Konica Minolta unveils the most advanced end-to-end digital production lines at Drupa

Visitors to one of the largest stand’s at Drupa will enter a modern SMART-factory where they will experience first-hand a true end-to-end solution, from brand planning and pre-production, through to printing, post-production and logistics processes. At the heart of Konica Minolta’s demonstrations will be unprecedented set-up configurations and new applications for Konica Minolta’s technology, that have far-reaching implications for commercial printers and converters, as well as brand owners, design creatives and advertising agencies in the way they do business.

Innovations and machine sales speak volumes about progress

Among the 30 live running systems at Drupa is Konica Minolta's next-generation HS-UV Inkjet Press, the AccurioJet 60000, which is making its worldwide debut at Drupa. This flagship model follows the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1e series and has been further developed to maximise customer value and improve usability. It produces a remarkable 6,000 sheets per hour (sph) and offers double-sided printing capabilities in a single pass, ensuring versatility and efficiency in printing operations. The AccurioJet 60000 is a highlight of the show and combines impressive speeds with exceptional image quality. The use of Konica Minolta inline sensors and spectrophotometer technology allows continuous monitoring and control of the printing process to ensure consistently high quality.

Another world debut at Drupa is Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C84hc press, which uses high chroma toner that prints bright vivid colours consistently. It is the world’s only platform using the new high-chroma toner, free of the restrictions imposed by the

colour gamut of ordinary CMYK toners. Target customers include commercial printers, dedicated design houses, advertising agencies, corporates, and brand owners.

A further example of Konica Minolta's technology evolution involves its partnership with MGI (MGI Digital Printing Systems). Together they are demonstrating how separate processes such as foiling, varnishing, printing, folding, and drying can be combined into just one fully integrated production run. MGI’s AlphaJet will be centre stage and will show the benefits of a complete single-pass factory. For customers, this will mean major savings in space requirements, power consumption and staff costs. Manual set-ups from different production engines will be combined into one completely automated system, including the use of software up to B1+ format size.

Multi-award-winning toner systems such as Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C14000e toner press for high-volume production and the AccurioLabel 400 – part of a single-pass portfolio that has already secured more than 1,500 sales worldwide – are among the star performers at Drupa. These and other systems have helped underpin Konica Minolta’s reputation as a major player in digital printing as it continues to make further inroads into commercial and industrial printing markets using inkjet and toner technologies.

Cooperating with partners to leverage world-leading expertise

At the show, the technology leader will also be working with many partners to maximise the opportunities of its world-leading technologies. In addition to close cooperation with strategic partner MGI Digital Technology (MGI), other stand partners include Industrial Inkjet Ltd (IIJ), a world leader in bespoke inkjet customisation, and Plockmatic, a global supplier of finishing solutions that will be showing new products on the Konica Minolta stand. Valiani, a world-class Italian producer of cutting machines and flatbed plotters, will be present as well as SEI, one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative companies in the world of laser technology. Also on the stand will be MTEX NS from Portugal with their digital press for corrugated packaging production. Other leading partners like Fiery, Acco, Wirbelwild, Suchy, Upland, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), Horizon and Kodak Creo as well as Konica Minolta internal divisions like Konica Minolta Sensing and FORXAI are demonstrating their capabilities as well.

New products unveiled at Drupa for the first time

PaperOne 5000

The PaperOne 5000 belongs to an innovative range of SEI Laser systems which is the most technologically advanced for digital converting and finishing from SRA3 to B1 sheets for die-cutting and creasing in both packaging and graphic arts. Its modular system, using Konica Minolta's proprietary software Icaro, can be used with one or multiple laser units and can be configured according to the customer's requirements. Cutting, creasing and micro-perforation are some of the processes possible.

AccurioPro Colour Manager (APCM) Suite

New upgrades have been launched for this comprehensive colour management solution designed to streamline workflows with an integrated approach. AccurioPro Colour Manager includes seamless functionality with IQ-501, Konica Minolta's cutting-edge technology, or other external measurement devices.

AccurioPro Dashboard

An updated version of Konica Minolta’s advanced software tool, which covers the entire production workflow, analysing complete processes, has been announced. AccurioPro Dashboard captures the shopfloor with great detail enabling its users to reduce downtime as well as costs related to production. At the same time, the software helps maximise overall productivity by analysing the entire production process automatically collecting and evaluating device information – and thus adds intelligence to your print-related business decisions.

AccurioPro Flux

A raft of upgrades has been made to the software solution to enhance workflow automation, expand business opportunities and enable greater flexibility for customers. Version 10 benefits all three modules – Essential, Premium and Ultimate – and the highlight is the refreshed and improved WebShop incorporating numerous new features. The latest iteration also offers greater support for Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1 press.

The AccurioPro Flux Label Impose option works seamlessly with Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel presses, offering an all-in-one package for printing that allows print providers to import and impose artworks, manage print jobs, add variable data and print labels in one. Flux Label Impose also facilitates the correct data input for the creation of die tools, its VDP support, intuitive user interface and large print area of 320x480mm.

Omnia 100 is an auto-feed die-cutting machine with a continuous sheet media loader and processing system with a high-capacity feeder from Valiani. It addresses the growing demand for personalised die-cutting processes, delivering exclusive packaging without adding the cost of dies and make-readies. It features full digital workflow integration, auto-setting and barcode or QR code reading, meaning no high skills are required by operators.

Additionally, new options for the MGI JetVarnish 3D Web 400 such as a JetSeal and inline die-cutter, and, from Konica Minolta’s Sensing Business Unit, MYIRO colour management tools for graphics arts applications are being shown. These will include spectrophotometers for advanced colour management and high-speed auto-scanning.