Komori, PIA/GATF Press Ahead
SEWICKLEY, PA—Industry research into best practices of sheetfed offset printing with hybrid UV inks and coatings took a major step forward with the donation of a new six-color, 28˝ Komori Lithrone NL28 press for the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) that was dedicated during an open house celebration held here last month.
The fourth press donated to GATF by Komori America, the NL28 is equipped with interdeck UV units that, by using special hybrid inks, provide the ability to add a UV coating without changing out rollers and blankets.
It also features a redesigned ink fountain, the Komorimatic dampening system and Komori's K-Station open architecture software module that allows a CIP4/JDF workflow.
Recent research indicates that print providers implementing printing with UV-cured inks are experiencing learning curves of several months. As a result, the association is designing training programs and workshops to help printers that are implementing this technology.
In addition, the K-Station's ability to interface with PIA/GATF's EFI Logic business management system will enhance industry training and workshops devoted to CIP4/JDF compliance. The press will also demonstrate the ability to do soft proofing on the press console (via Integrated Color Solutions), as well as the ability to quickly shift from conventional to UV printing.
Other ancillary suppliers that donated systems as part of the new press installation included Baldwin Technology, Harris & Bruno, Tresu Royse, Nordson Corp., Sivex Corp. and Weko North America. Consumables were provided by Day International, Fuji Hunt, Kinyo Virginia, Printers' Service and Wikoff Color.
The dedication also gave attendees the opportunity to tour the newly consolidated GATF and PIA facility, which is currently undergoing a 10,000-square-foot addition for increased office space.
