The concept study shown at Ifra EXPO in Vienna already caused a sensation, but the reality is even more attractive: on the stand of manroland web systems at drupa 2012, a first design prototype of a covered COLORMAN e:line printing unit can now be admired. The design studio “The Kaikai Company” understood how to provide the groundbreaking technology from manroland web systems with a new appearance. 

Accordingly, the product designers of the Kaikai Company in Munich held their “design promise” given one year ago based on the initial sketches and following intensive cooperation with the construction team of manroland web systems: the core elements of the design such as bright surfaces, striking interstices and emotion-arousing strip lights, are now part of this reality. “The Kaikai Company“ is especially proud that the e:line product design earned them a place in the top ten for the Industriepreis 2012 that is awarded every year by the Initiative Mittelstand.

A unique design with modern materials
It was important for the Kaikai Company owners Christian Jaeger and Tim R. Wichmann that the core features of the impressive printing units be emphasized. This is achieved through white protective covering that not only has a modern form but is also made of modern materials that provide a lot of advantages and added value. Accessibility and production efficiency are focused on, as well as an intelligent and resource-conserving design. Tim R. Wichmann explains: “Previously painted sheet metal was always used, but with this material one has limitations in design and haptic qualities. Now we have purposely opted for a durable plastic surface that can be painted and coated entirely differently.” Christian Jaeger adds: “This is an absolute novelty in the printing industry.”

Modern technology with future-oriented design
manroland web systems has taken a bold step. Thomas Böck, the draftsman responsible for the new COLORMAN e:line, puts it plainly: “We decided on the new design because it emphasizes the future-oriented technology of the press. With the integrated strip lights, we accentuate the functions. Changing colors show the printer the actual operating status of the press. If for instance the APL (Automatic Plate Loading) function is active, the lights are orange, and if the press is in production, the lights are blue.”

However, not only the design is impressive, also and especially are the internal features of the COLORMAN e:line. Functional improvements include further ergonomical innovations. Thanks to the new soundproofing system, the press runs much more quietly and the new printing plate lift enables the operator to load the plates for the entire tower from only one level.

The first of the new COLORMAN e:line presses is scheduled to start up in the production halls of the Allgäuer Zeitung in Germany at the end of this year. Preparation is already in full swing.