Konica Minolta exceeded its own business targets and cemented its growing reputation within industrial print markets after some important announcements at Labelexpo, including the launch of a new label press.
Konica Minolta unveiled its AccurioLabel 190 full-digital toner press for Europe, which has been developed and manufactured in cooperation with Danish company Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM). And not even a week after Labelexpo, the production of GM winders is approaching its capacity and Konica Minolta is actively looking into scaling up.
Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 190 will replace the bizhub PRESS C71cf, a system that has been sold already to over 100 companies across the globe since being launched only two years ago. Building on this success, GM is supplying its DC330 mini converting unit for the AccurioLabel 190 press, which can work in-line with the machine or as a standalone unit.
The Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 190 system benefits from stable colour consistency and 1200x1200 dpi offset-style quality. No pre-coating is required. The new machine for Europe comes with a web guiding system as a standard. Converters benefit from its ease of operation, production flexibility, fast turnaround and variable data printing capabilities, as well as world-class support and service
Another first on the stand at Labelexpo was MGI’s JETvarnish 3DWeb Color+ system for label and flexible packaging, as well as shrink film. The new digital inkjet embellishment press further reinforces the strategic alliance between MGI Digital Technology and Konica Minolta. The new system produces in-line flat and 3D spot UV coating, 3D embossed varnish textures, flat and embossed foil effects. The full solution also includes a flexo priming station for uncoated material surface management and a semi-rotary die-cutting system at the end of the production for an all-in-one production.
Edoardo Cotichini, Team Manager Industrial Printing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said: “The reaction from visitors was fantastic and demonstrated there is a strong need in the market for our offering. The Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 190 has been introduced after further large-scale screening of the market. We have listened carefully to customer feedback, which has really helped shape our ideas and thinking.”
Mr. Cotichini added: “Labelexpo was an important platform for Konica Minolta to showcase its world-class technology and services. The high level of interest demonstrated that the AccurioLabel 190 press will sell extremely well. The in-line finishing option has been well received, as was the flexibility of running off-line too. And, not even a week after Labelexpo, the production of GM winders is approaching its capacity and we are actively looking into scaling up.”
Konica Minolta’s proven digital toner-based technology for labels is used extensively at customer sites across the world. The systems are provided locally, along with delivery of parts and consumables. Outside of Europe, the winders for Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 190 will still be provided by established partner Miyakoshi.
UK customer Soabar Ltd was one of the success stories featured on the Konica Minolta stand at Labelexpo. Especially in terms of service Konica Minolta is the best, according to Robert Gallagher, production director at Soabar. He said: “We chose Konica Minolta because the service side has been fantastic, as has been the support and back-up. They didn’t just sell us the machine, it’s everything else they have helped us with, we won’t get it any better anywhere else.”
Konica Minolta label press systems fill the gap between entry level and high-end digital printing presses. Shipping for the new AccurioLabel 190 press is due to begin in December.
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