Label Tec continues close partnership with Konica Minolta with the AccurioLabel 230
Label Tec Scotland started using Konica Minolta printing technology back in 2004 when digital was still very new in label production. The company had invested in the first VP8020 laser printer in the UK – a four-colour, roll-to-roll machine, powered by a Konica engine and originally developed for continuous stationery and forms. Label Tec saw the opportunity to run the sprocket-fed printer in-line with a Newfoil machine for cutting and foiling to produce embellished labels in shorter runs.
Having heard about the first dedicated toner label press from Konica Minolta, Label Tec started to investigate this newly developed digital machine. However, at the time it was not on the market in the UK, so Paul took matters into his own hands and contacted Litho Formas in Portugal, which was the beta test site of the Konica Minolta four-colour bizhub PRESS C71cf. “When I approached Konica UK, the salespeople weren’t aware of the new press, but they quickly became very excited about its potential. After having test files printed successfully in Portugal, we managed to get the first UK C71cf installed in 2015, and we worked with Konica to get the best out of the machine,” says Paul. “It was perfect as it had a stable web path, which was so important to us. Re-registering digitally-printed stock offline had until then been a constant problem.” For several years, Label Tec enjoyed great success with this unique complement of toner, inkjet, flexo, silk screen and foiling capabilities, but there were aspects of the digital machines, such as printing speed, that could be improved.
As the latest iteration of Konica Minolta’s digital label print technology, the AccurioLabel 230 digital toner press can run at a speed of 23.4m/min, which in real terms represents a 73% increase, as most self-adhesive papers and films (including PP, PET and YUPO) can be printed at full speed.
“The team at Konica Minolta has always listened to us and taken onboard our feedback,” says Paul. “We have had the opportunity to give them a lot of input on the first label press, with the result that this new model has everything we wanted: web guides, the higher speed and even the ability to slit.”
The many years of cooperation with Konica Minolta is underpinned by an extensive service and support network. “We knew from the start that we could rely on an already established network of engineers who were already on the road on the sheetfed side, so it was an easy transition for them. Also, all the consumable parts of the machine are included in the contract and can be replaced,” says Paul before concluding: “I know sometimes people buy into a brand, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the right machine for them. It is about having the confidence to follow your instinct.
We’ve been working with Konica Minolta for many, many years, printing great labels on their machines. It just works for us.
Paul Dunne
Managing Director, Label Tec
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