Craig Bretherton, Komori’s Product Marketing Manager, talks with Ben Daniel about the revolutionary innovations at Komori, emphasizing the transformative impact of ‘Smart Colour’ and ECG printing. He outlines how these state-of-the-art technologies are reshaping industry standards.
Ben Daniel: Craig, can you quickly walk us through Komori’s latest technological innovations, particularly in the print application and colour management?
Craig Bretherton: Absolutely! Our printing press boasts exceptional stability and arguably the finest print quality among manufacturers, particularly in solid colors, with precise dot control.
Innovations like EG (Extended Gamut) printing with Komori’s Smart Colour have been groundbreaking. During preparations, we found that our Komori Offset Press requires extra work in dot generation, a rarity due to its sharp print quality, a reputation Komori has maintained for years.
Moreover, we’ve equipped our press with two advanced color control systems.
The Komori PCSX manages colour intricacies like Lab and density under standard conditions. Additionally, the Komori in-line PQAS ensures rigorous process control and inspection. These systems work seamlessly together, offering the best of both worlds.
This combination, along with Komori’s alcohol-free – consistent dampening systems and precise colour control, has enabled us to prioritize extended gamut printing through our “Smart Colour” project. Our key challenge lies in developing an ink that is not only highly stable to match press conditions but also safe for packaging.
Regarding colour management, the ISO 12647 ink meets international standards, ensuring daily use. Unlike many ECG printing methods requiring modified CMYK versions, we opt to retain the CMYK component, facilitating practicality.
Our specialized colour bar and profiling software allow us to consistently achieve up to 90% accuracy under Pantone colours. Despite slight losses during print tests, our software compensates, maintaining accuracy.
With enhanced colour control innovations, we ensure consistency from the first to the ten thousandth sheet. This translates into benefits for customers, such as seamless job changes without roller washing.
Addressing challenges like colour measurement and ink transportation, we can match 90% of Pantone colours, promoting stability. Moreover, our process enables job ganging, reducing material waste by combining multiple Pantone colours on a single sheet.
Ben: How do you persuade global and regional brands to consider the advantages of Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing over exact colour matching?
Craig: In the current landscape, EU regulations on packaging and sustainability are driving significant shifts in the industry. While compliance is crucial to avoid financial penalties, there’s also a growing awareness of consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. Brand owners must balance these factors, ensuring both compliance and brand recognition.
While certain colours may remain traditional, the rise of extended gamut printing, propelled by digital advancements, offers a viable solution. Many printers are already embracing this change, particularly for mid-range products.
However, some packaging printers may feel hesitant to adopt these innovations. Despite challenges, the market trend favours sustainability, and companies like Komori are at the forefront, offering solutions to meet evolving industry needs.
Ben: How readily accessible are the specialized inks essential for your “Smart Color” printing application?
Craig: Komori has meticulously crafted this ink to align perfectly with our press performance. It’s not just any ink—it’s our ink. As we finalize trials, this specialized ink will become a cornerstone of our offerings. We’ve tailored the ink to seamlessly integrate with Komori’s K-Supply business. It’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in every aspect of our operations.
Ben: Can you quantify the financial gains of adopting ESG and Smart Colors? What kind of impact can converters or printers anticipate on their bottom line when investing in your latest machines equipped with Smart Color technology?
Craig: Achieving specific financial numbers can vary based on individual operating costs. However, imagine slashing make-ready times from 40 minutes to just 5 to 10 minutes. That’s a game-changer in terms of efficiency and cost-saving. While exact figures may differ, the potential hourly rate improvement speaks for itself.