Konica Minolta Presents First Inkjet Press KMI

LANGENHAGEN, GERMANY—May 3, 2012—In a technology showcase, Konica Minolta (stand B78, Hall 8B) offers a first look at its pioneering inkjet development "KM1." Targeting commercial printing environments KM1 supports commercial printers in producing high-quality print jobs that are not suitable for offset printing, e.g. due to size, short print runs, extremely tight deadlines, and of course, variable data processing.

"KM1 is a joint development of Komori and Konica Minolta. By combining the proprietary technologies of both companies, we are able to create a high value-added product that meets the demands of our customers and can appeal to next-generation printing industry," comments Olaf Lorenz from Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Europe).

The high-speed color inkjet press processes formats up to size B2 and a speed of 3,300 sph (sheets per hour). Thanks to a high resolution of 1,200x1,200 dpi, an outstanding print quality is given.

Beyond that, Konica Minolta will give a preview of the bizhub PRESS 1052 und 1250, a black and white print production system, as well as bizhub PRESS C1100, a new color flagship among the Konica Minolta digital presses.

Commercial printers, as well as external and internal print providers, benefit from the bizhub PRESS 1052/1250’s impressive performance, superb black-and-white print quality, and absolute reliability, even for the production of peak volumes—factors that translate into enhanced overall productivity and boost customer satisfaction. Both digital presses are ideal for commercial printers to make a start in digital b/w print production, and pave the way for new business opportunities. Keywords are 'printing on demand' and 'variable data printing': flexible digital printing facilitates the production of exact required quantities and individualized print products. This saves time, manpower and overall costs by reducing storage space as well as waste from outdated printed information. The presses will be launched in July 2012.

Although the launch is planned for next year, Konica Minolta will give an initial introduction of the bizhub PRESS C1100, a new superb-quality color printing system on the production level, at drupa 2012.

The bizhub PRESS C1100 is the professional color press that commercial printers, print-for-pay facilities and corporate CRDs have been waiting for. Meeting tightest deadlines is easy with Konica Minolta’s fastest color digital press: The bizhub PRESS C1100 does not require extensively trained key operators, but features a digital workflow that accommodates last-minute changes, web-to-print job ordering, variable data printing and cost-effective inline finishing—all of which maximise the flexibility and productivity of any printing environment. Helping to lower the cost of labour and other hidden costs, it guarantees a fast turna¬round and better profits from higher margins.

Managing short-run, print on demand, personalized and customized print jobs is easy with the bizhub PRESS C1100. As a true value-added differentiator, it enables printers to fulfil the most diverse requirements of their customers. Its robust capabilities offer an easy path to digital print production and facilitate the entry into production printing.

With the bizhub PRESS C1100, Konica Minolta meets the advanced requirements of print production at the highest level, improves customer satisfaction by offering digital image quality on par with offset printing and supports printing companies in holding their ground in this highly competitive market.

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, based in Langenhagen, Germany, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Japan. The company delivers services and distributes products, systems and solutions that fulfil all the requirements of office and production printing over the entire document life cycle. Its product range extends from colour and monochrome multifunctional and production printing systems, laser printers and all-in-ones to management software that integrates devices seamlessly into work processes and IT environments. To support customers such as printing and industrial companies optimally with powerful and sustainable solutions, technology leader Konica Minolta continuously invests in research and development work and regularly sets new standards for the entire printing industry.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is represented by subsidiaries and distributors in more than 50 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). With over 27,200 employees around the world, Konica Minolta Business

Source: Konica Minolta.