Komori Customers Report High Satisfaction with Komori's Proprietary H-UV™ System

Sep. 05, 2017

Companies Cite Dramatic Speed to Market, Expanded Print Options and Overall Efficiency as Key Benefits

Komori America Corporation announces positive results from customers who are satisfied users of Komori's H-UV™ technology, an advanced UV curing system that enables print providers to expand their capabilities related to shortening time to market and producing special print effects and coating techniques. With nearly 100 H-UV installations, users cite the increased demand for short runs and fast job cycle times as one of the key advantages of the technology. The H-UV system not only delivers a bindery ready sheet, but also meets the need for high print quality by delivering value-added coating and varnishing techniques.

Wallace Carlson, a woman-owned commercial print provider with more than 80 years of history built on exceeding expectations, purchased an eight-color Komori Lithrone G40 perfector press (GL840P) with H-UV two years ago to expand capabilities at its Minnetonka, MN facility. The company chose the press for its intuitive technology and subsequent efficiency, and reports that when coupled with the H-UV system, efficiency reached a whole new level. "After 30 years in this business, I was absolutely amazed when I saw what the GL840P and H-UV system could do. Komori has really figured it out. This is a 'one-and-done' press. It is that sophisticated," says Charlie Cox, COO of Wallace Carlson.

While efficiency is of utmost importance in any pressroom, having the opportunity to offer more value-added services is something today's commercial printers are seeking as well. With that in mind, Baesman Group, a digital marketing, direct mail marketing and printing company in Columbus, OH, purchased an eight-color Lithrone G40 perfector (GL840P) with H-UV this year to have the capability to print on difficult stocks, like uncoated or matte, and to create special effects with all types of glosses and reticulating varnishes. With retail direct mail as one of the company's primary offerings, this is something it needed, but could not accomplish on the competitive press it replaced with the Komori. "We help leading retailers improve marketing campaigns and other touchpoints to drive customers to their stores. The new press is helping us more easily meet this mission," said Rod Baesman, CEO of Baesman Group. "We've always been skeptical of perfecting and couldn't do certain jobs based on layout issues. With Komori's H-UV system we don't have to worry about format because the sheets are dry on both sides. It's a press that truly delivers on the concept of one-and-done."

Reducing costs and increasing output capacity are two additional benefits of the H-UV system that haven't gone unnoticed by satisfied Komori users. iTeK, a full-service commercial printing company located near Charlotte, NC, purchased its second Komori press this year to accommodate the fast growth the company is experiencing. iTek's wide-ranging customer base includes manufacturers, well-known retail chains, advertising agencies, publishers and professional sports teams. The company chose the eight-color Lithrone G40 with perfector (GL840P) with the H-UV system for its advanced technology that is increasing the company's output capacity and immediately delivering on efficiency and cost savings.

"We had an excellent experience with our first Komori and the service and support were tremendous. We were ready to increase our output capacity with eight colors, the addition of a perfector and an upgrade to the H-UV technology. With our new Komori, we can accomplish a makeready time on a four-color job on both sides of the sheet with 50 sheets of paper in under four minutes. We can pump out a lot of volume on this machine," reports John Rawlins, president of iTeK. The H-UV ink curing system allows printed sheets to come off the press completely dry. With multiple varnish and coating options, including gloss/satin/dull UV coating, soft touch aqueous and strike-through varnish, iTek is now able to offer unique pieces that stand apart from the competition.

Komori's H-UV Curing System is making a positive impact on efficiency and expanded opportunities for these and other commercial printers. The fact that it uses a single specially developed UV lamp to cure special high-sensitivity UV ink also gives it the advantage of being environmentally friendly. It generates very little heat, no VOCs and does not require the use of spray powder. Additionally, it requires significantly less power when compared to conventional UV and IR drying systems.

"As leaders in their industry, these are forward-thinking companies that understand the importance of having the best-in-class technology to ensure they are satisfying customer requirements for faster time to market and the ability to offer a wider array of value-added services," said Doug Schardt, director of product management for Komori America. "We are happy that our H-UV system is also satisfying their requirements for bottom-line results in cost and time-savings."

About Komori America Corporation
Tokyo-based Komori Corporation, a premier manufacturer of printing solutions, provides excellent technology especially suited for today's highly competitive printing marketplace. Delivering a high level in print quality coupled with impressively fast makeready and open systems architecture, Komori presses help printers achieve the higher productivity and efficiency levels essential for increased margins and business growth. Komori America Corporation headquarters are in Rolling Meadows, IL with sales and service organizations throughout North America.