• EZC digital ink controlmakes offset printing easier and more profitable
• Improves consistency and quality
• Dramatic reduction in paper waste and savings of up to 90% over current systems

North Andover, Mass. – CRON will demonstrate a new inking system for sheetfed offset presses at PRINT 18 in Chicago, IL. The new EZC system not only reduces waste and enhances quality but also brings down the point at which short-run offset becomes profitable. In this way, EZC is positioned to challenge digital print’s established stronghold on runs of just a few copies. Visitors can see the EZC system running live for the first time in North America on an offset press in the CRON booth #3617.

“EZC is a brand new technology,” states CRON’s CEO and CTO, Mike Xiang. “It takes us one step closer to CRON’s Holy Grail: zero wasteand perfect color. In addition to improving print quality and consistency, we predict that paper waste could be reduced to the equivalent of digital press levels, with savings of up to 90% over current systems.EZC also makes compliance with ISO standards far easier.”

How it Works
Inside the EZC enclosure, high performance, micro-pumped jets meter ink directlyonto the first form roller. Control of the jets is via CIP3/CIP4data, predicting the exact ink demand under specific printing conditions. There is no need of purchasing CIP3/4 conversion software, nor specific conversion for presses or its console.

EZC is driven by a powerful software that interfaces, on real-time basis, with the characteristics of consumables like rubber blanket, plate, ink and paper etc. and other variables such as ink viscosity, temperature, humidity, press running speed and anything that may affect ink transfer in open fountain systems.

The resulting control over ink volume — to a tolerance of +/-1% — ensures a constant a balance between ink feeding and consumption,resulting in higher color consistency. Print quality will be automatically fine-tuned to the pre-set international printing standards to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the color.

“Precise pre-inking also ensuresmakeready is exceptionally fast and the color is accurate after just a few impressions. These advantages giveoffset users an enhanced capability to compete with digital for low print runs,” continues Xiang. “Being modular, EZC can be retrofitted to any sheetfedpress, meaning every offset printer can benefit from enhanced image quality, reduced waste, shorter makeready times and enhanced profitability. There is already huge worldwide interest for this product, and we will be using PRINT 18 to actively find the right partners in North America to maximise its potential.”

PRINT 18 will be held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2018 at McCormick Center in Chicago. See live demonstrations of the EZC system in the CRON booth #3617.