Oosterhout – The Estonian-based printing concern Printall AS is set to intensify its collaboration with Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC), the Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems for the printing industry. The Koenig & Bauer Compacta heatset printing press in its Tallinn plant is to be equipped with a new automation system supplied by QIPC. “This new system from QIPC will be quicker and more reliable than our current automation system.”

Reliable partner
Cooperation between Printall AS and QIPC is not new: in 2003 an IRS system for cut-off control was installed on a Koenig & Bauer Continent press in Estonia. “Over time, we have come to know QIPC as a reliable partner,” says Andrus Takkin, Chairman of the board at Printall AS, when asked about his experiences with the Oosterhout-based company. Printall AS has been able to witness for itself exactly why QIPC systems on Koenig & Bauer presses have such a good reputation worldwide. “Our relationship with both Printall AS and Koenig & Bauer is very good,” explains Erwin van Rossem, Head of Sales at QIPC. “In fact, Koenig & Bauer recommended our automation solution to Printall AS. It was partly on the basis of this and their own experience that they were then able to take a well-considered decision. A fact-finding visit to Drukkerij Em. De Jong in the Netherlands helped confirm Printal’s expectations of the system.”

15% savings in waste
The Koenig & Bauer Compacta is now being installed with the mRC-3D and IDS-3D system for register, cut-off and color control. “This system will work more effectively and reliably than the current automation on the press,” Andrus Takkin reports. “In terms of price and functionality, QIPC’s quote was the most attractive alternative.” In total, five motorized mRC-3D cameras and two IDS-3D cameras are being installed in Tallinn. In addition, Printall AS also need a smaller color bar than normal. For that reason, QIPC is supplying a 2-mm high color bar with an integrated register mark. “Our expectation is that from 1000 to 1200 revolutions on start-up, we can get to 1000,” explains Erwin van Rossem. “What’s more, we can look forward to 15% savings in waste.”

High expectations and major opportunities
Printall AS, founded in 1971, is one of the largest printing companies in the Baltic states. The plant in Tallinn produces all kinds of printed matter, from newspapers to brochures. This intensive cooperation with QIPC is generating high expectations and will lead to major opportunities. “We already had automation systems on all our presses,” explains Andrus Takkin. “But soon we will have the latest and most efficient control system.” Erwin van Rossem is optimistic: “This provides our systems with an opportunity to prove themselves on the Baltic market.”