Komori to Introduce New Press Technology and Services to Improve Pressroom Efficiency

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—September 1, 2011—In the Komori Booth #1244 at GRAPH EXPO 2011 being held in Chicago from Sept. 11-14, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Komori’s newest technology and services specifically designed to significantly improve pressroom efficiency.

“Efficiency is the key to success for printers in today’s production environment,” said Kosh Miyao, Komori president and COO. “Komori understands that printers need the tools necessary to improve job cycle time, reduce waste and energy costs and deliver a high quality printed product.”

Komori Press Technology: Providing the OffsetOnDemand Difference

Komori has invested significant R&D into developing its new “OffsetOnDemand” concept. On demand printing is most often associated with digital printing that does not require a printing plate. Komori’s OffsetOnDemand is based on a completely new model that maintains the high quality and high productivity of offset print while providing a competitive edge with ultra-short runs and quick turnaround work.

The core of Komori’s innovative OffsetOnDemand system is the fusion of the KHS-AI integrated control system and the award-winning H-UV curing system. KHS-AI significantly reduces makeready time, cuts paper waste and reduces production time to the absolute minimum. When you combine these time and waste-saving features with the high print quality and productivity that are characteristic of offset printing, both short-run efficiency and reduced job cycle times are achieved.

Komori’s H-UV Curing System, a 2011 InterTech Technology Award recipient, uses a single specially developed UV lamp to cure special high-sensitivity UV ink. With the demand for short runs and fast turnaround times, H-UV not only delivers a bindery ready sheet, but also meets the need of high print quality by delivering value-added coating and varnishing techniques. H-UV has the advantage of being environmentally friendly because it generates very little heat, no VOCs and does not require the use of spray powder. Additionally, it requires significantly less power when compared to conventional UV and IR drying systems.

The new Komori Lithrone G40, introduced to the North American market in July 2011, is the backbone of OffsetOnDemand. The Lithrone G40 combines many of the state-of-the-art technologies from the Lithrone SX series with the award-winning features of the Lithrone S line to deliver a best-in-class 40˝ press for today’s marketplace. With the ability to print on a wide range of substrates at a maximum print speed of 16,500 impressions per hour, the G40 can handle any print job. Offering an advanced feeder and delivery coupled with the reliable Komori platform, the Lithrone G40 is the new pressroom workhorse.

Komori Service: The New KomoriKare Advantage Program

GRAPH EXPO 2011 marks the launch of Komori’s newest service offering, the KomoriKare Advantage Program. The program includes packages to improve press efficiency through maintenance, upgrade and training programs to ensure maximum productivity and performance. “In this highly competitive marketplace it is essential that our customers are maximizing the features of their Komori presses. These comprehensive new services will help our customers get the most out of their investment and improve profitability,” said Miyao.

Technical solutions for improved productivity

Komori will launch its new PDC-SX print density control scanning system at GRAPH EXPO 2011. The new PDC-SX system allows for color bar placement anywhere on the sheet, making it possible for printers to maximize the printing area. In addition to automatically tracking the color bar and measuring color and density, the new PDC-SX also displays and controls register. Additionally, the new Komori Info-Service Display (KID) will make its North American debut. This large display unit is installed on the press console and allows the operator to check the operating status of the press with just a glance. It also provides a full-size display of the image data for the job and ink key data.

Teamwork for process improvement

Through Komori’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations, or “kando,” the company has a long-standing history of listening to customers and providing the solution that meets their specific needs. Komori is taking this philosophy a step further with the introduction of the Komori 360 program. “We look forward to discussing this new program with visitors to our booth at GRAPH EXPO 2011,” said Jacki Hudmon, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Komori America. “Our 360 program integrates our sales and service team with our customer’s management and pressroom teams to achieve real, measurable process improvement.”

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our booth and sharing the many new exciting products and services we have to offer,” said Miyao. “While these are challenging times for our industry, the printers who continue to thrive will be those who embrace new technology that can lead to greater efficiency. Komori is excited to help them stay on the cutting-edge of success.”

About Komori America
Tokyo-based Komori Corp., a premier manufacturer of sheetfed and web offset printing presses, provides world class technology especially suited for today’s highly competitive printing marketplace. Delivering the highest level in print quality coupled with impressively fast makeready and JDF connectivity through open systems architecture, Komori presses help printers achieve higher productivity levels essential for increased margins and business growth. Komori America Corp. is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, IL and manages a sales and service organization throughout North America.