Konica Minolta to push boundaries at drupa

Konica Minolta has confirmed it will showcase 20 European premieres, pioneering digital transformation and live demonstrations of the biggest machines it has ever shown at drupa, where it will occupy one of the largest stands.

Under the main message of ‘See the Potential in the Future of Print’, Konica Minolta will set up a 2,400 square meter exhibition booth to demonstrate how it is strengthening and expanding the business of commercial and industrial printing customers, and ways of sustainable production in line with the philosophy of Industry 5.0.  This will be achieved by assistance technology, labor-saving, and skill-less operations. It will include not only printing processes, but also post-press processes and improving the total throughput of the entire processes.

Industry 5.0 is the European Commission concept for a vision where people are at the center of collaboration with machines, which, for Konica Minolta, involves developing unique digital printing systems and solutions to realize richer and more efficient production by allowing humans and machines to work hand in hand and help each other.

Among the highlights from Konica Minolta at drupa will be showing completely automated production lines driven by Artificial Intelligence, a state-of-the-art webshop and never-before-seen use of robotics and software solutions – including major advances in remote service engineering.

Konica Minolta will be underpinning the unstoppable shift from analogue printing to the use of digital printing that is expanding into most print-for-profit applications - particularly in labels and packaging - in a world where high-value printed materials are produced efficiently with minimal environmental impact. A wide range of business scopes will be demonstrated from commercial printing to label printing, packaging and industrial printing, and as products and solutions.

Konica Minolta has also announced further details of its next generation HS-UV Inkjet Press, AccurioJet 60000, the high-end model that follows the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1/KM-1e series and has been further developed for maximizing customer value and improving usability.

In other demonstrations, Konica Minolta will show unprecedented set-up configurations and new applications for its technology that will have far-reaching implications for not only commercial printers and converters, but also brand owners and design and advertising agencies in the way they do business.

As one example, Konica Minolta and partner MGI (MGI Digital Printing Systems) will show how separate processes such as foiling, varnishing, printing, folding, and drying and can be combined into just one full integrated production run where MGI’s AlphaJet will be center stage and showing the benefits of a complete single-pass factory.

Among the products being shown in public for the first time will be the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C84hc, which uses high chroma toner that prints bright vivid colors consistently. According to Koniica Minolta, it is the world’s only platform using the new toner free of the restrictions imposed by the color gamut of ordinary toners.

Other premieres will involve a Cobot-robotics arm, new options for the MGI JetVarnish 3DWeb 400 such as a JetSeal and in-line die cutter and the launch of a more advanced version of the AccurioPro Colour Manager suite of software solutions. From Konica Minolta’s Sensing Business Unit, there will be the unveiling of MYIRO color management tools for graphics arts applications. These will include spectrophotometers for advanced color management and for high-speed auto scanning.

At the core of its drupa showcase will be the new business opportunities Konica Minolta presents, designed to empower customers to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing market conditions. Labels, packaging and embellishment will be spotlighted as part of Konica Minolta’s commitment to providing solutions that resonate with the changing needs of its clients.

Under the ‘mixed reality service’, Konica Minolta’s remote servicing operations will be spotlighted where operators using headsets or smartphones with cameras can connect through the cloud to the Konica Minolta service desk to help with real-time remote visual support in the rare event of a problem.

Showcasing at drupa, the smartphone app AIReLink is a specialised tool for service technicians developed by Konica Minolta based on years of experience with its 4,000-plus technicians. Since it was launched, this has saved almost 10,000 customer visits, more than 300,000 kilometers of travel and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 140 tons.

‘As a major player in digital production printing across so many markets, we will be demonstrating the advances that are the culmination of years of expertise and a relentless pursuit of excellence,’ said Olaf Lorenz, general manager of international marketing at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe. ‘For commercial printers, we help them see the potential with growth and business expansion opportunities that are aligned with current dynamics.

‘We believe that the mission of Konica Minolta's Professional Print Business is to promote the shift from analogue printing to the use of digital printing, thereby creating a world in which high-value-added printed materials are printed efficiently and the environmental impact is minimized. To realize this mission, we have a wide range of business scopes from commercial printing to label printing, packaging, and industrial printing, and as products and solutions, we have the industry's best solution menu, including not only various digital printing machines that are our mainstreamed, but also pre-printing and post-printing.

‘Our showcase at drupa - with over 20 European premieres - will go beyond being a glimpse into the future. It is a manifestation of our dedication to pioneering digital transformation, fostering resilience, and contributing to the sustainability of the printing industry, especially as the era of print Industry 5.0 comes to life.’