Konica, Komori to Debut World’s First 23x29" Digital Inkjet Press at PRINT 13

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. and Komori Corp. today announce the KM-1/IS29 inkjet press will be showcased during a technology preview at Booth #518 during PRINT 13 from September 8-12 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. Co-developed by both industry leaders, 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 per hour simplex, and 1,650 sheets per hour duplex, make the KM-1/IS29 ideal for fast-paced 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, making it the ideal solution for short run, variable data (VDP) and fast turnaround jobs.

The imaging is supported with "inkjet head" "ink" and "process" technologies owned by Konica Minolta, a leading company 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 superior image quality at 1,200x1,200 dpi. The newly developed exclusive UV ink allows printing on coated or non-coated paper including standard offset paper without any pre-coating or special paper. In addition, Konica Minolta’s tried and tested process technology provides high quality, stable printing.

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.

"As the first of its kind in the marketplace, the KM-1/IS29 is ground-breaking technology for production print environments," said Kevin Kern, senior vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. "Customers can count on Konica Minolta for industry-leading solutions that deliver superior performance and efficiency."

Kosh Miyao, president and COO, Komori America, also added: "We are very excited to introduce the KM-1/IS29 to the US market at Print 2013. The machine is truly a fusion of offset and digital technology that will be a game-changer in the printing marketplace."

Commercial availability is targeted to begin at the end of 2014. Starting country/region will be determined at a later date.

About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a leader in advanced document management technologies and IT Services. The company focuses on complete business solutions including production print systems, digital presses, multifunctional products (MFPs), managed print services, vertical application solutions and related services and supplies. Konica Minolta has been recognized as a leading supplier by the Allegra Network, International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED), The UPS Store, Inc., and National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP). Konica Minolta's innovative bizhub PRESS C8000 is the first digital press to receive the G7 Digital Press Certification from IDEAlliance and the company currently has the most G7 Certified experts in the industry.

About Komori America
Tokyo-based Komori Corp., a premier manufacturer of printing solutions, provides excellent technology especially suited for today’s highly competitive printing marketplace. Delivering a high level in print quality coupled with impressively fast make-ready and open systems architecture, Komori presses help printers achieve the higher productivity and efficiency levels essential for increased margins and business growth. Komori America Corporation headquarters are in Rolling Meadows, IL, with sales and service organizations throughout North America.

Source: Konica and Komori.