Konica Minolta celebrates drupa success with 200-plus show-sales

About 170,000 visitors came to the world’s largest and most important trade fair for print & packaging solutions, with 80% international. Even though this was a decrease on the 2016 overall statistics, Konica Minolta increased throughput to its stand in Hall 8B, with numbers significantly exceeding expectations.

Over 200 show-sales were recorded by Konica Minolta as it continues to accelerate its leadership in digital printing markets. Its stand covering 2,400m2 across two floors was the 7th largest at drupa. The sales and support teams were heavily European, but there was also a strong global presence - from Brazil to Korea, Iceland to South Africa, and Japan to Sydney.

Taking variable data to the next level
Konica Minolta’s showcase at drupa involved more than 20 premieres, software innovations and important advancements in areas such as commercial printing, label printing, packaging as well as industrial printing, with focus on aspects like digital transformation and sustainability. Other focuses included next steps in programmatic printing where Konica Minolta showed how variable data could be taken to the next level by harnessing AI.

Another example of Konica Minolta’s technology evolution was demonstrating how separate processes such as foiling, varnishing, printing, and drying can be combined into just one full integrated production run where MGI’s AlphaJet was centre stage and showing the benefits of a complete single-pass factory. This was a showing of the most advanced end-to-end smart factory digital production lines ever shown in public. It underlined pioneering digital transformation on a scale never seen at the exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visitors saw at close quarters how Konica Minolta is holistically combining expertise as it continues to help customers with their digital transformation and grow their business profitably.

Strong focus on sustainability
On the booth over the 11 days, there was a strong focus on sustainability, the value of print and how customers can “See the Potential in the Future of Print”, Konica Minolta’s main messaging for drupa. The technology leader demonstrated ways of sustainable production in line with the philosophy of Industry 5.0. This was achieved by assistance technology, labour-saving and skill-less operations by improving the total throughput of all processes, not only printing.

An important focus for Konica Minolta was demonstrating how all its wide range of digital presses help customers with their digital transformation. These ranged from the AccurioPress C14000e toner press with over 2,100 installations worldwide through to the AccurioLabel toner presses that have reached the milestone figure of 1,500 installs. During the show, partner MGI’s JETvarnish 3D Web 400 digital embellishment system – that is the perfect addition to Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 400 – won the EDP (European Digital Press Association) prestigious Digital Embellishment Packaging award, which honour best-in-class innovations.

Konica Minolta’s next generation HS-UV Inkjet Press, AccurioJet 60000, which was shown for the first time in public, was one important highlight among the 30 systems running live at drupa. This high-end model follows the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1e series and has a remarkable capacity of 6,000 B2 sheets per hour (sph), as well as excellent image quality. Another machine making its world debut at drupa was Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C84hc press, which uses high chroma toner to print bright vivid colours consistently.

Far-reaching implications with new approaches
Unprecedented set-up configurations and new applications were unveiled by Konica Minolta at drupa. All have far-reaching positive implications for commercial printers and converters, as well as brand owners, designers and design and advertising agencies, in the way they do business. Other unique software was also an attraction at drupa, amongst them one premiere called “Ex Kansei”, the predictive software based on eye-tracking insights.

Aiming to ignite printing possibilities, Konica Minolta showcased its vision of digital transformation in the print room of the future. A significant aspect of its demonstration revolved around the efficient use of digital equipment, specifically highlighting print automation and assistance technologies. Other highlights were Konica Minolta’s remote servicing operations, as well as the smartphone app AIReLink, a specialised tool for service technicians.

Exceptional results achieved from a unique approach
Olaf Lorenz, General Manager International Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said: “This time more than ever at drupa, we took a unique approach by demonstrating true end-to-end print applications. And we achieved exceptional results, all within the Industry 5.0 framework. Our showcase of a range of new presses in toner and inkjet, highlighted how these technologies complement each other.

Our innovative displays went far beyond showcasing equipment to present a comprehensive view of print applications that we know from visitor feedback impressed and inspired. We helped customers to see the potential of print by igniting possibilities, as we continue to witness the unstoppable shift from analogue to digital printing.” Mr Lorenz added: “This was my fifth drupa – and the one which of I am the proudest.”