Vibrant colors, UV performed inline, environmentally friendly printing press produces less waste, requires less energy

CLEVELAND, OH – The need for speed, cost reductions and varied printing specialties inspired HKM Direct Communications to invest in a new six-color Lithrone G40 from Komori® America, a manufacturer of sheetfed and web offset printing presses. With a maximum printing speed of 16.5k sheets per hour, the GL640’s innovative automation and environmental efficiencies result in 5x faster cycle speed for 3x less cost than comparable presses of specialty projects in the market.

HKM is the only commercial print provider in Northeast Ohio to offer this capability. An additional key driver in adding this advanced technology to the press included its ability to deliver a bindery ready sheet for faster job cycle time.

“The increasing client requirements for higher quality color, shorter runs and more value-added coatings pointed to Komori,” said Scott Durham, CEO. “We can now offer spot UV treatments, reticulation varnishes that engage the sense of touch, and UV inks and coatings that add a greater spectrum of more vibrant colors that elevate our print applications to a whole new level of quality.”

The G40 features breakthrough automation. It includes intelligent self learning software and automatic plate changing that minimize set-up time and waste, which enable profitably with shorter-run work, while delivering the highest level of image and color quality. HKM’s newest press is also equipped with an innovative curing system designed to speed up overall pressroom efficiency. 

Komori’s H-UV or hybrid system is a proprietary, innovative ink curing system that operates with one bulb as opposed multiple bulbs that demand more energy. This system applies inks to uncoated or coated papers by curing instead of drying like traditional inks. Unlike the dull look that can come from traditional inks absorbed by paper while drying, H-UV delivers an organic high-gloss appearance on uncoated paper that is being sought after by designers and marketers seeking photo-quality print. The immediate curing of pages also avoids using environmentally harmful powders that separate sheets while drying. “With the H-UV system, the finished product on uncoated stock is stunning,” said Durham. “The ink cures on the surface of the substrate and the application is so vibrant it looks like the ink is still wet. Having this capability will allow us to deliver even better products to clients who design high-end commercial work.”