Dainippon's New Digital Press at Drupa

The launch of a new automated, four-colour A3+ digital offset press featuring the latest in high-speed digital imaging technology will be a Drupa highlight for Dainippon Screen.

The launch of a new automated, four-colour A3+ digital offset press featuring the latest in high-speed digital imaging technology will be a Drupa highlight for Dainippon Screen.

Due to be available in November 2004, the Screen Truepress 344, will be combined with process-less plate material to produce what the company claims will be a high-quality, high-performance system with a high level of automation and control.

Developed in consultation with leading press manufacturers, it is designed to provide a high return on investment very quickly.

With a maximum printing speed of 7,000 A3+ sheets per hour the four-colour Truepress 344 will produce a 500 sheet single-sided job from start to finish in less than 15 minutes, claim Dainippon.

A make-ready time of only five minutes is achieved by using a combination of high-speed 830nm MALD (multi array laser diode) imaging with a new process-less plate technology from a leading manufacturer.

The press employs the conventional offset process on a wide range of substrates.

Plates can be imaged at 2,400dpi resolution using traditional screening.

In addition, Dainippon Screen plans to include its Spekta screening technology with the press to enable users to combine the benefits of traditional offset printing with AM and FM hybrid.

The Truepress is claimed to be easy to use to produce quality, colour-managed jobs, because of its automation levels.

The development of control components has automated the process of production to a high degree.

At the start of each job the system reads the associated image data file and automatically calibrates the ink duct keys.

The need to print on the reverse side of the sheet, or to pass the print job immediately into the finishing department means that prints need to be dry soon after printing.

Consequently there is an optional in-line IR dryer capable of accelerating the drying time.

The company also has plans to develop an on-line water-based coater and drying unit, providing an all over finish to seal the print.

The optimum run-up time for accurate results is achieved within about 30 sheets, ensuring minimal waste.

To maintain the consistency of print quality during the print run every sixth print is scanned, the data analysed against the original calibration, and any deviation automatically calculated to adjust the ink and the water supply to the plate.

This process and the ability to adjust both ink and water automatically if required is said to be unique in digital press technology.

It results in greater accuracy and stability in the print process and is thought to be more effective than the conventional method of scanning the print control strip.

An easy-to-use, touch screen control monitor enables the operator to oversee the entire operation of the press from one point.

To activate a job changeover the operator simply selects the new job and the rest of the procedure is automated.

New plate material is positioned on the cylinders, while the blanket cylinders are cleaned and all four colour plates imaged simultaneously to give a fast changeover time.

After a few revolutions of the press the dampening solution has dissolved the exposed coating from the plate and the press is ready to print.

The ability to select from the wide range of automated pre-set up functions in the paper feed control system enables fast changeover from one job to another.

The operator can recall and select preset data for the next job while the press has started imaging the plates for the current job.

The modular twin-tower structure of the Truepress 344 is designed for easy maintenance and cleaning.

With a single command, ink rollers, dampening rollers and blankets are cleaned automatically.

There is also a centralised lubrication system to give operational durability and longevity.

It is said to be easily integrated within an existing production environment and operated as an output device on a network accepting DotTiff and JDF.

Compatible with all digital workflows, it is compatible with the company's Trueflow front-end within the new JDF-enabled Trueflownet system.

The press is believed by Dainippon Screen to be an ideal choice for the B1 and B2 quality printer who needs the flexibility to produce smaller format, economical print runs, with a quality that is comparable to their existing offset press.

Prepress firms and existing digital print companies are said to benefit from the ability to print on a wide range of substrates and the opportunity to produce longer print runs more economically than can be achieved with other digital presses.

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