LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - At Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses (MLP U.S.A., Inc.), service solutions are never more than a phone call away. In tough economic times like these, making the most of current machine assets is more important than ever, observed Mike Abbeduto, director of customer service.

"Improving equipment reliability can help alleviate the negative effects of the recession and maximize the profitability of every second of manufacturing time," Abbeduto explained. "Whether our customers own a new model in the Diamond V3000 series or an earlier-generation Mitsubishi sheetfed or web press, the Mitsubishi Service Department has devised support programs to keep the presses operating at peak performance."

Mitsubishi's new menu of service programs includes:

Quarterly Preventative Maintenance: A mechanical field supervisor visits the print facility on four consecutive days during each of four scheduled quarterly visits per year to service the feeder, register, printing unit, coater and delivery sections of the press. In addition, time is allotted to diagnose customer-reported mechanical issues.

Fixed Price Press Inspection: During the full-day press inspection, a field supervisor inspects printing and operational functions. A comprehensive report will detail the findings, identifying any areas that warrant "watch" status or might require future attention.

Mechanical Upgrade Options: A number of mechanical upgrades are offered to enhance the precision and sheet handling capabilities of the feeder, register mechanisms and printing units.

Electrical Upgrade Options: Press users can upgrade the existing computer system, as well as install new auxiliary systems for connectivity to prepress, closed-loop color control and automated color adjustments.

Digital Register Analysis (DRA): Mitsubishi's exclusive press performance measurement and analysis system not only can identify the cause and location of complex mechanical problems in any size or make of press but also recommend appropriate solutions. DRA absolutely determines whether a problem is mechanical or lithographic in nature.

Diamond Litho Analysis (DLA): Capable of measuring print quality up to 10 colors, DLA establishes a benchmark, or "footprint," of the mechanical characteristics of a printing press. DLA measures eight crucial areas of print quality: mechanical integrity, fit, density, dot gain, print length, trap, print contrast and gray balance.

Mitsubishi also can tailor a service program to printers' specific needs. For more information, visit www.mlpusa.com/support on the MLP U.S.A. website.