Komori America

THINK OF a sheetfed offset UV press as a chemistry set for grownups, complete with an ever-shifting set of variables and a hands-on learning curve. The upside of that curve is the license to print an endless range of special effects impossible to achieve with conventional inks and coatings. And the downside? There isn’t one, according to a growing number of practitioners that may have assayed the market with a vague notion of value-added, then stayed once it became apparent what a mastery of UV techniques could mean to their competitive position and their bottom line. UV printing is not for the faint

SUSTAINABILITY was the focus everywhere at Graph Expo last month. It was the one common theme that permeated throughout the largest national graphic communications trade show. For the first time, myriad companies expressed that sustain­ability issues are one of their top goals. As just one example, Yoshiharu Komori, president and CEO of Komori Corp., opened the Komori press conference by saying that “it is our responsibility and duty to embark on solutions for the environment.” Komori says one of his company’s main goals is to become a model for the environment in the industry. Companies that have a long history of commitment to environmentally sound

The Green Scene NEEDHAM, MA—Atlantic Printing is in its final stage of transition toward a “totally green” offset printing process. Atlantic employs a combination of chemical-free plate making technology (Agfa’s Accento thermal CTP system, which utilizes Agfa’s Azura chemical-free plates), 100 percent soy-based inks (a renewable source that is naturally low in VOCs) and recycled papers (the printer has obtained Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of- Custody certification). CANTON, MA—Several “green” initiatives, including garnering the Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of-Custody certification, have been implemented at Next Generation Printing. The company is also using more recycled papers, including a new “house stock” FSC-certified mixed sheet with 50 percent recycled content,

WITH THE massive Drupa exhibition in Germany just seven months away, Graph Expo 2007 held in Chicago last month won’t go down in graphic arts history as a watershed event from a jaw-dropping new product standpoint. But that didn’t stop more than 20,000 upbeat attendees from filling the aisles at what was the largest Graph Expo event since 2000, and the second largest ever. Despite the Drupa effect, from a traditional offset printing standpoint there were a few new presses introduced, several automation and makeready advancements on display and, of course, a sprinkling of press sale announcements. An emphasis on environmental sustainability and improved

MORE THAN a billion postcards have been printed there, yet none are what most people would think of as typical postcards. And, that’s because the postcards created, printed and mailed from Carlsbad, CA-based Modern Postcard are anything but typical. Forget “Virginia is for lovers” and “My friends went to Hawaii, and all I got was this lousy postcard.” The “greetings” produced at Modern Postcard are literally mini masterpieces with a higher purpose than simply keeping in touch. Each and every postcard reflects a passion for photography, quality imagery and/or color. From product debuts and grand opening news to artist exhibitions, whatever message the card

Here’s an exclusive, PRE-SHOW PREVIEW showcasing new products submitted by many of the exhibitors that will be displaying their wares next month in Chicago. Colter & Peterson will showcase the BASA 3, which features an automatic jogging system that can automatically form layers of printed sheets, align them accurately and transport them to the subsequent cutting process. The BASA 3 is appropriate for paper from 16-lb. bond to 125-lb. tag, and is effective when combined with a modern, rear-table-feeding system. Existing gripper transport systems can be retrofitted. Visit www.piworld.com/infocenter: enter #377 MBO America will introduce the Super KTZ, featuring a knife-folding unit that

Same High-Tech Press, Same Super Success, Very Different Printers LOS ANGELES—The Komori Lithrone LS40SP Super Perfector with double coater technology—so new, there are only a few operating in the United States—inspired Komori to sponsor a media junket to California in April to see two of the presses in action. The Super Perfector, based on Komori’s successful Lith-rone S40 series, is a tangible example of the company’s commitment to create presses from the user’s perspective, employing their input in the development of its products. Zarik Megerdichian, president and CEO of Glendale-based 4Over Inc., who runs an all-Komori shop, claims he’s one of those end

MAN Roland Hosts Printers for Press Premier OFFENBACH, GERMANY—The world premier of a “next generation” sheetfed printing platform isn’t an everyday occurrence, so MAN Roland extended its recent festivities to more than a week to allow for bringing in several groups of select printers, journalists and its own employees from around the globe. The stars of the show were HiPrint and DirectDrive versions of the new Roland 700 sheetfed printing platform. To make the most of the trip, the contingent from North America was additionally treated to tours of a local DirectDrive beta site, MAN Roland’s foundry and its manufacturing/assembly facilities for sheetfed presses.

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Effective March 31, Komori America will assume the sales and service responsibilities for the territory previously covered by Atlantic Graphic Systems (AGS) of Columbia, MD. AGS will continue to provide an independent service network in the Mid-Atlantic area.The territory includes Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, a portion of eastern Pennsylvania and the Washington, DC, area.…

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—March 21, 2007— Komori America Corporation announced today that effective March 31, 2007, they will assume the sales and service responsibilities for the territory previously covered by Atlantic Graphic Systems, Inc, Columbia, MD. This includes the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia; a portion of eastern Pennsylvania and the Washington, DC area. The entire United States will now be serviced directly by Komori America. “Over the past several years, our strategy has been to bring those areas of the US that were handled by our dealer network under the Komori America umbrella. This allows us to provide the full complement of Komori services