Konica Minolta, Komori to Debut Inkjet Press

RAMSEY, NJ and ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. and Komori Corp. announced the KM-1/IS29 inkjet press will be showcased during a technology preview at booth 518 during PRINT 13. Co-developed by both manufacturers, the KM-1/IS29 combines Konica Minolta’s UV inkjet technology with Komori’s expertise in precision manufacturing to provide high-speed output, sharp color quality and reliable digital throughput.

The KM-1/IS29 is a digital, UV color inkjet press that processes cut-sheet pages up to 29˝ size. Fast outputs of 3,300 sheets/hr. simplex, and 1,650 sheets/hr. duplex, make the KM-1/IS29 optimal for commercial printing environments where larger size cut-sheet pages are necessary and quality is important. The larger sheet size improves throughput and efficiency. The maximum page size at 23x29˝ enables six-up letter page layouts, a wide variety of ganging and easily integrates into an existing production workflow.

The imaging is supported with inkjet head, ink and process technologies owned by Konica Minolta, which specializes in inkjet head and digital printing, including color management with toner-based printers, known as the bizhub PRESS series. The latest inkjet head technology enables image quality at 1,200x1,200 dpi. The newly developed UV ink allows printing on coated or non-coated paper, including standard offset paper without any pre-coating or special paper.

To support the platform of this new digital offering, Komori designed a new sheet transport system, a new cylinder configuration, as well as a new sheet reversal mechanism to enable high-speed, two-sided printing. The KM-1/IS29 can instantly switch from single- to double-sided printing with no operator intervention.

Commercial availability is targeted to begin at the end of 2014.