The theme at MHI’s stand in Hall 15 (Booths 15C62-D62) is “Contributions for your Success”. Demonstrations will focus on performance, innovation and ecology and the stand will be divided into three main zones:
1) In the Future Technology Zone, MHI will exhibit the DIAMOND 16 MAX-V web offset press with variable cut-off and the Reusable Plate System (RPS).
2) The New Technology Zone will highlight two sheetfed offset presses: the DIAMOND 3000TP Tandem Perfector and DIAMOND 3000LX.
3) The Digital Zone will showcase MHI’s perception of the digital workflow within the printing industry; complete with MIS and prepress interface software.
MHI’s nearly 1600 sq m of exhibition space will also be used to present the company’s advanced technologies in commercial web presses and newspaper offset presses. Mitsubishi’s comprehensive technological expertise in fields spanning environmental protection and automation to robotics and space technology applied in the design and development of its printing machinery will also be shown in the form of product model displays.
DIAMOND 16 MAX-V with Variable Cutoff
Up until now, the circumference of the plate cylinder has basically defined web offset press signature cutoffs. MHI’s DIAMOND 16 MAX-V – this one press alone – changes this definition, handling variable cut-off sizes from 546mm up 625mm. Different diameter plate and blankets sleeves fit over cylinders in a relatively quick and easy operation. Folder changeover from one signature cutoff to another is fully automated. At drupa, MHI will demonstrate a job changeover involving a web cut-off and signature change.
Rewritable Plate System (RPS)
Conventionally, text, illustrations and photos to be printed are imaged onto printing plates, and the plates are used once and then discarded. With MHI’s reusable plate system, however, the aluminum plate serves as a bed on which a special polymer coating film is applied. Text, illustrations and photos for printing are created on the film by direct digital imaging. After printing, the film is washed from the plate and a new coating film applied, thereby enabling one plate to be used repeatedly.
Unlike conventional direct imaging (DI) presses, the RPS is a separate offline erasing and writing system. This method enables reduced press costs, eliminates press downtime normally required while the plates are being imaged, and enhances the work environment for printing plate production. Together these innovative features, in combination with MHI’s advanced printing technologies mentioned above, enable customers to achieve outstanding cost reductions and higher productivity.
Although other press manufacturers have introduced the concept and prototypes of the RPS and variable web cutoff in the past, MHI claims to be the first company in the world to exhibit and demonstrate commercially viable models.
Sheetfed Offset Presses: DIAMOND 3000TP / DIAMOND 3000LX
The DIAMOND 3000TP applies MHI’s proprietary technologies to enable one-pass perfecting and aqueous coating/IR drying on both sides of the sheet. Immediate drying time enables faster delivery to finishing. Utilising a unique in-line unit arrangement for both front and reverse side printing, the tandem perfector (TP) achieves high-quality printing with easy operation. The press to be demonstrated at drupa will also feature a one-phase plate cylinder positioning system, enabling simultaneous plate changing operations and significant reduction in plate change makeready time.
The DIAMOND 3000LX sheetfed offset press prints on various stock across a wide thickness range, from 0.04mm to 1.0mm. At drupa, the DIAMOND 3000LX will also be used in demonstrations of the digital workflow process.
Web offset
In addition to these two sheetfed presses, MHI will also present, through graphic displays, its shaftless driven commercial web offset presses equipped with MAX-saver software, a package of programs that significantly contribute to reduced paper waste by differing press speed and web speed. Newspaper press offset Graphic panels on the DIAMONDSTAR – said to be the world’s fastest double width newspaper offset press capable of speeds up to 90,000cph – will also be exhibited. Visitors will also be introduced to MAX-net, MHI’s digital workflow networking solution that creates an advanced printing environment by integrating the printing system and a management information system (MIS).
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