L'Artegrafica was the first company in Italy to invest in the AccurioJet KM-1 digital B2+ UV inkjet printing system from Konica Minolta. This enables the family-owned company to focus on the packaging sector and also to realize canvas and plastic applications. The AccurioJet KM-1 was put into operation in January, replacing four systems in the company's digital department.
With the AccurioJet KM-1, L'Artegrafica is now able to develop applications such as loyalty cards for local markets. The company offers UV printing on standard media and on special substrates up to 600g. Previously, customer card work had to be done in two steps: first on 400 g lithographic paper, which was then laminated. However, this two-step process was expensive, time-consuming and did not meet L'Artegrafica's quality requirements.
In addition to new applications, the Traviso-based company is also benefiting from other advantages through its partnership with Konica Minolta. For example, the development of an augmented reality (AR) project to open up new markets such as label printing and finishing. Part of the extensive support will include membership in Konica Minolta Marketing Services' supplier network, as well as sales and operator training.
In addition, the integrated software of the AccurioJet KM-1 will manage L'Artegrafica's incoming orders more efficiently and cost-effectively, especially in the highly competitive market for 50 x 70 format jobs. Thanks to new features such as B2+ format production, the ability to print on a wider range of substrates, and the fact that no pre-coating is required, the shift from analog to digital production will continue.
The Zaia family, who founded L'Artegrafica in 1989, explains: "Rapidly changing and new markets are increasingly focused on high-quality, short-run personalised printing. The investment in the AccurioJet KM-1 gives us the ability to print on more substrates than ever before. It is an important part of our digital strategy and enables us to expand the business services we provide to our customers while reducing costs. We certainly see UV inkjet printing as the future of digital production as we transfer more and more jobs from analogue production".
Olaf Lorenz, General Manager of the DX Branding Division at Konica Minolta, Inc. says, "As we continue to expand our approaches in the high-end commercial print market, it is critical that we provide customers like L'Artegrafica with world-class technology, support and business tools. In this way, we enable our customers to take advantage of new market opportunities with the B2+ UV inkjet printing system. L'Artegrafica's investment in the AccurioJet KM-1 followed a comprehensive market analysis. We are pleased that the company has chosen Konica Minolta as a trusted partner to further accelerate its growth in the industrial and printing markets.
The AccurioJet KM-1 - also known as the "Swiss Army Knife of Printing" because of its many uses - offers customers the unique Dot Freeze Technology™. This patented process overcomes one of the fundamental challenges of inkjet printing: the unwanted dripping of ink droplets, which affects print quality and the choice of possible substrates. The FOGRA53 certification awarded to Konica Minolta last year also recognizes the AccurioJet KM-1's outstanding stability, versatility and color accuracy.
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