Komori Perfector for imageData Group

6th April 2009

imageData Group has installed a new Komori Lithrone LS-1040P(H) perfector press at its litho production facility in Hull. The machine will increase the company's litho capacity by reducing make-ready times and by halving the printing time of a conventional perfector press.

This latest expenditure follows hot-on-the-heels of other high-end investments made by imageData Group. Recent acquisitions include the new large format digital Inca Onset press and its 67,000sq.ft northern digital facility at Howden, East Yorkshire.

David Danforth, CEO of imageData Group, is delighted with the new investment, "The Lithrone LS-1040P(H) is built for speed, delivering 12,000 sheets per hour, even in perfecting mode. The fully automated plate changes mean that each plate can be changed in less than 30 seconds, speeding up make-ready times. Total job changeover can be as little as 15 minutes."

In single-sided printing mode, this press expands the potential range of profitable work by facilitating a range of added-value printing options, including special inks and coatings.

Other automated efficiencies include: Reductions in stock space requirements; halving of drying time; savings made in paper waste and ink consumption at set up due to rapid start ups delivered through its KHS system; automatic registration of the front and back plates; and automatic switching between straight and perfecting mode.

To increase efficiencies even further imageData Group installed an automated ink delivery system, from technotrans, at the same time as it took delivery of the new perfector press. The patented ink.trac system has been added as a central ink supply system for all the company's litho presses.

The trend over the last decade has been for shorter print runs and according to Danforth, "imageData Group, like many other printing companies, has been seeking ways of delivering this, cost effectively for clients. We have opted for a highly automated specification for this machine and we firmly believe that cost efficiencies are certainly achievable, even on shorter runs."

Benefits Summary:

• For double-sided printing, production time is slashed to one-half that of a conventional perfector.
  
• Stock space and drying time are substantially reduced, plus lead times can be slashed.
  
• In single-sided printing mode, this press expands the potential range of profitable work by facilitating a range of added-value printing options, including special inks and coatings.
  
• Sheet reversing mechanism employs Komori's original double circumference, three-cylinder high-performance perfecting configuration.
  
• Double-side impression, transfer, and perfecting cylinder configuration ensure high print quality in both one- and two-sided modes. Thick stock capability gives the printer greater versatility.
  
• Delivery design provides sheet transfer by cylinder at startup to ensure high front-back quality. Sheet discharge realizes excellent sheet-stack performance via optimized delivery-unit airflow.

Please contact Mandy Long, Group Marketing Director at imageData Group on 01482 652323 or email enquiries@imagedata.co.uk for further information.

Lithrone S40P Specifications

Please find more information at http://www.komori.com

Printer Name: Lithrone LS-1040P(H)
Manufacturer: Komori
Mechanical Speed: The 10 colour produces 12,000 sheets per hour
Number of Colours: The S40P is available in 4c-12c
Maximum Sheet Size: 720 x 1030 mm
Minimum Sheet Size: 360 x 520 mm
Sheet thickness: 0.04-0.6 mm
Maximum Print Area:
    Single Sided 710 x 1020 mm
    Double Sided 700 x 1030 mm
Machine Weight: 179,611 lbs