Highlights:

• User training by expert instructors, focusing on quality control issues.

• Experience-based learning of the latest technologies in color management and automatic control through both lectures and practical exercises.

• Understanding the impact of variable factors such as ink, paper, and printing pressure on print quality.

• Explanation of 5S practices and preventive machine maintenance, which form the foundation of quality for improving work efficiency.

• Acquiring knowledge of the basic concepts and practices of color management to enhance on-site management.

Systematic learning of PDC-SX and KHS-AI

This curriculum focuses on practical operation of PDC-SX (Spectral Print Density Control) and KHS-AI (Advanced Interface). By linking these systems with the prepress process and building a color management system, we can expect improvements in both print quality and production efficiency. Print quality management is a key challenge shared by the entire industry, and systematic knowledge of both theory and practice was incorporated throughout the curriculum to address this.

Hands-on training in equipment operation

The PDC-SX system, equipped with automatic registration and color adjustment functions, simultaneously measures color bars and register marks and automatically feeds back corrections for deviations from target values. This delivers shorter changeover times, reduced makeready sheets, greater color stability during printing, and standardized operations. Printing operations that previously relied on visual judgment can now be carried out using numerical assessment and automation. During the training, participants experienced the full workflow of equipment operation, from setting measurement conditions to troubleshooting.

KHS-AI, Komori's proprietary system for integrated press control, supports operators with its self-learning function. In addition to self-learning various ink preset curves, the system also enables rapid color startup when linked with PDC-SX. During the training, instructors presented case studies to illustrate the system's contribution to improved efficiency in short-run, multi-job production.

Quality control theory and practice

In the quality management session, instructors explained the basic principles and the main factors affecting print quality, including ink, paper, plates, and printing pressure, along with their interactions. Participants learned methods of optimizing quality management and ensuring consistent results through both theory and case studies using Komori presses. In addition, the importance of 5S activities (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and preventive maintenance of equipment were also introduced.

Specialized knowledge and networking opportunities for practical application

This training was held at the Komori Shanghai Training Center, located within the printing/sharing space of Shanghai Kobayashi Printing, with the cooperation of related parties. Special guest lecturers included Mr. Yu Guoqiang, Chairman of Shanghai Kobayashi Printing Co., Ltd., and Mr. Mo Chunjin, President of Shanghai Pancai Imaging Equipment Co., Ltd., who delivered practical lectures on quality and color management. Chairman Yu explained the principles of quality management, key factors, and methods of optimizing quality management using Komori presses, as well as the philosophy and practices of 5S activities.

President Mo provided a professional perspective on color matching methods based on CMS as well as trends in the standardization of color management, including international standards such as G7.

Networking and future prospects

The event was also highly successful as a platform for mutual exchange among participants. The wide range of insights gained through mutual learning and exchange is expected to contribute to future on-site improvements and human resource development.

Going forward, the Komori Shanghai Training Center will continue offering training courses and further enhance their content to foster skilled professionals in the printing industry. By addressing key challenges faced by customers in China -- including labor shortages, the lack of skills, and the need for more effective utilization of production equipment -- we aim to improve productivity in printing operations and contribute to the sustainable growth of the industry.

About the Komori Shanghai Training Center

Location: 3rd Floor, Shanghai Kobayashi Printing Co., Ltd., Songjiang District, Shanghai, China (Within the Printing & Shared Space)

Purpose of establishment: To address the challenges faced by Chinese printing companies, such as the development of human resources for on-site management and training operators on systems like the PDC-SX, Komori officially launched training programs in the spring of 2025, utilizing the facilities of Shanghai Kobayashi Printing.

In addition, the Printing & Sharing Space is staffed with experts in color management in China, serving as a venue for joint experiments such as introducing the latest color measurement technologies and color matching with digital proofs. It also functions as a communication hub where many people from the printing industry, including suppliers, associations, and organizations, can come together.