Open House Showcases Perfector

IRVINE, CA—A 10-color Komori Lithrone S40P sheetfed perfector operating at Precision Offset, based here, served as the star attraction during a recent open house sponsored by Komori America. Printers came from as far as Florida, Texas and Maine to attend the event.

Before touring the 26,000-square-foot printing plant, Komori America President and COO Stephan Carter welcomed the attendees, followed by a detailed overview on Komori perfector technology by Doug Schardt, product manager. Schardt highlighted the key components in a perfector press design, including the turning mechanism, impressions cylinders, delivery sheet control, transition to slowdowns and the slowdown mechanism.

Unique to the Komori design, according to Schardt, is the Lithrone's perfecting mechanism with three double-size transfer cylinders configured by double-size impression, transfer and perfecting cylinders. This cylinder array results in a smooth sheet flow for register accuracy and reduced marking thanks to fewer gripper changes. The use of a cylinder sheet transfer and transport belt system, rather than a conventional chain mechanism, for sheet transfer in the delivery unit also eliminates scuffing and abrasion issues.

The tour of Precision Offset was hosted by Kevin Smith, sales manager, and Mike Howard, vice president of operations. The 54-employee, $8-plus million commercial printer operates two shifts and primarily prints high-end newsletters, magazines and brochures. With an all-Komori pressroom composed of a five-color, 28˝ Lithrone press with coater and a six-color, 40˝ Lithrone with coater, Precision took delivery of its 10-color, 40˝ perfector last fall. Run lengths on the 10-color are typically from 5,000 to 150,000 sheets.

The 10-color long perfector is already paying big dividends, notes Smith. "Being able to print both sides of the sheet in one pass makes us very competitive on our signature work and long-run brochures. No one else in our market has a 5/5 or even a 4/4 perfector, so we are able to pass on our savings to customers.

"Since the press is fully automated, we are running with only a three-man crew," he adds. "And having the 10/0 capabilities allows us to print fine art (Hexachrome, metallic process, spot colors) and agency work. It is opening doors in all areas for our salespeople. Once an account hears that we have a 10-color perfector, they are usually interested in a tour of our facility."

Komori America's Doug Schardt provides commentary as the open house guests see Precision's new 10-color perfector in action.