, the VarioPrint i300+ is great for marketing applications, short-run manuals, books, etc. For continuous feed, the ProStream 1000 delivers high quality for book and publication applications, as it provides media flexibility and quick drying times. Additionally, for the transactional printer, the Canon ColorStream 6000 series provides extra security with the incorporation of MICR and security inks, all backed by a lower running cost on uncoated stocks. From book publishers to marketing agencies, we are seeing a migration to inkjet from offset. Printers today can meet the quick turnaround requested by the market with an inkjet press. The quality of inkjet allows printers to achieve offset-like quality, while gaining healthy margins with lower print runs.

Marybeth Gilbert, VP Production Business, Xerox
New advancements in data-processing, workflow automation and white-paper-in processes combined with the flexibility of short-run digital printing make this the perfect time to invest in inkjet. The Xerox Baltoro High Fusion inkjet press has been a gamechanger for many printers who are using this system to grow, extend and transform their businesses; inkjet printing has never been more reliable and user-friendly. Automation reduces operator intervention, eliminates prepress guess work, and ensures image quality from the first to the last page of every run. Plenty of industry analysts have been watching this trend, especially as inkjet technology has evolved to print at near-offset productivity. Now with a single press, printers can achieve high-volume transactional work and high-quality direct mail and catalogues with superior image quality and productivity. Finding the right solution goes beyond the press itself. We individualize solutions based on workflow, floor space, application mix, price point and growth strategy. Printers can be hesitant to invest in new technology that may impact workflow, pre- and post-print needs, as well as physical space on the production floor. We took this into consideration when designing Baltoro HF and have eliminated these barriers, making it easy for printers to go from xerography to inkjet.

Dan Maurer, Vice President Digital Print, Heidelberg USA
In our Industry 4.0 world where print is a manufacturing process, shops need to think about utilizing a combination of print platform technologies to produce jobs in the most cost-effective way with quality matching, regardless of what it is printed on. Cutsheet production inkjet presses are now able to provide the quality and colour match to offset, allowing real-time decisions of where to produce jobs, making businesses more competitive on short-run work which captures more customers overall. Lastly, investment in digital platforms, like inkjet presses, allow printers to interact with their print-buying customers in a more collaborative way as a marketing solutions provider. Personalization, versioning, anti-counterfeiting and other “wow” factor effects can be integrated into print designs with inkjet, enhancing a product’s market response.

Today’s inkjet presses have multiple control systems to make sure this is done automatically. This includes climate control around the inkjet heads; monitoring the nozzles and proactively firing drops to a waste area or a sheet to make sure they don’t clog; automatic moisturizing and cleaning of the inkjet head systems; systems that monitor sheet travel so that defective sheets or jams don’t come into contact with the heads; and uninterrupted power supply systems that avoid damages to the machine in the event of a power failure. With all of these systems, combined with robust Fujifilm Samba printheads, the Heidelberg Primefire achieves greater than 80 percent uptime. This number is very important, even more than the raw engine speed, in how much monthly production can actually be produced on these digital presses. Other factors in daily production can also be important in cutsheet inkjet presses. Some require downtime after a change in stock type is made (such as coated to uncoated); the Heidelberg Primefire does not require any changeover downtime between stocks.

We offer both analogue and digital platforms that integrate together so our customers can produce high-quality work cost-effectively. Our digital print portfolio continues to expand tremendously in both inkjet and toner platforms. For smaller commercial printers that have applications in A3+ sizes, toner-based platforms, like our Versafire EV and EP engines, still represent the best “bang for your buck” in high quality across the widest variety of applications. But inkjet presses, like the Heidelberg Primefire B1 format engine are getting serious attention from some of our top commercial printers, especially in book production, and commercial printers that do folding carton work. The reason for this, beyond the print quality and industrial-based platform of the Primefire, is the compatibility of finishing processes in the 29 x 40-inch format. For the mainstream production work found in commercial printers and packaging converters, production inkjet has achieved the point where it should be seriously considered commercially viable.
*Responses have been edited and condensed for length.

This two-part series was originally published in the January/February 2020 and March 2020 issues of PrintAction, now available online.

Designed to address the continuing need for monochrome output, the expandable solution continues Delphax Solutions’ model of providing “no click” and self-maintenance options to reduce the TCO for end-users.

In addition, the LEF2-200 boasts improvements that make decorating everything from smartphone covers and plaques to giftware and personalized products easier than ever.

A Start Timer Function completes printhead cleaning setup and White ink circulation automatically by the user’s designated start time, while a positioning jig is designed to make it easy to align items on the print table. Roland explains the LEF2-200 adopts a new cleaning system that aims to maximize printer reliability and reduce ink consumption during maintenance procedures. A Head Refresher Feature removes any ink remaining on the printheads and cleans the printhead surface to help prolong the health of the printer. The LEF2-200 is also equipped with an airtight cover that prevents dust from settling onto the surface of materials while printing.

Also included is the VersaWorks 6 RIP software, which features a new Harlequin dual core engine designed for faster previewing times and improved handling of PDF and EPS files with drop-shadows and transparencies. The software also lets LEF2 users automatically generate a White, Gloss or Primer layer directly in the RIP for textural and dimensional effects.

With over 5600 active nozzles, the Xaar 5601 printhead is the first printhead from this new platform, boasting a high-quality print resolution which is capable of jetting up to nine litres of fluid per hour at a frequency in excess of 100 kHz. In addition, the Xaar 5601 printhead incorporates Xaar’s TF Technology designed to maximize production uptime, print quality and printhead lifetime, while its Z profile makes fitting multiple printheads closely together possible.

“Understanding customer and market requirements was key to the development of the Xaar 5601,” comments Ramon Borrell, Chief Technology Officer at Xaar plc. “We wanted to create a new platform with capabilities that we didn’t have at the time. Specifically, we wanted to develop an aqueous printhead, with higher resolution, higher printing speed and higher print quality.

“This meant we needed to start our development with a blank piece of paper; designing every part from the ground up and not being limited by the previous technologies.”

Brett Rogers, Technical Sales Manager, Komcan/Komori
Production inkjet is the future — bottom line. It is the perfect marriage of the short run/variable benefits of traditional (toner) digital with offset quality and run lengths. Uptime is paramount in any manufacturing setting, and inkjet provides uptimes previously unheard of in the digital space. The Komori Impremia IS29 truly capitalizes on that ‘marriage,’ combining the uptime, in a B2 format, with perfecting capability and instant LED-UV curing. The crossover with lithography is high, and the complete substrate freedom will allow any commercial printer to satisfy a very broad range of needs for their clients. It is important to note our B1 offering, the Impremia NS40, will be commercially available in 2020, and will offer that same flexibility, uptime, reliability and quality at even faster speeds on up to 29.5 x 41-inch sheets.

^{The Komori Impremia IS29 features a UV inkjet architecture to print on a range of stocks, making it suitable for commercial printing and packaging applications.}

Andrew Gunn, Director of Production Marketing North America Operations, Xerox Corp.
Several key challenges still exist for production inkjet — first, media compatibility comes to mind. If you look out into the toner world, there are literally thousands of media available. Inkjet, while it has made strides over the past several years, still has a long way to go to be on par. Second, finishing. Inkjet vendors are creating speedier configurations every year. Once you deviate from a roll-to-roll solution in the 20-inch space, there might be further investigation needed on the most productive finishing solution available. There is no one inkjet solution to handle every type of print application. You need to understand a system’s key applications and the particular requirements. If average jobs are statements on one stock, booklets and direct mail on other stocks, the Xerox Brenva HD would be ideal. If much of a printer’s work is statement or manuals, mainly letter-sized applications with only a few types of paper, look at the Xerox Rialto 900. For printing catalogues or high-end direct mail, the Xerox Trivor 2400. It all comes down to understanding your needs and selecting a solution that addresses what you need today, and allowing for future expansion and growth.

^{With the demand for inkjet pages expected to grow, Xerox has increased the output capacity for the Brenva HD by more than 50 percent, as well as introduced expanded stock choices and roll-feed capabilities.}

Norm Bussolaro, Senior Director of Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada)
Digital inkjet offers ease of personalization, the ability to print on thick stocks, reliable feed capability, automated front-back and colour registration, and more. Konica Minolta’s flagship inkjet printer, the AccurioJet KM-1, offers various advantages, including the ability to print on a wide range of uncoated, coated and textured paper; capabilities for 6-up printing (B2+); specially-formulated UV ink which eliminates the need for drying and curing; and printing without the need for special stocks or pre-treatment. Still, inkjet struggles to gain widespread acceptance from the industry. Traditional lithographic printing methods have cemented a reputation for consistent quality, and many are hesitant to make an investment in something new, while others are making the jump to or supplementing their capabilities with inkjet and, as short-run and variable data printing’s popularity continues to grow, the business case for this will become stronger and stronger.

Ed Pierce, Product Marketing Manager, Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division
There are two key reasons why printers should invest in inkjet today: 1. Run lengths have decreased to the point that many jobs (can be upwards of 60 percent of overall jobs but only 20 percent of overall impressions) simply are not suited for offset and certainly not profitable for the commercial printer; and 2. Not to get left behind. Commercial printers don’t want to find themselves in a position where they are not able to offer what others that have invested in inkjet technology can. Scrambling to dig out of being so far behind can prove almost impossible. Fujifilm’s J Press is often referred to as better than offset. Featuring the Fujifilm Dimatix Samba printheads along with Fujifilm’s recently released ColorPath SYNC Brand Color Optimizer, Fujifilm has announced its third generation of the J Press — an even more productive device running at 3,600 static or variable sheets per hour and a new maximum sheet size of 23 x 26.5 inches.

^{Fujifilm last November introduced the third generation J Press 750S, generating 3,600 B2 sheets per hour, for both static and variable jobs.}

 
Philip Hampson, Sr. Director, PPS Sales, Canon Professional Printing Solutions Group (PPSG)
The flexibility, control and cost-effectiveness of inkjet have always appealed to the graphic arts market. However, limits such as print quality, media choices, and ability to print on coated stock have deterred the realization of inkjet’s full potential. With the new wave of high-speed presses producing quality results on untreated coated offset stocks, commercial printers are recognizing inkjet as a relevant and cost-effective production tool. The changing dynamics in marketing communications have created a demand for shortened runs, personalization/customization, and diversification in print offerings. Commercial printers thriving in this space are no longer just curious about inkjet but searching out vendors to help position their business for growth. Leveraging core technologies honed in the transaction and direct marketing segments, Canon has produced an award-winning graphics portfolio. This technology is backed by a specialized Canadian team dedicated to transitioning commercial printers to production digital inkjet. Herein lies the last challenge for commercial printers — their willingness to adapt their aging analogue workflow toward a modern digital inkjet workflow. Those making the investment have quickly come to value the agility and time- and labour-savings inherent to inkjet and are seeing their businesses poised for growth.

Tim Wakefield, President, Insource Corp.
Today, production print shops and in-plants alike are investing in inkjet so they can reduce the cost of printing in colour, enhance black print, and grow their revenue streams with added-value applications like variable data envelope printing, personalization and high-volume transactional printing. Insource distributes RISO inkjet technology. The top-end printer, the ComColor GD9630 Series, is well-suited for all commercial printers looking to complement their current toner fleet with the flexibility to shift jobs to lower-cost inkjet and draw new customers looking to convert monochrome work to affordable colour print. The ComColor GD9639 prints at speeds up to 160 ppm and prices out at one-tenth of the cost of other production inkjets that print at comparable speeds, making it an affordable option to any printer looking to take advantage of colour inkjet without making a large capital investment.

Developed by Global Graphics Software, the Harlequin RIP aims to meet the demands of all graphics markets including packaging, coding, books, transpromo, commercial print, labelling and décor. With this integrated RIP, formats such as PDF, PostScript, EPS, TIFF, JPEG, PDF/X and PDF/VT can be printed using any industrial inkjet printhead powered by Meteor electronics, the companies explain.

First used in a production system in 1988, today’s generation of Harlequin can be found in a range of digital presses including Canon, Delphax, HP Indigo, HP PageWide, Memjet, Roland and Durst. It is now available, fully integrated out-of-the-box, to all Meteor electronics customers.

As inkjet technology matures, utilization opportunities are growing at a rapid pace. Technology advancements are allowing for continued migration of new applications to cost-effective colour communications. These advancements, paired with strategic investments in customer communication management (CCM) technologies, are opening up new growth opportunities for enterprise users and print service providers.

As senior analyst, program manager at Madison Advisors, I partnered with Jason Fonner of HM Document Solutions (HMDS) to present how HMDS transformed its traditional in-plant print operation into a true customer communications delivery hub and centre of excellence in a session titled, The new customer communications delivery hub, powered by inkjet technology.

Session highlights
Production inkjet technology is becoming the latest catalyst for digital transformation for traditional print operations. The session focused on best practices for a CCM journey and how HMDS is using new CCM tools, advanced workflow management software, and leading-edge document delivery systems to transform its print operation into a dynamic full-service CCM centre of excellence.

The session focused on digital transformation and a shift in corporate leadership and strategies to adapt technology to better meet customer communication needs in both print and electronic communications. A CCM strategy focusing on a comprehensive approach to outbound communications results in higher levels of customer satisfaction and new client acquisition.

As demonstrated by HMDS, the print operations team has in-depth business and organizational knowledge that assist in streamlining the development of customer communications, while maintaining the security, compliance and quality controls that must be established to protect member/client information. Print operations are oftentimes an organization’s final line of defence for brand compliance, becoming a key element of a successful communications strategy.

Developing a digital approach requires an organization to think like the customer. What information does the customer want, and when and how do they want it? This includes the ability to bridge the gap between online and offline channels. As HMDS demonstrated, creating a centre of excellence that includes representatives from multiple business units affords a single source of truth for all customer communications. HMDS utilizes Canon’s PRISMA technology to increase efficiencies in its production and to provide input for reporting and overall program governance.

Madison Advisors and HMDS partnered in the CCM journey by creating a transformation roadmap based on six vital steps.

Step 1: Optimization strategy
The first step is to review, clarify and document customer communication goals relative to revenue enhancement, cost and risk reduction, customer experience, and retention by:

• Preparing a comprehensive current state of operations,
• Mapping out the desired future state,
• Identifying barriers, and
• Setting improvement priorities.

To achieve these goals and outcomes during this step, HMDS engaged with Madison Advisors to gather data on the scope of CCM in the healthcare and insurance markets, including potential revenues and recommendations. After completing the documentation of current state and future state, the improvements were identified and priorities were set. Before moving forward, a high-level return on investment analysis was developed to gain organizational buy-in.

Step 2: Discovery and analysis
The goal here is to collect key data elements, including an inventory of all current communications, related work activities, volumes and overall cost to produce. The desired outcomes of this step were:

• Prepare a comprehensive inventory of all communications,
• Assess workflow processes and outline pros and cons, and
• Establish the total cost of data collection and documentation.

This step was critical for HMDS as it utilized a number of document management tools. Reviewing the capabilities and costs of each tool presented options for routing and load balancing for multiple locations using PRISMA. HMDS was able to also identify opportunities for template consolidation. Another important part of this step was identifying future services and the enterprise goals for CCM.

Step 3: Target operating model
At this stage, we developed an optimized operating model based on the company’s specific output requirements. The desired outcomes of this step were:

• Build a production model,
• Assess the technology platform,
• Develop a pro forma financial statement,
• Construct a governance model, and
• Create market best practices and benchmarking.

The creation of the HMDS Target Operating Model identified a CCM technology platform compatible with PRISMA that promoted load balancing and the ability to print within any location. This model was also used to create a pro forma with savings opportunities.

Step 4: Strategic roadmap
At Step 4, a strategic roadmap was created for implementing the optimization initiatives that are consistent with the overarching business goals and strategy by:

• Documenting all requirements,
• Finalizing the Target Operating Model, and
• Identifying internal and external resource requirements.

This important step included preparing request for proposal (RFP) requirements and specific use cases for the planned partner technology summits. Use cases for user self-service and load balancing were set as priorities. HMDS engaged enterprise resources to identify the appropriate business units that would participate in the partner technology summit in order to gain acceptance across all interested parties.

Step 5: Partner and technology selection
Step 5 identifies resources and partner screening, creates scorecards and implements techniques needed for the proper selection and negotiation of service and technology providers. The desired outcomes of this step were:

• Schedule technology summits,
• Execute RFI/RFP with scoring and evaluations,
• Perform site visits, and
• Request proofs of concept from the short list of partners.

The HMDS team identified the partners selected for the RFP and attended technology summits to include solving for specific use cases. Each participant submitted their score cards for partner analysis and finalists were selected for a second meeting. HMDS selected to utilize the Océ Color Stream 3900 supported by PRISMA and a decision was made afterwards for a CCM software partner.

Step 6: Transformation strategy
In this final step, documentation that supports the business case for change was outlined, including expert analysis and the desired impact to various stakeholder organizations within the company. Here, we:

• Created a detailed statement of work based on RFP requirements and required service level agreements (SLAs),
• Developed a project plan with assigned resources, and
• Formulated a Cost Benefit Analysis/ROI to provide guidance and governance for the project team.  

To achieve these goals and outcomes during this step, HMDS’ investment in a CCM platform was key to providing the benefits of a superior communication platform for members/clients using multiple channels with consistent messaging.

The investment in Canon technology allows HMDS to bring 20 percent of the work previously outsourced back in-house, along with the ability to provide new services to both internal and external clients.  

Technology leaders must be prepared for disruption. HMDS’ strategy is a prime example of how to be successful during a digital transition and the importance of adopting a customer service mindset.  

Susan Cotter is a senior analyst, program manager at Madison Advisors with over 20 years of experience in consulting in the business communications and business process outsourcing (BPO) industries. She is well-versed in customizing solutions for business process re-engineering and the outsourcing of business-critical back office functions using technology to achieve automation.

This feature was originally published in the November 2018 issue of PrintAction, now available online.

Known as the Jet Press, Fujifilm’s new flagship J Press 750S takes the core technologies of the 720S and features Fujifilm Dimatix Samba printheads and Fujifilm’s aqueous pigment Vividia ink along with a 6-up letter size imposition and increased speed, delivering double the sellable output over the previous version, the company says. The J Press 750S comes standard from the factory as a commercial printing platform and can be field configured to print up to 24 pt. board stock. According to Fujifilm, the press reduces energy consumption by 23 percent.

The company explains the 750S delivers “exceptional flat tints, ultra-smooth gradients, perfect black tints, pin sharp text, ultra-fine line work and perfect flesh tones and has an extensive colour gamut reaching upwards of 90 percent of the Pantone library.”

Much like the J Press 720S, the third generation 750S incorporates an inline scanning procedure of each sheet to help ensure quality throughout the print run. To further enhance this capability, Fujifilm has introduced an optional full sheet scanning function designed to ensure each printed sheet matches a pre-approved image quality standard.

Fujifilm began offering the J Press digital inkjet series for the commercial printing field worldwide in 2011, describing it as the first press of its kind for this segment.

Promising to be 25 percent faster, the upgraded HP PageWide XL 4000 series is the most cost-effective solution in the PageWide XL portfolio to achieve easy printing with a consolidated printing workflow, HP says. The HP PageWide XL 4600 Printer and MFP and HP PageWide XL 4100 Printer and MFP join the printer portfolio, offering speeds up to 15D/A1-size or 10D/A1-size prints per minute. The company explains the HP PageWide XL printers do the job of two printers in a single device, providing both monochrome and colour prints at breakthrough speeds: the Power of One.

The new print solutions include: HP Click, a one-click desktop printing software; HP Smart App to print, scan, and share content from the Cloud; and HP Poster App, an online design tool to create and print professional looking posters.

Able to print at 100 metres per minute, the Dumax-330 is a high-speed roll-to-roll inkjet press designed for labels, custom packaging and variable data applications. It features a maximum printing width of 222 mm and can handle a 600-mm diametre roll of coated, uncoated, glossy, matte, synthetic stock or plastic film. The new Memjet DuraLink printhead carries a 1600 dpi resolution with 70,400 nozzles and five times nozzle redundancy, meaning five nozzles address each pixel on the page. Xitron’s Navigator DFE controls job queuing, imaging, and colour management, and includes a spot colour matching capability, it explains.

The first member of the Revolution 50 family, the new Stack 5250 system for cutting and stacking continuous inkjet-printed output features the double-cutting Cutter c52 and is designed to accommodate a range of papers and heavy ink coverages. The Stack 5250, Tecnau explains, never lets go of the web, minimizing friction on the printed surface it says. Stack 5250’s Stacker s50 module produces 1-up, 2-up, 2-up merged or 3-up stacks, featuring a patented gripper technology for damage-free handling of high-value print, it says.

The system includes natural-language error reporting on the user screen and onboard diagnostics to help keep the system up and running. IoT options are being introduced for remote monitoring and diagnostics, automatic software updates and preventive maintenance aids.

“Memjet developed DuraLink to give printers a technology that could affordably produce high-speed, quality output,” says Kim Champion, vice president, Inks and Materials at Memjet Technology. “Working with Michelman, we enhanced the DuraLink solution by creating an optimized primer for our DuraLink inks. Using this new primer on offset paper gives printers much greater flexibility in the media they use with their DuraLink press, simplifying their media supply chain and providing an overall lower cost per print than using inkjet media.”
 
JetPrime WB 1100 is designed to enrich image quality through improved hold out and reduced bleed and mottle.
 
“At the very start, we set out to develop an industry-wide solution that allows for unprecedented quality at significantly lower cost of ownership,” explains Lisa DiGate, Michelman’s Vice President, Printing & Packaging, “Michelman is investing heavily to enable digital printing. This development with Memjet is incredibly exciting, opening up new spaces and applications, globally, and across industries.”
 
Michelman also offers overprint varnishes (OPVs) that allows for a systems approach with primers and designated OPVs.

Receiving the RedHot Technology Designation in the Digital Press category, the iJetColorNXT will be shown with the next generation of iJetColorPro print systems that use a vacuum conveyor system to deliver products for personalization, utilizing the Memjet single-page wide head that delivers 6 ips and 12 ips full-colour imaging. A more flexible design in these new products provide rugged and reliable feeding with capabilities from 4 to 14-inch widths to 17-inch length media with an 8.7-inch maximum imaging width and maximum product thickness of up to 1/2 to 1 inch.

The iJetColor family is comprised of three Memjet-based inkjet presses that can print full-colour filled or unfilled envelopes of various sizes and shapes and a variety of packaging media for volumes targeted at 1,750 to 10,000+ variable images per hour.

The company explains the iJetColor family adds three significant improvements to its inkjet offering:

1. iJetColorNXT: A more flexible, straight paper path designed for high speed (6,000+/hr) imaging for print.

2. iJetColorPro: A newly designed high-speed light industrial printer that allows full-bleed imaging with a print gap for high-speed full-colour sheet-fed printing for a range of print and packaging media with speeds from 7,120 to 10,000+/hour with a vacuum feeding conveyor and full-bleed capability.

3. iJetColor: New workflow, colour management software, improved media feeding and handling with all products, including the venerable iJetColor envelope press.

Designed for high-volume print and mailing operations, the iJetColor, iJetColorNXT and iJetColorPro are designed to optimize print speeds of the Memjet printhead. The entire iJetColor family is available for commercial shipments in October 2018.

All iJetColor systems come with brand colour management tools, including a ColorBoost technology intended to optimize colour brightness at higher production speeds and specialized workflow developed by Xitron, that are married to a comprehensive industrial operator touchscreen and full training, support, and supplies from Printware. The Brand Color Editing feature allows brand colours, PMS colours or Spot colours to be specifically defined for CMYK reproduction. In addition, speed improvements have been made for variable data and addressing.

With the new duplex speed kit, Brenva HD’s output speed increases from 182 to up to 275 pages per minute, suitable for book, transactional and direct mail segments. The new kit, Xerox says, is designed to increase productivity by speeding up duplex (two-sided) printing for books and manuals, as well as many transactional jobs. Depending on the sheet size used, print providers can now achieve up to 300 letter size impressions per minute with the Brenva HD, the company explains.

Working with technology partner, Tecnau, Xerox now offers the Tecnau SheetFeeder BV roll feed system for up to nine hours of non-stop cut sheet paper feeding. According to Xerox, Brenva HD is the first sheet-fed inkjet press to offer a roll feed option, helping to enable print shops to produce longer run jobs without frequent paper tray restocking. Additionally, Brenva HD can now print on heavier weight stocks up to 270 gsm, suitable for postcards, ID cards, and other jobs that utilize thicker, heavier media.
 
The Brenva HD speed kit will be available for order taking beginning September 17. The kit will be available for both new equipment and as an upgrade to existing machines. The system with the duplex speed kit and Tecnau SheetFeeder BV roll feed system will be on display at Xerox booth #1621 at Print 18.

“We take a customized and consultative approach to developing our inkjet ink solutions,” Chris Rogers, Vice President of Kao Collins, says. “Working with Colordyne allows us to combine our innovative products to provide digital print engines and inkjet ink sets designed for each customers’ specific printing needs. This allows both of our companies to offer greater value to every customer we serve with this technology.”

Colordyne’s 3600 Series UV engine is currently available as a retrofit solution that can be mounted onto an existing flexo press, turning it into a digital hybrid work centre, the company describes. As well, Colordyne’s print engine is compatible with multiple CMYK and white UV inkjet ink sets manufactured by Kao Collins and can print images at up to 600 by 600 dpi. The engine runs at speeds up to 246 feet per minute.

“Together, we have created an innovative product offering to serve new markets and applications,” said Taylor Buckthorpe, VP of Sales and Marketing at Colordyne Technologies. “What makes our approach unique is the open conversation we have together with the customer. This allows us to understand the customer’s needs in-depth, so we can craft a solution that combines our custom digital print engine with Kao Collins’ tailored ink formulation. The end result is giving the customer’s digital business a competitive edge today and in the future.”

Suitable for high-volume, variable data printing as well as mid-volume office production, the device is described as an “excellent entry point” into colour inkjet technology. The GD Series comes with an embedded GDI and offers an optional production RIP with a Fiery-enabled digital front end developed specifically for Riso by EFI.
 
The Riso T2, a high-speed duplexing device that can achieve up to 320 cut sheet colour impressions per minute, was showcased at Print 17. Intended as a solution for the high-volume transactional printing market, the new T2 configuration boasts a roll-based feed device that produces cut sheet colour prints at the same high output speeds.

Specializing in drop-on-demand inkjet printheads, Fujifilm Dimatix says the tabletop system includes one printbar, a control cabinet, PC and software, and the option to purchase additional accessories. Samba drop-on demand inkjet printheads can print drops at over 100 khz, Fujifilm explains, each directed to a location and is described as producing high resolution single-pass imprints at high speed.

Meanwhile, the RediJet recirculation system enables printbars to be quickly primed, and is designed to result in faster print readiness time, minimal ink waste, and improved reliability, the company says. Each Silicon MEMS constructed printhead has 2,048 nozzles to deliver a native 1,200 dpi resolution with an ink drop as small as three picoliters.

The press manufacturer explains the NS40 is designed to combine the versatility of digital with the quality and speed of offset printing at a low cost per page, adding it can print on any off-the-shelf substrate, from coated and uncoated paper stocks to synthetic substrates and paperboard – up to 32 point – without the need for pre- or post-treatment of any type. Operating at an initial throughput rate of 6,500 straight sheets or 3,250 perfected sheets per hour, the NS40 will be available in multiple configurations, from a 4-7-colour straight press to an 8-colour perfector with in-line coating.

Based on the progress of the development of the Impremia NS40, Komori plans to carry out the first field test of the beta press in the Japanese market in the spring of 2019. This will be followed by similar plans to further test the NS40 in other countries as well.

“Komori has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this game changing technology to the market so we are very excited that this product will soon be a reality,” says Scott Robertz, NS40 Product Manager for Komori America.

General availability of the Impremia NS40 is planned for late December 2019.

Color-Logic is described as developing colour communication systems and software tool sets for various special effect printing applications.

“Tests of the Kernow Print Metalik substrate with the Color-Logic process on Ricoh Pro C7200 sheetfed presses produced the complete range of Color-Logic metallic colours and provided excellent examples of Color-Logic decorative effects. A major benefit to printers is the Kernow coating technology, which reduces static when feeding the sheets into the press,” says Color-Logic CTO and Co-Founder Richard Ainge. “The combination of Ricoh white ink, Color-Logic decorative effects, and Kernow substrates enables brands around the world to benefit from the large installed base of Ricoh presses that use white ink.”