Konica Minolta celebrates drupa success with 200+ show sales
Aiming to ignite printing possibilities, Konica Minolta showcased its vision of digital transformation in the print room of the future. A significant aspect of its demonstration revolved around the efficient use of digital equipment, specifically highlighting print automation and assistance technologies
Over 200 show sales were recorded by Konica Minolta as it continues to accelerate its leadership in digital printing markets. Its stand covering 2,400m² across two floors was the 7th largest at drupa. The sales and support teams were heavily European, but there was also a strong global presence – from Brazil to Korea, Iceland to South Africa, and Japan to Australia.
Taking variable data to the next level
Konica Minolta’s showcase at drupa involved more than 20 premieres, software innovations and important advancements in areas such as commercial printing, label printing, packaging as well as industrial printing, with focus on aspects like digital transformation and sustainability. Other focuses included next steps in programmatic printing where Konica Minolta showed how variable data could be taken to the next level by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI).
Another example of Konica Minolta’s technology evolution was demonstrating how separate processes such as foiling, varnishing, printing and drying can be combined into just one fully integrated production run where MGI’s AlphaJet was centre stage and showing the benefits of a complete single-pass factory. This was a showing of the most advanced end-to-end smart factory digital production lines ever shown in public. It underlined pioneering digital transformation on a scale never seen at the exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visitors saw at close quarters how Konica Minolta is holistically combining expertise as it continues to help customers with their digital transformation and grow their business profitably.
Strong focus on sustainability
There was a strong focus on sustainability, the value of print and how customers can ‘See the Potential in the Future of Print’, Konica Minolta’s main messaging for drupa. The technology leader demonstrated ways of sustainable production in line with the philosophy of Industry 5.0. This was achieved by assistance technology, labour-saving and skill-less operations by improving the total throughput of all processes, not only printing.
An important focus for Konica Minolta was demonstrating how its wide range of digital presses helps customers with their digital transformation. These ranged from the AccurioPress C14000 toner press with over 2,100 installations worldwide to the AccurioLabel toner presses that have reached the milestone figure of 1,500 installs. During the show, partner MGI’s JETvarnish 3D Web 400 digital embellishment system – the perfect addition to Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 400 – won the EDP (European Digital Press Association) prestigious Digital Embellishment Packaging award, which honours best-in-class innovations.
The new AccurioJet 60000 has a capacity of 6,000 B2 sheets per hour
Konica Minolta’s next-generation HS-UV Inkjet Press, AccurioJet 60000, which was shown for the first time in public, was one important highlight among the 30 systems running live at drupa. This high-end model follows the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1e series and has a capacity of 6,000 B2 sheets per hour (sph), as well as excellent image quality.
Exceptional results achieved from a unique approach
Olaf Lorenz, General Manager of International Marketing at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said, “This time, more than ever at drupa, we took a unique approach by demonstrating true end-to-end print applications. And we achieved exceptional results, all within the Industry 5.0 framework. Our showcase of a range of new presses in toner and inkjet highlighted how these technologies complement each other.
“Our innovative displays went far beyond showcasing equipment to present a comprehensive view of print applications that we know from visitor feedback impressed and inspired. We helped customers to see the potential of print by igniting possibilities, as we continue to witness the unstoppable shift from analogue to digital printing.”
This observation was endorsed by Andy Cocker, General Manager – Production & Industrial Print, Konica Minolta Australia: “The biggest trend, in my opinion, is the continuing migration of analogue processes to digital, which enables the versatility and creativity to meet market expectations for continually evolving applications. Alongside that, you have the software and hardware enhancements that enable more seamless integration of systems into more highly automated and efficient workflows. The result is higher productivity, efficiency and profitability.
“I also see automation as a major trend this drupa. When I see the technology we have on our stand from mono and colour production toner systems, complete with inline finishing solutions such as booklet stitching, our new inline laminator or inline die-punching, they all feature high levels of automation to cut out touchpoints in the process to maximise productivity and profitability. Right through to our industrial KM1, the newly revealed AccurioJet 60000 and the ever-impressive Alphajet systems, productivity is key. That innovation can even extend to robotics to speed the whole process; I think we’ll see a lot more of that in future.”
Caption:
Adam Todd, National Industrial Print Solutions Consultant, and Andy Cocker, General Manager – Production & Industrial Print, with the MGI JETvarnish 3D web 400
presses on the Konica Minolta stand