Responding to a Changing Production Environment

Printing companies today face multiple challenges: shrinking markets, labor shortages, rising material costs, and increasing demand for shorter lead times and smaller production volumes. Under these conditions, conventional production methods alone are not always sufficient. What is required is a balance between efficiency and flexibility. This was the central theme of the event, explored through a new production model built around digital printing.

Efficient Multi-Job Printing for Small-Lot Production

One of the key demonstrations focused on continuous multi-job printing. Three different jobs -- posters, booklet pages, and flyers -- were printed in sequence. Despite differences in paper types and print settings, the system switched between jobs smoothly and completed all three in just 4 minutes and 18 seconds. The demonstration showed how simplified setup can help maintain high efficiency even when handling multiple small jobs. Many visitors noted that seeing the full workflow -- from job switching to completion -- made it easier to imagine how this approach could be applied in their own production.

Expanding Applications with Diverse Substrates

Another highlight was the ability to handle a wide range of substrates. Printing on non-absorbent materials such as YUPO was demonstrated without the need for pre-coating. This not only expands the scope of digital printing applications but also helps reduce material waste and associated costs. Samples on display included washi paper, vapor-deposited paper, PET material, and nonwoven fabrics, suggesting opportunities for new applications and business areas. Interest in specialty substrates was particularly high among visitors.

Stable Quality for Value-Added Production

The event also demonstrated the stability required for value-added applications. In multi-up printing of trading cards, consistent color reproduction was achieved across the sheet, with color differences measured at ΔE < 1. Additional data on color stability during continuous printing was presented, supporting its applicability to medium- to high-volume production.

For packaging applications, various examples of post-processing -- such as varnishing, hot stamping, and lamination -- were shown alongside printed samples, highlighting the compatibility of J-throne 29 with a wide range of finishing processes.

Optimizing Production with System Integration

Beyond the press itself, the event introduced integration with the production management system "KP-Connect Pro." By monitoring multiple jobs in real time, the system helps visualize the entire workflow and supports efficiency improvements. This approach supports a shift from optimizing individual processes to optimizing the overall production flow, which is increasingly important in multi-job environments.

A Practical Step Forward for Digital Printing

The event provided a clear view of how digital printing can be used in practice to address today's production challenges. With capabilities such as efficient small-lot production, reduced operator workload, support for a wide range of substrates, and compatibility with finishing processes, the role of digital printing continues to expand.

The J-throne 29 brings together productivity, flexibility, and quality, supporting both operational improvements and the development of new applications. Komori will continue to focus on practical, production-oriented solutions to help customers optimize their operations.








For more information about the J-throne 29: https://www.komori.com/en/global/product/press/digital/j-throne_29.html

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