Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet Goes to Italy

L’Artegrafica’s investment in Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1 inkjet B2+ sheetfed UV colour inkjet digital press – the first in Italy – has enabled the family-owned printing house to move into packaging, as well as develop canvas and plastics applications. Live production started in January for the Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1 that will replace four machines in the company’s digital division.

The agreement will enable L’Artegrafica to develop applications such as customer loyalty cards for local markets by providing UV printing on standard media as well as special substrates up to 600gr. As for the loyalty cards for example, previously the work would have had to be completed in two stages, first on 400gr litho paper and then laminated. But the two-stage process was expensive, time-consuming and did not meet quality requirements.

Another benefit is the development of an augmented reality (AR) project to open up new markets such as label printing and embellishment. Part of Konica Minolta’s wide-ranging support to the Treviso-based company will include providing membership of Konica Minolta Marketing Services supplier network, as well as commercial and operator training.

The Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1’s in-built software manages L’Artegrafica’s incoming jobs more efficiently and cost-effectively, particularly in the competitive 50 x 70 sheet size order market. Increasing amounts of work will continue to transfer from litho to digital production, thanks to Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1 features such as new B2+ size production, the ability to print on a wider range of substrates and no pre-coating requirements.

The Zaia family, who founded L’Artegrafica in 1989, said: “Rapidly-changing and new markets are increasingly geared to high quality, short-run, personalised printing. This investment in the AccurioJet KM-1 gives us the ability to print on more substrates than ever before. It is a key part of our digital strategy and enables us to expand business services to our customers, while reducing costs. We certainly see UV inkjet as the future for digital production as we continue to transfer more jobs from litho production.”

Olaf Lorenz, General Manager DX Branding Division at Konica Minolta, Inc, said: “As we continue to expand our approaches into the high-end commercial print market, it is key that we provide customers such as L’Artegrafica with world-class technology, support and business tools to enable them to capture new market opportunities with UV B2+ inkjet. L’Artegrafica’s investment in the  AccurioJet KM-1 followed extensive research of the market. We’re delighted it chose to continue with Konica Minolta as as a trusted partner as we continue to accelerate our growth in industrial and print markets.”

The Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1, which is known as the “Swiss Army Knife of printing because it has so many uses, also provides customers with unique Dot Freeze Technology. This patented process overcomes one of the fundamental challenges of inkjet printing – uncontrolled ink dot movement that reduces print quality and workable materials. FOGRA53 certification –  awarded to Konica Minolta last year – recognises the AccurioJet KM-1’s outstanding stability, versatility and colour accuracy.

(Source:PR)

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