Konica Minolta and Komori Debut World’s First 23×29 Digital Inkjet Press at PRINT 13

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. and Komori Corporation, Inc. announced the KM-1/IS29 Inkjet Press will be showcased as a technology preview at Konica Minolta 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 superior UV inkjet technology with Komori’s expertise in precision manufacturing to provide high-speed output, superior 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 of 23”x29” enables six-up letter page layouts, a wide variety of gang runs and easy integration with existing production workflows, making it the ideal solution for short run, variable data (VDP) and fast turnaround jobs.

Imaging on the KM-1/IS29 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. The latest inkjet head technology enables superior image quality at 1200×1200 dpi, and the newly developed exclusive UV ink allows printing on coated or non-coated paper including standard offset paper without any pre-coating. In addition, Konica Minolta’s tried and tested process technology provides high quality, stable printing.

To support 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,” says Kevin Kern, senior vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. “Customers can count on Konica Minolta for industry-leading solutions that deliver superior performance and efficiency.”

”We are very excited to introduce the KM-1/IS29 to the US market at Print 2013,” says Kosh Miyao, president and chief operating officer, Komori America Corporation. “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.