Rawson Graphics hosts Japanese experts to test the press giant’s entry product into the rapidly growing new ink market.
Komori is conducting extensive trials of its new HUV offset ink before entering the battle with the two other Japanese ink suppliers, Toyo Ink and T&K Toka to supply the rapidly growing local market. The first printer to trial the new ink in Australia is Rawson Graphics, the dynamic commercial printer that merged ArtVue into its operations last year.
Shane Wildash, director and Lex Anderson, factory manager, hosted Satoshi Ejima, manager of Komori’s R&D centre and Mifuka Tanaka, Komori global sales and service, when they ran commercial printing jobs with the new ink this week. They printed on Rawson’s six-month old Komori S529, one of the first presses installed in the country with the new drying system.
Wildash was at pains to make the point that the trial has nothing to do with the Toyo Ink product the company is using. “We’ve had very good results using the Toyo product, no complaints,” he said.
Clearly a fan of HUV technology, which he first saw at drupa 2012, Wildash put the investment plans on hold while the negotiations between ArtVue and Rawson went ahead. On the successful completion of the merger, the Komori Lithrone was the first new piece of kit to go in.
“It’s been very productive, a great machine, especially when it comes to time to market. This is an investment for the next ten years,” he said. “
His enthusiasm is backed up by Lex Anderson, production manager, who said that although the inks are more expensive – up to three times conventional offset ink – the reduction in waste and the elimination of printing powder more than makes up for it. “We ‘re using 10-15 % less ink, we run 20-30 make ready sheets and with the quick drying there is no scuffing and no need to varnish,” said Anderson.
Rawson has tweaked the original recommended consumables and is now running Fujifilm plates and Prisco chemistry. Although HUV requires an air-conditioned environment, the North Ryde factory was operating with an open roller door during the trials without any bad affect.
“It’s a more forgiving press than they say, we’ve been running it in horrific conditions during the hot summer without a problem,” said Anderson.
According to Rayne Simpson, Ferrostaal, the Rawson experience is replicated with his other Komori HUV customers. “ People are getting great results and making savings. Yes, its more expensive upfront however the value is proving itself every day,” he said.
The results of the Komori ink trials will be taken back to Tokyo for analysis. The first inks will be available later in the year.
“They have to get it right, I won’t bring it in for my customers until we are confident with the product ,” said Simpson.