Noida’s Printing Dial invests in AccurioPress

-Noida-based Printing Dial has recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7090.

India, 11 October,2024: Mohammad Rashid, the owner of Printing Dial, said, “The AccurioPress C7090 has a superior printing quality, along with good performance and reasonable price. These were some of the reasons why we decided to invest in the machine. The Konica Minolta team provided comprehensive training and support with the installation of the machines. Their guidance lasted for 15 days to ensure that we would comfortably operate the new machine.”.

Since its inception in 2019, Printing Dial has provided integrated printing services across formats. Its operations started with offset printing. In May 2023, it installed the AccurioPress C7090, marking a significant move toward digital printing.

“With this addition, the ability to provide flexible and quality printing services has been made possible in keeping with our goal of meeting dynamic customer needs,” Rashid said.

The company’s clientele primarily consists of third-party vendors. They compile printing work for several companies and outsource it from us. “We also deal with some corporate giants, offering them a variety of printing services, such as making visiting cards, brochures, tags, stickers, and so on,” Rashid added.

The current team comprises seven dedicated professionals who form an integral part of our operation: one skilled operator, two designers, two assistants, and two experienced cutters.

Along with the AccurioPress C7090, the company has installed another Konica Minolta machine, the C225i, which is a reliable black-and-white printer. “This machine further supports digital printing and enables us to extend a wide array of services to our customers,” Rashid said.

He added, “So far, the return on investment for the AccurioPress C7090 has been promising. The machine has greatly improved our overall production capacity, and we are now able to take on more work and process it much faster. Based on the influence it has had on our business, we already have another Konica Minolta machine in mind for purchase, a larger model that also promises great value.”

Shiva Graphics’s print efficiency gets AccurioShine boost

-Puducherry-based Shiva Graphics recently invested in Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 to enhance its print production capabilities. This investment was driven by the need to handle a wider range of media types and meet the changing demands of its customers.

India, 29 October,2024: The print landscape in Puducherry is dynamic, said Muthu Kumaran, proprietor of the 19-year-old print firm. “We expect nothing less than a constant influx of unexpected challenges and opportunities. Every customer brings a unique demand, from intricate packaging designs to large-format displays, keeping our team on our toes, driving continuous innovation and improvement in our processes.”

He added, “The AccurioShine 3600 has enabled us to expand our service offerings and improve output quality.”Puducherry’s position as a tourist hub creates a steady demand for print services, benefiting businesses like Shiva Graphics. Lower operational costs compared to larger cities enhance profitability. The city’s unique character allows for specialised print offerings, catering to tourists. Potential government incentives and an improved work-life balance for employees further contribute to the attractiveness of Puducherry as a location for a printing business.

To cater to the printing needs of Puducherry, Shiva Graphics has a production set-up including a Heidelberg two-colour offset press, Xerox V180 digital press, a large-format press – eco-solvent and solvent engines, binders, cutting machine and laminators capable of handling a wide range of print jobs, accommodating paper stocks from 90-gsm to 400-gsm. “This comprehensive offering allows us to cater to diverse customer demands, from lightweight flyers to heavy-duty brochures,” said Kumaran.

The firm sets a daily target of 10,000 prints, aiming to achieve an average output of 7,000 to 8,000 prints per day. Proofing constitutes approximately 9% of the overall workflow. To guarantee accurate colour reproduction, Shiva Graphics employs precise colour management techniques. “While offset printing still accounts for 30% of the business, the digital print department, established to cater to the growing demand for quick turnaround and short-run jobs, now contributes to 70% of the revenue,” informed Kumaran.

While Shiva Graphics has established a strong foothold in the Puducherry market, it is not bereft of challenges. The limited industrial base in the region compared to larger cities like Chennai results in a relatively smaller pool of potential clients. Moreover, the seasonal nature of tourism can lead to fluctuations in demand. “To mitigate these challenges, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach. We actively engage in local community initiatives, participating in trade fairs and networking events to expand our reach. Additionally, a digital marketing strategy, including social media and online advertising, has been instrumental in attracting new customers.”

Shiva Graphics currently processes 1,60,000 prints per month but aims to triple this figure to 3,00,000 within five years. “This ambitious target necessitates strategic expansion, including the establishment of new branches and the integration of advanced technologies like the AccurioShine 3600,” said Kumaran, for whom, beyond the business, music is a passion, and laddu is a cherished office treat.

Kumaran signed off saying, his mantra is – print as unique as your thoughts. “It encapsulates our commitment to delivering exceptional and customised print solutions.”

Konica Minolta Introduces their Fastest Digital Printing Press yet – AccurioPress C14000

India, 04 October,2024: Konica Minolta Business Solutions, in print solutions, has announced the launch of its latest breakthrough in high-speed digital printing: the AccurioPress C14000, at its exclusive conference, the Gratitude Gala. Designed to address the evolving demands of production printers, in-plant print shops, and commercial printers, this state-of-the-art machine is presently the fastest sheet-fed digital printing press.

Elevating Business Expansion with High-Speed and High-Quality Printing.

For businesses looking to increase their print capabilities and expand their service offerings, the AccurioPress C14000 represents a significant leap forward. This is designed as a high-performance production printer with capabilities like 3600 x 2400 dpi print resolution, for exceptional image quality and supports increased productivity. By optimizing operations and reducing total cost of ownership, the C14000 can contribute to business growth and success.

Accommodating a wide range of paper weights and sizes from 52 gsm to thick cardstock 450 gsm, the introduction of banner printing up to 1300 mm, the C14000 is perfect for handling diverse printing projects, from creative solutions like four-panel brochures, book covers, marketing collateral, direct mail pieces, catalogues, and even posters.

Additionally, the AccurioPress C14000 offers flexible choices of controller technology between the latest EFI Fiery® and CREO® controllers, or Konica Minolta’s proprietary controller. Each option offers advanced colour management and job management utilities, enabling users to customize their workflows.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India said, “By integrating intelligent automation and media flexibility that handles everything from lightweight paper to heavy cardstock, we’re enabling small print shops to diversify their offerings without increasing complexity. Our solutions lend print businesses the ability to print with speed and scale, while integrating automated features like media recognition and intelligent fusing. We understand that smaller print businesses often face tight margins and the need to differentiate themselves. With the AccurioPress C14000’s flexibility to tackle a wide range of jobs, print businesses stand a chance to expand their offerings from personalized direct mail to large-format banners—while keeping operating costs low. This means businesses can take on larger, more complex jobs with fewer resources, leading to faster turnarounds and increased profitability.”

Reflecting on the innovation, Mr. Lalit Kumar, Product Manager, Production Print Business said,“At Konica Minolta, we believe that innovation is a standard, beyond just a goal. The AccurioPress C14000, with its integrated IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser, is a testament to this vision. Our technology will enable eliminating manual interventions and the risk of errors. This type of advanced automation transforms the way print operators work, making customization and rapid job switching the new norm. Compounding on these features, this press’s impressive 2.5 million duty cycle, combined with its durable components and enhanced auto inspection system, provides the reliability and stability that modern print environments demand, where customers benefit from superior performance, operational flexibility, and a significantly lower total cost of ownership.”

Championing Operational Efficiency with Automation and Customization

Konica Minolta’s proprietary IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser, integrated in the C14000, continuously monitors and adjusts colour accuracy and registration throughout the entire print run. This ensures that the first print is just as flawless as the last, reducing waste and ensuring consistency, even on the longest jobs.

One of the most significant time-saving features of the C14000 is its automatic media detection sensor. This technology is enhanced with the 300 pre-installed paper profiles, eliminates the need for manual paper settings by automatically identifying the paper stock, reducing the risk of errors and lags.

The press’s customizable operation screen allows users to tailor the interface to their specific needs, improving ease of use and efficiency. As for finishing, the C14000 has the TU-510 Versatile Trimmer Unit offers full-bleed trimming and creasing capabilities for a variety of printed materials. while the optional LS-507 Large Stacker enables operators to offload prints during production, minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput.

Improving Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with Enhanced Stability and Durability

With a duty cycle of 2.5 million prints, the press offers reliability that few competitors can match. This high-duty cycle, combined with long-life parts and consumables, ensures that the machine can handle even the most demanding production environments.

Konica Minolta has also introduced an enhanced auto inspection system in the C14000 series, designed to detect print quality issues such as streaks, spots, and blemishes, catching potential problems early. Another standout feature is the VDP (Variable Data Printing) print control system, which facilitates printing barcodes, numbers, and personalized information with ease. This makes the C14000 an ideal solution for direct mail campaigns, personalized marketing materials, and other applications that require dynamic data.

The AccurioPress C14000’s intelligent fusing-rolling mechanism ensures accurate front-to-back registration and maximizes print efficiency, making it ideal for high-volume production. Its durability and focus on productivity contribute to a lower Total Cost of Ownership. With these technical specifications, the AccurioPress C14000 shall arrive as the new industry standard for demanding printing applications.

Navigating the shift towards digital – Katsuhisa Asari

-Konica Minolta plans experience centers in Mumbai and Kolkata.

India, 23 September,2024: Post-drupa, Konica Minolta, a provider of digital printing solutions, is focusing on sustainability, automation, personalization, and digital transformation, including integrating AI and IoT to enhance predictive maintenance, optimizing workflows with advanced software solutions, and introducing new high-speed digital presses.

The company is also in the process of opening two new customer experience centers in Mumbai and Kolkata. These centers will provide hands-on training, demonstrate the latest printing technologies, and offer comprehensive support to customers, ensuring they can fully leverage Konica Minolta’s solutions.

‘These centers are designed to offer extensive training programs, remote assistance, and on-site technical support, ensuring that businesses have the expertise and resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently,” says Katsuhisa Asari, managing director, Konica Minolta India.

Asari says the company will develop its AccurioPro Workflow software and Dispatcher Phoenix to automate more complex tasks, reducing manual intervention and errors. “Human and capital investment in variable data printing and AccurioJet arsenal is a competency in practice at Konica Minolta for the growing demand for personalized print products,” he says.

The growing emphasis on product branding, eCommerce, and supply chain management is making customized labels an in-demand service. However, high initial investment and scalability issues often plague traditional label printing methods, making it difficult for businesses to manage costs and expand efficiently. Konica Minolta addressed these challenges with the AccurioJet KM-le inkjet printer providing high-quality and scalable label printing solutions. This technology, coupled with flexible financing options, helps reduce initial investment costs and facilitates smooth scalability, ensuring businesses can grow without financial strain.

While the traditional photo printing market has evolved, there is still a demand for high-quality prints and personalized photo products, he says. ‘The calendar market remains steady, with opportunities for customization and premium products. Achieving consistent quality in photo and calendar printing can be a significant challenge with traditional printing technologies, which often fall short of maintaining high standards. Konica Minolta’s advanced color management software helps to ensure that every print job meets the highest quality standards, delivering vibrant, consistent results for both photo and calendar printing,” he adds.

With rising urbanization, and the rise of eCommerce, the demand for high-quality, personalized, and short-run print jobs is on the rise. However, the industry is also grappling with challenges like high operational costs, complex workflows, data security concerns, and a shortage of skilled laborers. Given the projected headwinds, India’s print media industry is likely to grow by 8-10%, according to a report by ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency).

“We view this as a significant opportunity. Our solutions, such as the AccurioPress Series for high-speed production, AccurioPro Workflow Software for efficient management, and Secure Print Release for data protection, directly address these pain points. Additionally, our Optimized Print Services can provide valuable consulting to help businesses navigate this digital shift,” he concludes.

Morya Labels enhances its digital printing capability with Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230

India, 10 September,2024: Morya Labels has been a trusted name in the labeling industry for 15 years, evolving from raw material expertise to a comprehensive converter. They specialize in delivering innovative and affordable labeling solutions tailored for various sectors, including beverages, food, and packaging. With state-of-the-art in-house operations featuring three flexo machines and one digital printing machine, Morya Labels is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of their clientele, ensuring high-quality products and exceptional service.

The company recognizes the promising potential of digital label printing. This innovative technology provides unmatched flexibility, speed, and customization, making it ideal for short production runs, variable data printing, and prototypes. As the market evolves, it effectively meets the rising demand for personalization and just-in-time production, positioning businesses to stay competitive and responsive in an ever-changing landscape.

Morya Labels has made a strategic decision in selecting the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230, recognizing its capability to meet their unique requirements. This advanced label printer boasts high-quality output, ensuring sharp and clear printing of small characters and fine lines, as well as producing vivid colour images with rich gradations. Its outstanding performance makes it the ideal choice for labels that demand intricate details and precise brand colours, elevating the quality of Morya Labels’ offerings.

“The machine is based on toner technology, offer a reliable and easy to handle operations. We can rely to Konica Minolta’s service team and give our pure focus to business without any hustle of getting involved in machine maintenance etc.” says Ramesh Vanga, founder of Morya Labels.

AccurioLabel 230 Simitri HDE toner features an innovative 3D hybrid structure with functional polymers, allowing it to be compatible with a diverse range of substrates, including both paper and film. This technology enables the reproduction of ideal natural textures on labels, enhancing their sophistication. Moreover, the low-heat fusing process significantly reduces power consumption, positioning the AccurioLabel 230 as an eco-friendly option for businesses. In addition, Konica Minolta’s S.E.A.D. V image processing technology, along with a new generation ASIC and automated color adjustment functions, delivers exceptional print quality. This ensures consistent and accurate color reproduction across all labels, which is vital for maintaining brand consistency.

Morya Labels is poised for continuous growth in the label printing industry. As the sector moves towards greater automation, innovative printing techniques, and sustainable practices, our commitment to digital printing ensures that we are well-positioned to leverage these emerging trends. By staying ahead of the technology curve, Morya Labels is not only enhancing our capabilities in producing short-run, customized labels but also unlocking opportunities in new market segments. This strategic investment not only reflects our forward-thinking approach but also our dedication to meeting evolving customer demands and industry standards.

Morya Labels stands out in the competitive printing industry with a unique selling proposition that blends 15 years of experience with a steadfast commitment to innovation. By providing affordable, high-quality labels tailored for various industries, they prioritize customization to meet diverse needs. Their expertise in advanced printing technologies, particularly in digital printing, ensures they remain adaptable to ever-evolving market trends, positioning them for continued success in the future.

GS Graphics invests in AccurioPress C7100/C7090

-Munirka, New Delhi-based GS Graphics has recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7090.

India, 01 September,2024: Guddu Kumar of GS Graphics said before investing in the AccurioPress C7090, the company faced challenges in meeting deadlines because of the limitations of its previous equipment.

“We often struggled to complete prints on time, which hampered us from serving our clients effectively. To resolve this predicament, we decided to invest in the AccurioPress C7090. The advanced features of this machine improved our printing speed and quality of work significantly, in return making it easy to stick to deadlines. The Konica Minolta team did extensive training on how to use the equipment, and they still offer support whenever it’s needed to ensure that we get the most from this machine,” he explained.

GS Graphics was founded in 2006. Its location in Munirka in New Delhi allows it to serve a wide range of clients across the city. Kumar is helped in the business by his wife. Together, they make a great team with a vision to provide quality services.

“At GS Graphics our primary focus is on producing high-quality printed booklets, magazines, and brochures. We have a variety of clients such as businesses, publishers, and educational institutions. Our clients rely on us for the delivery of timely top print quality. Through this, we have been able to nurture long-term relationships and a strong market presence,” Kumar said.

At present, GS Graphics is a team of five individuals. While small in number, the workforce is productive and dedicated to the high standards built over the years.

Kumar said the company expects the return on investment with the AccurioPress C7090 within the next two years. The amount of print jobs this machine has been able to take on is already starting to pay dividends. “Looking out at the landscape and seeing the continued desire for high-quality printed pieces, we’re well on our way to a positive return on that investment, as it will allow us to reinvest in our business and drive new growth opportunities,” he concluded.

Smile ups productivity with AccurioPress C7100/C7090

-Smile Digital Press, based in Coimbatore, has invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress 7090 in a bid to meet the growing demand for digital prints.

India, 30 August,2024: Smile specialises in producing marketing flyers, wedding invitations, and business cards with a print run of 3,000 to 5,000 prints per day. The company operates with a 90% digital and 10% offset printing model. The offset printing work is outsourced, allowing Smile to focus on its core digital printing services.”

Smile was established eight years ago, in 2017 by Ashik Jabbar and his partner Ashik Abbas, as a digital print service provider, bringing digital capability with the installation of Konica Minolta AccurioPress 2070 kit.

Last year, the company replaced the KM 2070 with the KM 7090.

Jabbar, the managing director of Smile, said a few key factors drove his decision to invest in Konica Minolta. “Firstly, we recognised the need to enhance our production speed to meet the growing demands of our clients. Secondly, the versatility of Konica Minolta’s printing solutions allows us to offer a broader range of services, for example, printing banner size print and duplex print, which is crucial for staying competitive in the digital printing industry.”

The KM Accuriopress 7090 has a maximum speed of 90ppm at a resolution of 2,400×3,600dpi. It can handle papers from 52gsm to 400gsm in sizes 330x487mm, 330.2 x 900 mm (max duplex), and 330.2 x 1,300 mm (max. simplex). With the new KM Accuriopress 7090, Smile has achieved a 30% increase in productivity. “We produced about 70,000 sheets per month with the older press. After the new installation, we started doing around one-lakh sheets, which has grown to close 1.20-lakh sheets per month,” said Jabbar.

He informed PrintWeek that the KM kit can print on coated, uncoated, textured, metallic, and sticker paper. “Some of the textured papers are complicated and must be treated carefully.”

Smile does not engage in any sheet work but specialises in finished products. “We utilise the in-house finishing equipment like Polar cutting machine, lamination and binding machines, ensuring high-quality products for our clients,”

Jabbar shared his vision for Smile. “Our vision for the next five years is centred on growth, sustainability, innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction in the digital printing industry.”

Purple Communications gets AccurioPress C7100/C7090

-Noida-based Purple Communications has recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7090.

India, 30 August,2024: Sakshi Maitra of Purple Communications said, “The quality remains the driving factor behind our decision to invest in the AccurioPress C7090. More than anything else, the phenomenal print quality of the machine was a deciding factor since we wanted to ensure that our clients receive nothing but the best.”

Purple Communications started as an advertising agency in 2002 and through the years established its name, but when the Covid-19 pandemic came, things got difficult for business. “Since our clientele was declining, we resorted to what we thought would be the best course of action and that was to convert our company to a full-scale printing business. We’ve been doing well since then. In 2023, we decided to further enhance our capabilities and installed the Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C7100, which opened new doors for us in the printing industry,” Maitra said.

The company is managed by Sakshi Maitra who is the owner and proprietor of the company. Under her leadership and vision, the firm has been wittingly transformed and placed as an innovative and reliable player in the printing industry.

The company’s major clients are businesses and media houses for whom top-quality printed matter is regularly required. It specialises in high-quality catalogue printing and book publishing, along with related products. It has acquired expertise in all these areas and come to be seen by our clients as a trusted partner who has an eye for detail and a commitment to results.

At present, the company has 12 professionals. Each member of the staff has extensive experience and a strong work ethic.The company has other equipment installed from Konica Minolta, the C226i along with AccurioPress C7090.

Maitra said the investment in the AccurioPress C7090 has yielded some really good returns. “The quality and reliability of the machine have also garnered interest from some of the publications clients and even a few government bodies which further helps in the expansion of our business. We are planning to add more of Konica Minolta’s products such as the black and white printing machine to expand our services further and hope that Konica Minolta will continue developing products with coloured printing solutions,” Maitra concluded.

DigiPrints invests in AccurioPress C7100/C7090

-Mehendergarh, Haryana-based DigiPrints has recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7090.

India, 30 August,2024: Bharat Bhardwaj of DigiPrints said, “Our reason for investing in the AccurioPress C7090 was partly because we wanted to have a unit area of our business that could help us improve our printing, especially when it came to the production of booklets.”

He said receiving a sample print from Konica Minolta left his in awe of its speed and excellent quality, as the booklet was ready in just 20 minutes.

“The optional inter-cooler curl eliminator, SEAD X 3,600×2,400 equivalent dpi x 8-bit resolution, Simitri V toner technology, were outstanding tech integrations that enabled accurate front-to-back registration. Konica Minolta’s assistance has been excellent, acclimating us to the system’s environment, designed for high-performance short-run printing,” he added.

DigiPrints was established in 2023 in the small town of Kanti, situated in Mehendergarh, Haryana. The company specialises in the publishing industry. It produces a variety of printed materials, including newspapers, periodicals, books, and directories. Involved in creating and distributing printed materials, DigiPrints serves local and regional audiences in their town of 9,000 people.

DigiPrints is involved in the manufacturing of calendars, diaries, stickers, and school certificates. It caters to different customers from educational institutions to small businesses, individual clients to other printers. Our activities have, therefore, generated an involved society with a solid base to continually turn to for uniform and reliable printouts.

Currently, DigiPrints is a small but dedicated team of four individuals. It comprises two experienced editors, one skilled designer, and one marketing specialist.

Bhardwaj said the AccurioPress C7090 will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for DigiPrints. “In the long term, we aim to move operations to a bigger city where we can cover wider markets to help us continue growing. With this investment, we are not only looking at improving our existing services but also laying the platform for our future growth and expansion,” he concluded.

Sagar Studio opts for AccurioPress C7100/C7090

-Gandhinagar, Delhi-based Sagar Studio recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7090.

India, 30 August,2024: Avdhesh Kumar of Sagar Studio said, “We decided to invest in the AccurioPress C7090 to uphold our pledge of continued investment in current technology to enhance the delivery of service to our clients. Our searches were for better quality within the machine and higher volumes, which the C7090 gave us perfectly. We were excited to step up from our smaller machinery to the C7090.”

Sagar Studio started its printing business in 2017. In all these years, the company has developed and adapted itself to pick up the changing demands of our clients.

“For the first couple of years, we set up the Konica Minolta 2070, which served our purposes when business was at a budding stage. But with time, as quantity rose along with expectations by customers, it appeared that more technologically enhanced services were needed. This allowed us to upgrade to the AccurioPress C7090, and it greatly improved our capacity to what we are now able to produce and has catapulted us forward in the quality of the print services we can deliver,” Kumar explained.

The company’s customer base consists primarily of consumers and professionals of photo studios. Its core focus is on printing high-end boutique photo albums, wedding albums, and garment digital prints. Many of these products are personal and professional needs.

The team consists of six people, one of whom is a skilled operator who handles the AccurioPress C7090. Kumar said he is pleased with the return AccurioPress C7090 has delivered from the time it was installed.

“It has performed well out of range, exceeding expectations, and upon its installation brought a big improvement to our operations. The improved output capacity has not only been able to satisfy the existing clientele but also to bring more business opportunities. In conclusion, we are much satisfied with the service provided by AccurioPress C7090 and wish for many more years of development and success,” he said.