Durban-based company Pro-Print completed the most ambitious factory expansion and upgrade to date in January, facilitating the introduction of advanced printing and finishing systems. Included in the project was the purchase of a new-generation sheetfed six-colour Komori Lithrone LS29 press, supplied by exclusive local distributor, Kemtek Print Solutions.
‘We’re currently the largest Komori user in the southern hemisphere, with 11 Komori presses among our fleet of 21 printing machines,’ said Pro-Print MD, Yvette Roberts. ‘Much of our success with the brand stems from the consistent print quality and productivity we achieve, plus the on-going support we receive from the Kemtek team. Purchasing the new press was a strategic move based on our future growth plans.’
The LS29 is a high-performance, robust machine that features the latest-generation Komori KHS-AI integrated control system designed to provide quick start-up and minimise board waste.
With conventional Komori KHS systems, the ink film on the rollers is set in advance according to the image on the plate and ink spreads across the rollers so that colour matching is facilitated from start-up. However, some printers invariably make fine adjustments based on their own quality standards or customer specifications. Slight colour changes can also occur depending on the substrate and environmental factors. To tackle such variables, the KHS-AI system’s self-learning function automatically performs optimal colour matching by merging these fine adjustments with the colour changes.
Pro-Print’s LS29 also offers a powerful solution to profitable short runs, accomplishing a maximum printing speed of 16 000 sheets/hour and requiring 50% less set-up time than its predecessor, the LS29.
‘Keeping production costs to a minimum without compromising on quality is vitally important in our business and the LS29, with the advanced KHS-AI system technology and quick set-up, provides everything we need to extend our top-class printing capabilities and maximise efficiency,’ said Roberts. ‘Kemtek’s technical specialists have assisted us with all our pre and post-installation requirements and operator training, ensuring first-class production from the start.’
‘Overall, Komori offers best in class reliability, productivity and cost of ownership,’ said Kemtek CEO, Gavin van Rensburg. ‘They can always be relied upon to deliver the highest quality print with speed and precision and we’re delighted that the Pro-Print team has once again placed its trust and confidence in Komori and Kemtek Print Solutions.’