Newspaper Variable Data Print From New System

Imprinting subscriber addresses with inkjet on newspaper pages with variable data at any position inside the newspaper, with claimed high quality as well as image data is now said to be possible.

That is because, according to MAN Roland, it is now introducing a system that opens up new business models and opportunities for newspaper publishers based on individualised information, games and targeted advertising.

All those applications will become possible with the use of a new integrated technology MAN Roland is offering newspaper publishers - Integrated Inkjet.

The company announced a combination of system at Ifra Expo in Vienna (Austria) that is claimed to bring on-press digital inkjet printing at full speed to newspapers.

In cooperation with Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, MAN Roland has developed an option for new presses, as well as for retrofits in existing installations utilising the Kodak Versamark DH6240 inkjet head.

The MAN Roland technology is said to be enabling full speed of the press customisation in a way that makes variable imaging for newspaper printing possible.

The inkjet printing system is a 4.27-inch (10.84cm) digital printing system that is an extremely flexible, variable data imprinting system that is already in use for ticket, tag and label, direct mail, transactional printing, forms, packaging and other commercial printing and spot colour applications.

MAN Roland and Kodak have adapted the Versamark DP6240 printer so that it is capable of printing at a claimed 15 metes per second on a newspaper press to add text, one dimensional and two dimensional barcodes and images.

The technology is said to enables variable numbering, or coding on any page of a newspaper, including internal pages of folded newspapers, to support a variety of news, advertising sales and promotional contests.

Integrated Inkjet is claimed to be capable of printing one copy only of each image (image-one-print-one technology), or a very low number of copies.

For imprinting inside a newspaper, it offers a range of applications, such as localised advertisements down to the level of one kiosk or street, such games as cards, bingo, dice or lotteries and numbering for different uses, especially logistics.

Other areas of use include barcodes and 2-D barcodes, for multi-media usage with cell phone cameras and for using random images, for test markets for example.

Peter Kuisle, executive vice president of sales at of MAN Roland, explained: "Newspapers are looking for a greater level of press flexibility.

The addition of Kodak's continuous inkjet capabilities to MAN Roland presses enables unique imaging at speeds that were previously impossible.

The goal is to give newspapers the ability to update editions on the fly and offer one to one marketing capabilities." He emphasised: "We believe in the power of newspapers and the effectiveness of print to reach consumers in ways and places that other types of media just cannot.

MAN Roland is focusing on innovations in newspaper printing.

The new Integrated Inkjet system once again confirms our title to be developer of trend setting systems according to the wishes and demands of our customers.".

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