Complete array of manroland web systems autoprint technology to be installed in Brimfield, Ohio.

manroland web systems, the leading manufacturer of offset web printing solutions and digital finishing systems, is announcing the sale of a LITHOMAN 4-unit offset printing press to Hess Print Solutions. The press will be equipped with the latest inline control system for spectral control, InlineSpectral Control, from manroland web systems that has been launched at drupa 2016.

The Press of Ohio was founded in 1985 in Brimfield, OH and well known for high-caliber work in healthcare, education, biotech, and industrial vertical markets. TPO embraced new technology, sophisticated system controls with a passionate approach to customer care. In 2013, Hess Print Solutions was acquired by Bang Printing, a prominent Minnesota based provider of hardcover and softcover books. Along with two state of the art production facilities in Brainerd, Minnesota, Bang Printing additionally operates a modern print & fulfillment production facility in Valencia, California. The combined companies deliver a broad spectrum of print communication products and related solutions to a diverse portfolio of national clients.

The LITHOMAN for Hess Print Solutions is a 4-unit, 64-page press, with a web width of 75 inches and with two folders. The selection of the press was based on a number of factors. "Our trip to the manroland web systems factory was truly impressive in understanding the extremely high standards they maintain in production of these presses. We also spent time with the owners of several printing facilities utilizing LITHOMAN presses, and they left us thoroughly convinced that our choice of the LITHOMAN would take us to an even higher level of productivity," stated Chris Kurtzman, President/CEO/Owner of Bang Printing.

Hess Print Solutions has experienced great success and profitability by focusing on utilization of the best workflow systems and the most productive manufacturing processes and equipment available. With this mindset, the team at manroland web systems developed a custom autoprint package for Hess Print Solutions that includes DynaChange, InlineCutoff Control Dynamic, InlineRegistration Control with Color Balance Control, InlineFanout Control, InlineDensity Control, AutoJobChange, and WasteGate Control.

The portfolio of Inline Control Systems facilitates the most efficient operation of the press. For example, InlineCutoff Control Dynamic is the fastest cut-off register control system available, making it ideal for publications printers. The system includes a camera that measures and micro-controls the cutting cylinder itself. The high dynamic of the folder drive systems reacts to every web tension deviation and is constantly adjusted when needed, guaranteeing an accurate cut-off and a minimum of waste throughout every run. Hess Print Solutions will reduce splice and blanket wash waste by more than 50% with this new technology. Besides, Hess Print Solutions opted for the latest invention from manroland web systems: the InlineSpectral Control. Spectral color measurement with InlineSpectral Control (ISC) presents major advantages: Uniform real-time measurement in the printing process saves time, improves color stability, reduces waste, and offers comprehensive proof of the system's quality. In short, offline color control with a manual spectrophotometer on cut-out material can no longer be the standard.

Along with the inline and job change controls and presets, the new LITHOMAN will also be equipped with the "new generation" of control console hardware and software from manroland web systems. At the ControlCenter, the main console hub, all components integrated into the system can be viewed and controlled from a touchscreen ControlPad and a SlidePad; a tiltable and easy to operate ink key positioning system. Also included with this new technology is MobilPad, a wireless control console that enables the press operator to control and operate the press from any location on the press. Adjustments can be made immediately from a printing unit or component, reducing waste and increasing press performance.

The press will also work with a highly automated Post Press solution from RIMA-SYSTEM. Press and post press will communicate through an intelligent interface in order to have a consistent automation level for the whole system, including automatic speed synchronization, waste control, and good copy count. At the core of the post press system are two RS 610 HS log stackers with robotic log palletizing and pallet handling, also allowing the automatic palletizing of the compensating stacker production. The ergonomic post press layout offers an optimized workflow with fast access to the main stackers, and the easy interaction of press and post press operators. Hess Print Solutions will take advantage of the leading technologies of manroland web systems and RIMA-SYSTEM for high speed and high volume printing.
DynaChange: the superior solution

An additional convincing feature of the LITHOMAN was DynaChange, the superior, elegant solution for flying job changes. The LITHOMAN switches imprints automatically on both sides at high speeds. The web is guided through the printing units without contact or diversions. This sidesteps maintenance costs for web lead elements and reduces the risk of web breaks.

"This LITHOMAN will be another highly automated and truely efficient high-performance 64-page press in North America when the installation is completed," stated manroland web systems Vice President of Sales, Roland Ortbach, "It will be equipped with the latest make-ready and waste reducing technology available today. This press will be a game-changer for the North American offset magazine and catalog printing industry."

The Hess Print Solutions LITHOMAN also includes temperature controlled blanket cylinders, a requirement when running constantly at 3160 feet/minute. This press produces up to 50,000 64-page signatures or 100,000 32-page signatures per hour, and also has the ability to produce 80-page signatures.