Konica Minolta launches new B2 inkjet press – the KM1e HD

Print Solutions

Konica Minolta has announced the launch of a new B2 inkjet press, its AccurioJet KM-1e High Definition (HD) model, an evolution of the AccurioJet KM-1e that will contribute to further expanding customers’ businesses.

By incorporating new HD technology, improvements have been made to the quality of production for the AccurioJet KM-1e. These include the skin tones, uniformity of solid backgrounds and reproduction of textures. Photobooks, artbooks and digital package printing are among niche markets suitable for the new model.

Since unveiling the AccurioJet KM-1 B2+ perfecting sheetfed, full colour UV inkjet digital press in 2016, the company has continually supported its customers’ business transformation and expansion. Its primary objective of staying close to customers has allowed it to build on its proprietary technologies.

In 2020, the KM-1e was launched, enabling high value added printing with improved connectivity to third party vendor post processing and a wider range of substrates. Uncoated, coated, art coated paper, coloured and metallic papers, transparency media, plastic media, canvas and stone paper are all substrates that can be used on the machine.

The AccurioJet KM-1e LED-UV inkjet press has received Ingede deinking certification for both uncoated and coated papers, which includes recycled qualities. Most recently the device earned Idealliance Master Elite ISO/PAS 15339 system certification, confirming its capability to meet the colour space requirements specified by the Characterised Reference Print Conditions (CRPC) of ISO/PAS 15339.

Drawing upon these strengths, the AccurioJet KM-1e HD model has further enhanced its appeal for applications such as photo and artbooks. Working closely with customers’ existing post processing machines, Konica Minolta customised the connection systems. In addition to the technical side, areas such as analysing machine operation status and productivity improvements have been developed in close cooperation with customers.

In Europe, the first customer of the new model has been announced as Werner Druck AG, as part of its expansion in the personalised packaging and finishing markets. The company has also ordered an MGI JetVarnish 3D and a Motioncutter.

Managing director Roger Kessler said, ‘We decided on this total solution because we see great potential in the packaging and finishing market in the coming years. With this combination of equipment, we are now very well positioned to ideally meet market demands in this area.’

‘Inheriting the customer oriented history of the KM-1, the new high quality HD model will contribute to further expansion of the customers’ applications and business,’ said Hidetoshi Omo, head of centre of competence KM-1, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe. ‘By using HD, it is possible to improve the smoothness of skin, the uniformity of solid backgrounds, and the reproduction of textures. The image quality has now reached the top level in the industry. There is no difference in RIP times and we expect any change in ink consumption to be negligible.’

He added, ‘The AccurioJet KM-1e and KM-1e HD models are key pillars in our strategy to help our customers rethink creativity. Working closely in partnership, we want to help them shape and seize the many new opportunities digitalisation brings along, supporting the trend to switch from offset to inkjet printing in a growth market.’