|
Paul Sadler, operations director at Ancient House Press, is impressed by the makeready speed and Quadtec automatic register on his new web press  | | Sadler: “the presetting facility means makereadies are fast” |
What is it?
The Komori System LR 38S is a five-back-five 16pp heatset web press equipped with a main folder, half-cut folder and a sheeter. It also has inline gluing and trimming, allowing us to finish completed products straight off the press.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We chose the Komori for its superb printing quality, fast makeready times and its excellent build.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
We looked at the Goss M600, the KBA Compacta 215 and the MAN Roland Rotoman.
Why did you make the purchase?
To replace our two existing 8pp mini-webs. The speed and makeready times of the Komori not only meant that we replaced the output of the two older machines, but in fact substantially increased it. Currently, we are producing 4m impressions per week.
What features do you particularly like?
The semi-automatic plating, the Quadtec automatic register and the presetting facility means makereadies are ultra fast.
Is there anything that you dislike?
Not really, but minor niggles are unit drip trays that sometimes become clogged and require cleaning out. Also, changing the bottom damper can be more difficult than it should be.
How fast is it?
Maximum speed is 50,000 copies per hour. The machine loves double parallel work and in one 12-hour shift, we can achieve a makeready and more than 550,000 cut-offs.
What’s the quality like?
Quality is fantastic. One of our mini-webs was a Komori and, despite its age, it printed a good sharp image until the day that we decommissioned it.
How easy is it to use?
It is very user-friendly. The operators love the touch-screen and its logical menu. Even I can operate it.
How much time or money has it saved?
We are producing the work of three mini-webs with less than half the staff that we once employed to run two mini-webs.
Has it won you any new work?
The spine gluing and rotary trimmers have taken us into new markets such as magazine loose inserts and inline finished booklets. The integrated afterburner of the Megtec Dual Dry TNV drier and the alcohol-free dampening have helped us towards ISO 14001 accreditation. This environmental stance has helped us win work. The fast makeready times have also allowed us to target the short-run market that would have traditionally been considered as sheetfed work.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Unquestionably. The machine offers great value for money. The glue lines and rotary trimmers have also made sure the impact on the bindery has been less than if we were reliant on complete offline finishing. This has allowed us to target our investments in the bindery rather than been driven by the substantial output of the Komori.
Were there any difficulties during the installation or after?
The installation dates were agreed by Komori and ourselves and these were rigorously adhered to. The press started production on the date specified.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
Komori’s Tony Carter worked diligently to ensure that all our pre-sale questions were answered. On the after-sales service, the team have always answered our calls for help promptly and efficiently.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier’s response
Komori European web sales manager Tony Carter says: “Komori System 38 technology has provided
a solid manufacturing platform that allows Ancient House Press to compete effectively in a very competitive market. Ancient House has taken advantage of our unique makeready technology to firmly establish itself in the commercial market and Komori is very happy to be part of this successful partnership.”
Price from £3m
Contact Komori UK 01132 799900
|
