Global accessories firm Hamahas become Europe’s first customer of Konica Minolta’s newly-launched AccurioJet KM-1e production press. The installation completed during lockdown enables the specialist in mobile, PC and photo extras to print on almost any substrate in high quality to meet increasing demands from brands and retailers for a better ‘product experience’, achieved through high value-added packaging.
Konica Minolta’s partnership approach backed by its own experienced service organisation were crucial factors in Hama’s decision. Replacing two digital machines, the AccurioJet KM-1e digital inkjet B2+ sheetfed UV colour production press has been installed at its headquarters in Monheim, Bavaria, Germany. Another important factor was the business case put forward by Konica Minolta to substantially increase volumes by identifying additional applications such as folding carton box production. An example includes the consumer-focused packaging used for memory sticks and phone covers, some costing between €30-50 each when personalised. Previously outsourced, folding carton box production has now been brought back in-house at Hama. The investment opens up new creative opportunities in blister and light packaging for short-run, specialty products for Hama, a €550 million turnover company that employs 2,500 people in 20 locations and has 18,000 product lines. High volume blister packaging production will be an important application for the AccurioJet KM-1e. Major advantages of the AccurioJet KM-1e for Hama include consistent quality and scratch resistance printing. Substrates can range from thin 70gm paper used for catalogues and brochures right up to up to 0,6 mm in thickness used in folding carton box production. It has no downtime and runs in a two-shift operation.
The AccurioJet KM-1e, which follows the legacy of a machine acclaimed as the first choice for B2+ digital production press, was launched in June this year. It is often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the printing industry because it has so many uses. Users also benefit from Konica Minolta’s unique Dot Freeze Technology™. Known as DFT, the patented process has overcome one of the fundamental challenges of inkjet printing – uncontrolled ink dot movement that reduces print quality and workable materials. The technology uniquely self-freezes ink drops upon contact with materials, resulting in superior color stability and excellent results which are ready for final finishing immediately.
