Irish Printer - Issue 2 2024

INSPIRED

DR LUDWIN MONZ on how solutions from Heidelberg can help address the major challenges of modern printing

Elliott Baxter Ireland Limited

EBB Service

Handled with care

Fully qualified, friendly drivers trained in paper and board handling ensure your order arrives safely.

EBB Service is based on investment in state-of-the-art route planning, real time vehicle tracking and the latest vehicles that comply with Euro 6 emissions standards meaning increased engine efficiency, better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Delivered with care

We take responsibility for your order until the moment it’s delivered to you.

Next day and, in some cases, same day deliveries from our warehouse straight to your door (no third party involved).

T: +353 1 401 0008

E: dublinsales@ebbgroup.com

T: +44 28 9600 1480

E: belfastsales@ebbgroup.com

04 News

A

11 Acquisition

11

EBB’s acquisition of Realt Paper is expected to generate group turnover in Ireland of circa €50 million

13 Technology

At Ricoh’s stand at this year’s drupa, explore fresh ways to deliver agile capabilities sustainably

18 Innovation

MJ Flood is bringing the AccurioPress series to Ireland

20 drupa

The biggest names in print are set to unveil their latest products and services at drupa 2024

Cover Story

As HEIDELBERG prepares for drupa, Dr Ludwin Monz, CEO, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, explains why print firms on the lookout for intelligent workflows should put the HEIDELBERG stand on their list 19

24 A Look Back

For the third time in four years, Plus Print took home the Printer of the Year accolade at the 2016 Irish Print Awards 24

look at what’s happening in the print industry

Welcome to issue 2 of Irish Printer for 2024.

At this year’s drupa, HEIDELBERG will showcase a range of innovative technologies that present solutions to the challenges faced by printers today. A shortage of skilled workers, ever-increasing sustainability requirements and rising costs are issues that HEIDELBERG has taken into account with its range of technologies. For example, automation across its solutions addresses the shortage of labour and skilled workers, while machines like the Speedmaster XL 106, with its higher print speed of up to 21,000 sheets per hour and enhanced Push to Stop functions, make industrial offset printing more competitive, helping printers save money. HEIDELBERG will also be presenting its new DryStar Combination Eco dryer, which uses up to 30% less energy for drying. It’s a solution that will be of particular interest to companies operating in markets with high energy prices, says CEO Dr Ludwin Monz; customers paying European industrial electricity prices will find that an investment in the dryer will pay off within around two years. In addition, the complete press uses less energy per 1,000 sheets when the production speed is faster. For more on HEIDELBERG at drupa, turn to page 15.

Also in this issue, MJ Flood outlines its strategic partnership with Konica Minolta and its plans to introduce the AccurioPress Series to Ireland. The Series isn’t just transforming printing says MJ Flood; it’s reshaping the future of business communication and creativity. On page 11, we take a look at EBB’s acquisition of Realt Paper which will make the merchant the largest in the Irish market and on page 24, we take a look back at Plus Print’s big win at the 2016 Irish Print Awards, its third time in four years winning Printer of the Year.

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

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MIMAKI

SPOTLIGHT ON… TRAPIS

Mimaki launches its two-step textile transfer printing solution

Mimaki Europe has announced the commercial release of TRAPIS, its textile pigment transfer printing system. The system offers an environmentally friendly and easy to operate solution for textile applications, saving almost 90% of wastewater compared to conventional methods. Mimaki says TRAPIS provides a simple two-step process, consisting of an inkjet printer and a calender. The design of choice is printed by the inkjet printer with a dedicated ink

Print to a range of materials

TRAPIS can also print on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres like cotton and silk in addition to blended fabrics, with just one type of ink. The accompanying ink has also achieved the ZDHC MRSL Lv.3*2 certification and is bluesign® approved to ensure it’s both worker and consumer safe, as well as an environmentally friendly product.

onto transfer paper, which is then transferred to the application via a calender. Unlike both analogue and digital conventional dye-printing methods, TRAPIS generates almost no wastewater, only what’s produced during the printer’s automatic maintenance. Due to no pre-treatment or washing of the fabric being needed, Mimaki says this saves around 14.5 litres per sq

m of water when compared to digital dye printing. TRAPIS also offers print service providers an easy-to-use option for textile printing. As the process only involves printing and transferring, it doesn’t require specialised skills to operate when compared to the more complex seven- or eight-step system for digital and analogue conventional printing.

METSÄ BOARD

Carbon footprint reductions with Metsä Board

Pharmaceutical product packaging accounts for a large part of manufacturers’ Scope 3 emissions. According to Metsä Board studies, fresh fibre paperboard can reduce the carbon footprint of pharmaceutical packaging by optimising the paperboard in use. Assessments conducted by the company demonstrate the carbon footprint

Hosted by Imelda May, a documentary entitled ‘Lily & Lolly: The Forgotten Yeats Sisters’ aired on Sky Arts on International Women’s Day. It told the story of Susan (Lily) and Elizabeth (Lolly) Yeats, two significant figures of the Irish and international Arts and Crafts Movement of the early twentieth century. The National Print Museum has been celebrating the Yeats sisters for some time and was approached in the making of the documentary where the Museum’s Education Officer and letterpress printer, Mary Plunkett, presents the traditional print processes used by the sisters at the Dun Emer and Cuala Press. ‘Beneath the Silken Sun, For Susan and Elizabeth Yeats’ was a poem written by Imelda May as part of the documentary. Handset and printed letterpress at the Museum by Plunkett on handmade paper, the printed poem is now available for pre-order sale in a limited edition of 50. The typeface used is Caslon – the same face used by Elizabeth Yeats throughout

Metsä Board’s folding boxboards still retain the durability and functional properties of traditional heavier grades

reductions that pharmaceutical manufacturers can achieve by switching from commonly used grades to Metsä Board fresh fibre paperboards. Switching from a solid bleached board (SBB) to Metsä Board folding boxboard can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by over 50%, while replacing white lined chipboard (WLC) with Metsä Board folding boxboard can result in a 60% reduction or even higher. Metsä Board says these assessments have been verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. The lower carbon footprint of the company’s folding boxboards is due to the use of fossil free energy in their production and their lighter weight. However, despite the lighter weight, Metsä Board’s folding boxboards still retain the durability and functional properties of traditional heavier grades.

the books and broadsides of the Dun Emer Press and Cuala Press. The project was printed letterpress on handmade 145gsm graphic paper from the Ruĝiní Papírna Velké Losiny, a paper mill established in 1596 in Czech Republic. The paper incorporates the Museum’s logo in the watermark. Each print is numbered and signed by May. All proceeds raised will be reinvested in the preservation and celebration of the craft at the Museum. Prints are available on pre-order sale at €112 from www.nationalprintmuseum.ie.

Yeats Sisters at National Print Museum

FESPA

Over 75 products launched at FESPA 2024

Held in March at the RAI in Amsterdam, the FESPA Global Print Expo 2024 welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world. Alongside the Expo, the European Sign Expo 2024, the Personalisation Experience 2024 and the new Sportswear Pro 2024 were also held at the venue. Over 70 new products were launched across the four events, including the new VersaSTUDIO BD-8 from Roland DG, the first desktop flatbed UV printer in the manufacturer’s VersaSTUDIO series. Italian digital print finishing specialist Flexa launched the Easy Plus, a new hot laminator that features integrated WiFi and LAN connectivity, along with the Miura Plus, an automatic XY cutter suitable for flexible materials and wallpaper. Ricoh unveiled its new Flora X20 UV hybrid printer, the first compact-footprinted hybrid printer co-developed with Flora Digital, a flatbed and large format digital inkjet manufacturer. The new machine can run rigid and flexible media up to 2m wide and 5.1cm thick on substrates ranging from PVC banners to vinyl and rigid boards.

EFI used Fespa to introduce two new printers – the Vutek Q3h XP 3.3m-wide flatbed/roll-fed LED printer, plus the next generation 3.2m EFI Pro 33r roll-to-roll LED printer. The Vutek Q3h XP runs at up to 905m2/hr and features board/sheet and roll-to-roll media handling and high-speed automation options. It’s available with four (CMYK) or six (CMYK, lc, lk) colours and optional white and clear inks. The EFI Pro 33r is based on the Pro 32r+ platform, with notable enhancements to overall printer performance – it has a top print speed of 260m2/hr and offers up to 35% speed increase in POP mode.

Agfa also unveiled its enhanced and rebranded inkjet printer portfolio at the event. Under the baseline ‘Powerful by Nature’, the printers feature a fresh identity, now sporting names of formidable animals that reflect their unique strengths. No fewer than three new inkjet printers made their global debut at the FESPA Global Print Expo in Amsterdam – the Jeti Condor RTR5200 HS, the Jeti Bronco H3300 S and the Anapurna Ciervo H3200.

In 2025, FESPA is set to return to Messe Berlin, Germany, from 6-9 May 2025.

Drytac extends availability of ReTac Duo

ReTac Duo, which can be used to transform any image into a wall or window graphic, is now being offered to Drytac customers around the world. Previously only available in North America but now being offered to customers worldwide, ReTac Duo is a clear, doublesided mounting adhesive on a

clear PET carrier. It has a permanent adhesive on one side and ReTac ultra-removable adhesive on the other. The permanent adhesive side of the film sticks to the desired graphic, while ReTac ultra removable adhesive on the other means the graphic can be easily applied, repositioned and

ANTALIS

Antalis sets the facts straight on sustainability

Cyclus Offset from Antalis was chosen for its sustainable credentials in 300gsm and 170gsm cover and text weights for a booklet produced by Two Sides, a global initiative promoting the unique sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper packaging. Antalis says Cyclus is a fully recycled paper that boasts a naturally distinctive character. Its textured, white grain results from highly stringent manufacturing processes using 100% recycled paper pulp. With an objective to make zero compromises on environmental issues, Cyclus boasts a high level of printing quality. Its credentials include FSC Recycled, Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel and rated five stars in the Antalis Green Star System.

ReTac Duo can be used to transform any image into a wall or window graphic

removed for repeated use. The product can adhere to walls, doors, windows or any other smooth surface, without leaving behind residue when removed. This opens up its use in a wide range of projects including wall graphics, double-sided window graphics, removable posters and more.

EFI completes LCA for Nozomi printer

Electronics For Imaging, Inc has completed a life cycle assessment (LCA) of Nozomi single-pass digital print technology in partnership with sustainability consulting firm Clean Agency. Through this initiative, Clean Agency has also developed an LCA tool that EFI customers and their customers – such as brands, retailers and 3PLs –can use to analyse their CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions as part of their overall packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR). According to the LCA, printing corrugated materials on an EFI Nozomi digital press reduces global warming potential by approximately 50% when compared to analogue printing technologies. “No printing plates, less energy, less waste and just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing all contribute to CO2e reductions for corrugated printing on EFI’s Nozomi digital press,” says Seri McClendon, CEO of Clean Agency. “Packaging is a major contributor to Scope 3 emissions, so we not only partnered with EFI to conduct the LCA but also to build a calculator that enables users to quantify related kilograms of CO2e for specific packaging printing volumes and applications.”

McGowans celebrates International Women’s Day

Pictured at McGowans on International Women’s Day were from top left: Parascovia, Irina, Marina, Elena, Anita, Jillian, Sanda, Karolina, Ewa, Natalia and Elena; Jasmeet, Unbreen and Gillian; Kellie, Lauren, Louise and Claire; and Anna, Sue, Anne-Marie, Lora and Elena.

New training courses by Asahi

Asahi Photoproducts is running a new type of operator training course by combining pre-press workflow, platemaking and flexo printing, together with Gallus and ESKO, all under one roof. The first sessions are already planned as part of the ESKO MasterClass Series, featuring aspects of flexo workflow and screening technologies followed by sustainable platemaking production, and then closing the loop by going on-press. The sessions will be held in the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which opened in June 2023.

Topics to be covered include:

» ESKO screening technologies, workflow and plate imaging solutions

» Training on Asahi water-wash platemaking, including calibration of exposure time, plate washout speed, finishing and drying time

» Printing the plates on a Gallus press, including curve calibration and print performance checks

» Consolidated view to demonstrate the ease-of-use of plate production from Asahi, ESKO and Gallus to deliver sustainable solutions to printing converter.

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‘T he is

BRIGHT’ FUTURE

Elliott Baxter & Company’s acquisition of Realt Paper is expected to generate combined group turnover in Ireland of circa €50 million

EBB says the acquisition of Realt Paper will make it the largest merchant in the Irish market and further demonstrates its commitment to Ireland. Realt Paper will continue to trade from its Swords premises and EBB Ireland from Rathcoole and Belfast.

During 2024, EBB plans to integrate Realt sales within the EBB logistics network, offering an enhanced service and product offering to the Irish market. The company says its new combined strength will see a larger product portfolio and commitment to keeping high stocks locally to serve the Irish print, paper and packaging community.

“Since we entered the Irish market with our acquisition of UniBoard back in 2019, Realt has always been on our radar due to the excellent reputation they have. As a competitor, we have admired their professionalism in everything they do. Ger and his family, together with the Realt team have built a fantastic business, with great staff, loyal customers and excellent mill partners. Our new combined strength, backed up by our UK stock and resources, will see improved choice and better service to all our Irish customers,” said Matt Elliott, EBB Group Managing Director.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ger Barron, Realt Managing Director, said: “Realt is a successful and profitable company that has been in business for 43 years. Our success is attributed to our talented team’s determination, focus and skills. We are a familyrun business that holds on to our humble beginnings when my Dad

ACQUISITION 11

bought our first company van for 300 punts and after a substantial bad debt, remortgaged our family home in the third year of business to keep the company running.

“We are excited to join EBB Ireland, a 100-yearold family business with a similar culture. We look forward to developing new products and business areas and constantly improving our offering to the Irish market. The future is bright and we are ready for all the opportunities it brings.”

Chris Sandwell, EBB Group Sales & Marketing Director, said he’s delighted with the acquisition of Realt. “Since our arrival in Ireland we have admired the team and look forward to welcoming them all to the EBB family. EBB is committed to the Irish market and in developing a local team to drive and manage the business into the future. The paper and board market is in constant change and with that comes challenge and opportunity. We believe the combined entity offers the best chance for EBB to support all of the local markets.

I and the team at EBB Ireland are looking forward to working alongside new colleagues at Realt and delivering higher value to both customers and suppliers alike.”

Matt Elliott, EBB Group Managing Director and Ger Barron, Realt Managing Director

UNLEASH THE SPIRIT OF CO-INNOVATION WITH US AT DRUPA 2024

In Japanese, HENKAKU means transformational innovation – and at Ricoh, it means everything to us.

But to truly unlock the power of HENKAKU, we need to work with you our partners and ‘Co-innovate’ –taking on your real world challenges and finding solutions, together.

At drupa 2024, join us to discover what Co-innovation could mean for you and the future of your business.

We’ll be unveiling our latest inkjet technology, alongside our incredible sheetfed and software developments.

You’ll also be able to enter The House of HENKAKU and experience an immersive theatrical show that will bring the spirit – the magic – of Co-innovation to life.

May 28 – June 7, 2024

Düsseldorf, Germany

SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE

ricoh-europe.com/news-events/ events/drupa-2024

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION or to explore our range of products, reach out to sales@ricoh.ie

At Ricoh’s stand at this year’s drupa, explore fresh and inspiring ways to deliver agile and responsive capabilities sustainably

STEP INTO RICOH’S

HENKAKUVERSE

Visitors to Ricoh’s drupa stand will be invited to experience the HENKAKUVERSE, a virtual production environment where they can learn about how Ricoh’s leading edge technologies can be harnessed for the benefit of their print operations. The Ricoh stand at drupa 2024 will be in Hall 8a of the Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, May 28 to June 7.

On the stand, print specialists can engage with new technologies brought together for the first time including some that have never been seen publicly before in Europe, including the Dragon – the RICOH ProTM Z75 B2 sheetfed digital inkjet press. The first B2 perfecting (auto-duplexing) sheetfed inkjet platform using aqueous ink accelerates the shift from offset to digital with higher print quality, faster turnaround times and fewer demands on staff.

Joining it is the new RICOH ProTM VC80000 digital colour high speed inkjet webfed press, also known as the Harpy Eagle. With its AI capability, its new generation Ricoh printheads and its high level of integration with finishing equipment, it enables commercial, book and direct mail printers to enjoy breakthrough performance in terms of its consistently high print quality and new levels of productivity, shift after shift.

Helping print specialists ensure they thrive are new digital colour sheetfed presses – the Jaguars. The next generation 135ppm RICOH ProTM C9500 empowers commercial printers to expand revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency with its labour-saving automation. It will be complemented by the latest in agile, versatile flexible and responsive toner-based technology in the form of the five colour RICOH ProTM C7500 digital colour sheetfed press.

All production technologies on display are built

Visitors will see how Ricoh’s automation technologies can support print businesses’ drive to reduce their impact on the planet

on Ricoh’s commitment to sustainable and responsible operations that last month achieved a double A score from global environmental nonprofit organisation CDP for climate change and for water security. Ricoh also secured its 12th inclusion among the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list. Visitors will see how Ricoh’s automation technologies can support print businesses’ drive to reduce their impact on the planet.

Ricoh’s software area will focus on production automation, combining cloud based and on premise solutions that aid maximum production efficiency. There will be a raft of value added software solutions that focus particularly on workflow automation, such as RICOH TotalFlow™ Producer, RICOH Supervisor™ and FusionPro® that crafts highly personalised data driven communications.

High quality and consistent results are ensured by an array of specially developed solutions including the award winning, trailblazing RICOH Auto Color Adjuster which provides precise colour management and matching capability without the need for a colour specialist.

Printed samples will be on show as well as those from Ricoh’s versatile large format systems.

Visit the Ricoh stand in Hall 8a / A21-1 – A21-2. For further information or to explore our products, contact sales@ricoh.ie

Inspired

As HEIDELBERG prepares for the industry’s most important event, Dr Ludwin Monz, CEO, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG explains why print firms on the lookout for highly digitalised intelligent workflows at drupa should put the HEIDELBERG stand on their list

HEIDELBERG Get with

What new developments/innovations will there be in the printing industry at drupa 2024?

Our customers face three main challenges – everincreasing cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers and rising sustainability requirements. HEIDELBERG will be presenting solutions to these challenges at this year’s drupa. Let me give you a brief overview.

Enormous competitive pressure is forcing our customers to reduce their costs. We will be presenting several innovations that increase productivity and reduce the cost per printed sheet in high-volume printing. We are addressing the shortage of labour and skilled workers by further automating and digitalising the print shop value chain. We will be presenting the further developed “push-to stop” technology and our Prinect workflow software solution. And finally, we help our customers to improve the sustainability of their businesses and their products. We present technologies that help to save energy and reduce the consumption of raw materials. In summary, HEIDELBERG is committed to maintaining its technology leadership in the printing sector by addressing the major challenges of modern printing.

How can print shops respond to the shortage of skilled workers?

Print shops compete to attract the best skilled staff, so it is important to make the workplace more appealing by offering cutting-edge, intuitive user interfaces and a low-emissions working environment. With further improvements to the HEIDELBERG User Experience (UX) and a new ergonomic design, the new Peak Performance Speedmaster XL 106 is setting high standards as is the new P-Stacker robotics solutions for postpress operations. The new PowderStar XL (Duo) reduces powder consumption by up to 15% and powder emissions by up to 45%. What’s more, strain on personnel capacity is eased, because use of production clusters means that fewer staff can operate the same number of presses efficiently. When fully automatic Plate to Unit printing plate logistics is incorporated, it is possible to save on one assistant entirely, while also handling up to 150 printing plates per hour automatically. In the future, HEIDELBERG will make autonomous printing possible for standardized applications in packaging printing. The company will also help operators with more complex print jobs by providing navigated user guidance.

What is your personal view on sustainability and digitalisation in terms of industry development?

Sustainability in print production is one of the biggest trends worldwide and at the same time a major challenge for our industry. In modern print shops, the aim is to reduce the energy and resource consumption in order to become even more sustainable. But printed products are also changing, moving away from plastic and towards more paper. But HEIDELBERG also has its own corporate goals when it comes to sustainability. Our goal is to achieve the smallest ecological footprint across the entire value chain in the printing industry. HEIDELBERG has been an industry pioneer in the digitalisation of printing for 20 years. Our main goal is to optimise our customers’ entire value chain. To this end, we have fully digitalised and integrated the processes and thus offer our customers maximum efficiency in industrial print production, which ultimately leads to higher productivity and a reduction in costs. In the area of digitalisation, HEIDELBERG offers stand-alone end-to-end solutions for both commercial and packaging customers. So put HEIDELBERG on your list if you are looking for highly digitalised intelligent workflows at drupa.

In the future, users will also benefit from other apps that automate the production workflow – for both digital and offset printing

How have you implemented the topic of sustainability or digitalisation in your own company and why?

HEIDELBERG offers sustainable printing solutions. We support our customers in saving energy and raw materials. If you compare a Speedmaster from 1990 with today’s version, energy consumption per 1000 sheet has been reduced by up to 40%. At this year’s drupa, we will be presenting the latest generation of presses with a maximum speed of up to 21,000 sheets per hour. This increase in production speed will help our customers to further reduce the energy consumption per sheet. But speed alone is not enough. We have to take a holistic view of the machines. A good example of this is our Boardmaster printing machine, a flexographic web printing system that boasts machine availability of up to 90% and a

maximum printing speed of 600m per minute. Compared with the previous generation, its machine concept dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership in industrial packaging production. The water-based inks also improve the environmental balance. So from a product perspective, sustainability goes hand in hand – energy efficiency, intelligent automation and environmentally conscious consumables. With regard to digitalisation, we are investing heavily in software solutions for integrated print production. Lean processes in the print shop and a highly automated control system help to make production more efficient. One example is our new HEIDELBERG customer portal. The digital all-inone portal offers easy access to production and workflow apps, analytics, service and maintenance, material purchasing and administration tools. In the future, users will also benefit from other apps that automate the production workflow – for both digital and offset printing.

Can you tell us about the new DryStar Combination Eco energy-saving dryer?

Featuring insulation in the delivery, a cross-flow heat exchanger, and an improved dryercassette design, the new DryStar Combination Eco dryer uses up to 30% less energy for drying. This investment is of particular interest to companies operating in markets with high energy prices. Customers paying European industrial electricity prices will find an investment in this innovative dryer will pay off within around two years.

What’s more, the complete press uses less energy per 1,000 sheets when the production speed is faster – for example, when the printing speed is increased from 18,000 to 21,000 sheets per hour, energy consumption drops by around 4.5%.

How can printing businesses make their production more efficient?

Increasing cost pressures are forcing print shops to make ongoing investments in maintaining their competitiveness – i.e. in higher productivity, enhanced efficiency and new areas of business. HEIDELBERG understands the value drivers of customers in the commercial and packaging printing industry. Innovations such as the new Peak Performance generation of the Speedmaster XL 106, with its higher print speed of up to 21,000 sheets per hour, AIsupported assistance systems and enhanced Push to Stop functions, are making industrial offset printing even more competitive. We anticipate that a highvolume packaging producer or wet-glue label manufacturer will very soon achieve a benchmark of 100 million sheets per year. This figure represents a 20% increase on the 85 million sheets currently being produced by today’s industry leaders.

What significance does drupa 2024 have for you as a presence trade fair?

In three words – innovation, inspiration, networking.

PARTNER PROFILE

MJ Flood is bringing the AccurioPress Series to Ireland

AGAME-CHANGER

The printing landscape is changing dramatically, as MJ Flood leads the way in introducing the AccurioPress Series to Ireland. As a leader in the printing industry, MJ Flood has rolled out several AccurioPress machines this year, marking a significant shift in the industry landscape. These installations are revolutionising printing practices by prioritising both efficiency and sustainability.

The AccurioPress stands out for its remarkable efficiency, delivering high-speed printing capabilities while minimising downtime

The AccurioPress stands out for its remarkable efficiency, delivering high-speed printing capabilities while minimising downtime. Through a series of enhancements, the AccurioPress Series redefines the printing landscape, with advanced automation and reduced human intervention. This not only boosts productivity levels, but also minimises errors and waste. The presses offer a lower total cost of ownership, making them an investment for enterprises seeking to optimise their resources. By incorporating energy-saving elements like lowtemperature fusing and reduced power consumption as well

as utilising recycled materials, it actively contributes to lowering carbon emissions and waste generation. This dual focus on efficiency and sustainability aligns with the growing imperative for businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices without

compromising performance. One of the pivotal aspects of the AccurioPress is its unparalleled printing quality. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Simitri HDE toner and enhanced 1,200 dpi resolution, the AccurioPress ensures every print job is a masterpiece, capturing colours and details with exceptional clarity. This level of precision not only enhances the visual appeal of printed materials, but also elevates brand image and communication effectiveness for businesses.

The AccurioPress boasts remarkable versatility, accommodating a diverse range of media types and weights with seamless precision. Whether it’s brochures, flyers, posters or business cards, MJ Flood’s installations empower businesses to unleash their creativity without constraints, fostering innovation and differentiation in a competitive market landscape.

The AccurioPress Series isn’t just about superior print quality and versatility; it’s also about efficiency and sustainability. With lightning-fast printing speeds and automated workflow features, businesses can streamline their printing processes, reducing turnaround times and maximising productivity. Its energy-efficient design minimises environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious business practices.

MJ Flood’s strategic partnership with industry giant Konica Minolta has enabled them to deliver state-of-the-art printing solutions, tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses across various sectors. Using the knowledge and technological skills of Konica Minolta, MJ Flood has

The AccurioPress has given us the flexibility to experiment with different print formats and materials, helping us stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just a printer; it’s a catalyst for innovation

been able to explore the complex needs of businesses, knowing their specific problems and goals. MJ Flood uses this insight to create and set up printing solutions that not only meet current needs but also enable future growth.

With Konica Minolta’s cutting-edge research and development capabilities complemented by MJ Flood’s deep industry insights and customer-centric approach, the partnership continues to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the printing domain.

The businesses that have switched to AccurioPress solutions give very good feedback. “We recently upgraded one of our machines to the new AccurioPress C12000e. The increased production capability and ability to run heavier stock has been transformative for our business,” says Conor Clarkin at Digital Print Finish.

Similarly, Bernard Moran at Punctual Print, emphasises the transformative impact of MJ Flood’s installations. “The AccurioPress has given us the flexibility to experiment with different print formats and materials, helping us stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just a printer; it’s a catalyst for innovation.”

As MJ Flood continues to unveil the amazing potential of the AccurioPress across Ireland, the print industry is changing in a significant way. With its unmatched blend of technological innovation, operational efficiency and environmental awareness, the AccurioPress Series is not just transforming printing; it’s reshaping the future of business communication and creativity.

At MJ Flood’s Dublin showroom, customers are greeted with a curated selection of AccurioPress models, including the C4080, C7100 and C12000, each representing the pinnacle of printing excellence. Here, visitors witness firsthand the remarkable capabilities of these machines, from unparalleled print quality to unparalleled efficiency and sustainability.

MARK LYNAM, WHO CAN BE REACHED BY EMAILING INFO@MJFLOOD.IE, LEADS DEMONSTRATIONS AND SHOWS BUSINESSES HOW PRINTING WILL EVOLVE IN THE FUTURE, ENABLING THEM TO FIND NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND ATTAIN GROWTH AND SUCCESS.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE ACCURIOPRESS OR OTHER KONICA MINOLTA PRODUCTS, YOU CAN CONTACT MJ FLOOD ON 01 466 3500 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION, WWW.MJFLOOD.IE

The biggest names in print are set to unveil their latest products and services at drupa 2024, taking place from May 28 to June 7 in Düsseldorf

DRUPA

Highcon

Set to be launched at drupa 2024, Highcon will release its latest portfolio line-up including an upgrade to the Highcon Beam 2C which delivers up to 50% enhanced productivity when paired with the optional Beam Writer. The new Highcon Beam 3, which can run 10 jobs with an average run length of 1000 sheets every shift, will also be unveiled along with the Highcon Beam Writer, which enables customers to create creasing rules using Highcon’s proprietary DART system and fifth Generation Consumables offline. The new Highcon Vulcan is set to enter mainstream corrugated production and will, says the company, address a painful gap in current solutions. It has a maximum sheet size of 1.4m x 1.7m and supports boards up to 5mm including microflute, B-, C- and EB-flutes.

Hall 9 / B24

C&T

C&T Matrix (C&T) is a global supplier and manufacturer of creasing matrix, ejection rubbers, patch-up solutions and spare parts for packaging, folding carton, die-making, corrugated and commercial printing. At drupa, C&T will showcase new machinery and solutions including Clear Group’s rubber cutting machine, the Clear XPro, a 3-in-1 plotting and drawing machine with a multifunctional cutting table. Visitors can also view C&T’s portfolio of injection-moulded

components and its plastic pallets, which have improved safety and hygienic production capabilities, are easy to clean, splinter-free and food safe. One of the highlights of the event will be the demonstration of the Playmatrix machine, an automatic creasing matrix cutting system that’s been on the market since 2019.

Hall 10 / A21

Hybrid Software

At drupa 2024, Hybrid Software will be announcing several new products and technologies including MyCLOUDFLOW hosted SaaS workflow solution, a configurable enterprise production workflow system that provides fast and effective automation of prepress tasks for more than 1,000 customers worldwide. All demos at drupa will be run using MyCLOUDFLOW, a 100% cloud-based SaaS solution running in a dedicated Amazon Web Services (AWS) cluster. The SmartDFE turnkey digital front end (DFE) for digital presses will also be unveiled at the event. SmartDFE is ideal for high-speed, singlepass presses printing fully variable data. It’s built upon Harlequin Direct, the world’s fastest PDF RIP and itself a 2021 Pinnacle InterTech Award recipient, providing rasterization and inkjet drop generation for the best possible image quality and quickest printing speeds.

Hall 7A / D03

Canon

Canon’s new ProStream 2000 series will make its global debut at drupa, where it will be exhibited in a live production workflow with a broad range of print applications. The new series of web-fed inkjet presses for commercial print and business communications service providers is, says Canon, ideal for those looking for an especially attractive cost/performance ratio for applications on media up to 150gsm and on uncoated papers. Printing at up to 133m/min on standard offset coated, uncoated and inkjet optimised media from 28gsm up to 150gsm, the ProStream 2000 series offers a better cost/ performance ratio and is 20% shorter than the ProStream 3000. It also consumes 10% less energy than the ProStream 1800. The new ProStream 3160, the 160m/min flagship model of the ProStream 3000 series, will also be launched. Both the ProStream 2000 series and the ProStream 3160 enable ultra-fast production, allowing print businesses to move even higher volumes of work from offset and legacy technologies.

Hall 8a / B41-1 –

B41-8

Fujifilm

Launching in autumn 2024, Fujifilm Group will be unveiling its new AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology at drupa 2024. The new technology combines water-based and UV curable ink for wide format inkjet printing applications. The UV-curable aqueous ink is suitable for indoor signage and wallpaper applications, providing safe and odourless ink during printing, as well as offering a high level of rub resistance and compatibility with a variety of print substrates. Fujifilm says the UV-curable aqueous ink featuring AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology is expected to become the new standard in the wide format market, expanding the scope of customers’ business in the future.

Hall 8b / A02 – A02-6

EyeC

EyeC GmbH will be exhibiting at drupa 2024, giving visitors the opportunity to experience its innovative and fully automated systems live in action. EyeC will also be presenting sustainable solutions for the industry at the VDMA stand, entitled “Touchpoint Sustainability”. Live demonstrations of the EyeC ProofRunner Carton HighLight will be held, along with a presentation of the EyeC ProofRunner Web. Brand new options for the entire EyeC ProofRunner line will be demonstrated for the first time, giving an insight into the power of AI-based defect classification. In addition, the scanner based EyeC Proofiler DT line with scan formats up to 4 x 3 ft will be shown, as well as demos of the EyeC Proofiler Graphic artwork proofreading software.

Hall 3 / A101

Miraclon

Miraclon says it’s bringing the benefits of modern flexo to packaging printers at this year’s drupa. On the Miraclon booth, visitors will see real life case studies of 12 printers that have met challenging brand client needs and achieved dramatic financial and sustainability goals after successfully implementing FLEXCEL NX technology, aided by the technical expertise of Miraclon and its prepress partners. The company will also showcase nine of its newest innovations including the FLEXCEL NX Ultra 42 Processor, Shine LED Lamp Kits and a preview of next generation FLEXCEL NX Plate and FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plate Technologies.

Hall 15 / F50

Asahi Photoproducts

For anyone in the flexographic industry, from brand owners and repro houses to flexographic printing operations, the Asahi Photoproducts stand will be a must-visit at drupa 2024. Dieter Niederstadt, Asahi’s Technical Marketing Manager, says the company will be helping visitors understand how easy the Road to Solvent ZERO is, making their operations more sustainable and offering a more pleasant ambient environment for workers. The first step, he says, is to switch to reduced solvent plates such as Asahi’s AFPTM-R CleanPrint plate, which reduces solvent usage by 30% with no need to make any additional equipment investments. Asahi will also be displaying a full range of flexographic plates, including the introduction of new plates designed for printing on paper, corrugated and recycled film.

Hall 8b / A13

For the third time in four years, Plus Print took home the Printer of the Year accolade at the 2016 Irish Print Awards

A LOOK BACK