An analysis of the Komori H-UV revolution which has breathed new life into the offset printing process for commercial printing. And furthermore, user testimonials from H-UV detailing the many ways this technology fits perfectly with your business model.


On October 6, 2009, Komori presented the innovation that would transform printing: the innovative H-UV curing system, configured on a four-color Lithrone S32 machine at the JGAS fair. The meeting triggered a series of events that have not yet ended, changing the landscape of the sector.

Komori has already done it before -with the development of a fully automatic plate changing system 25 years ago, for example - and will do it again in the future. But the revolution H-UV that Komori started five years ago is a unique and multidimensional transformation of the sector of commercial offset printing.

Created by the KGC, the H-UV technology was adapted in the years following main ranges of Komori machines: Lithrone S29 series, A37 series, G40 series in direct print and withdrawal models, and Lithrone GX40RP series in sheet and board specifications.

In February 2011, the Japan Society for Printing Science and Technology awarded Komori the Technology Award for the development of H-UV. In July of the same year, Komori was awarded the prestigious Printing Industries of America InterTechTM award. A few months later, at IGAS, and at the Drupa show the following year, a wider audience was able to see the potential of H-UV and corroborated its approval with orders that shook the industry. And in March 2014, Komori introduced a 16-page System series press with the H-UV system. The rest is history.

As of September 30, 2014, Komori had delivered more than 400 machines equipped with H-UV. They account for approximately 70 % of the total production of configurable models with H-UV. So now is the time to know the background of this extraordinary technological development and hear testimonials from early adopters of H-UV.

[youtube] https://youtu.be/FsBs73WvyJ0 [/ youtube]

As of today, most of the Komori family know the basics of H-UV technology:

1. The energy consumption single lamp H-UV is perfectly aligned with the curing range of high sensitivity H-UV inks.

2. It takes a lot less electricity to dry the leaves

3. The thermal emissions are drastically reduced.

4. The visual impact and the awesome effects expected from UV ink but with a minimum point gain, a high gloss ink and real dot shapes.

5. No need for antimaculating powder (and none of the problems associated with its use).

6. No ozone emissions no smells associated with conventional UV printing.

7. Without 'dry back'. The H-UV color does not change over time. High ink coverages are not a problem.

8. Color effects on uncoated and matte paper.

9. And the ability to print on virtually any media supported by the machine: thick materials such as cardboard, metallized paper, foil and even plastic and film, susceptible to deformation by heat in the conventional UV process.

But for printers, the The main difference stems from the fast deliveries that allow instant drying and the business growth that make these features possible..

As printing evolves, with a clear rise in digital and inkjet technology and nanography looming on the horizon, H-UV has breathed new life into offset, the basic platform for the commercial industry.

High productivity

“The productivity with H-UV is enormous, along with great print quality, which offsets the higher costs of H-UV ink. The sheets come out of the machine dry and ready for finishing. The H-UV process is clean, environmentally friendly, and productive; in addition to being very cost-effective when compared to conventional UV technology. It was a good investment. Thanks to Komori and H-UV, we have gained a competitive advantage over other printers. We offer the highest quality with very fast deliveries. We have no problems in a wide variety of media, including plastics, and we have many new options to offer more added value” Eckart Stork, Schröerlücke, Germany

Punctual deliveries

Helps meet deadlines because sheets can be processed as fast as digitally printed ones. The image quality is superior from the point of view of dynamic range and resistance to friction. The H-UV process creates very vivid colors even on uncoated or matte coated paper, which becomes easier to handle. Visually, the contrast between the structure of the uncoated paper and the saturated color image creates a visual impact that cannot be achieved by printing on coated paper. Refik Telhan, Ofset Yapimevi, Turkey.

[youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQnDno4NQbU [/ youtube]

The Komori Difference

“What really mattered to us was that Komori had real experience with H-UV technology and had already done many installations around the world. Additional advantages such as low energy consumption, automatic plate changing, fast makeready systems and low waste were certainly positive factors, but what seemed decisive to us was the high production performance and the extensive knowledge and experience of Komori with the H-UV process” Leoš Tupec, HRG, Czech Republic.

Graphic effects

Dot gain is lower with H-UV inks and gloss levels are much higher, which is a plus for graphic expression. In fact, the range of expression is much greater with H-UV. With conventional UV ink, we added a layer of gloss varnish but sometimes we didn't achieve enough gloss either. Now the high gloss achieved by H-UV inks allows us to even consider using a matte varnish.” Akihiro Takamoto, Toppan, Japan.

High print quality

“All of our guests were impressed with the exceptional print quality and time savings. What used to be three days of work, we currently achieve in one. For printers like us, who are dedicated to high-quality short runs, the H-UV process is a great advantage. “Now we have very fast deliveries, which allow us to tackle one job after another and meet very tight deadlines” Laurence Soens, Cassochrome, Belgium.

Less waste

“We compare the Heidelberg LED UV, Ryobi LED and Komori H-UV machines with the different drying options. After much deliberation, we opted for the Komori Lithrone G40P eight-color removal machine with H-UV. We found it to be the most efficient in consumption of paper and consumables, and the large number of installations gave us even more confidence. H-UV makes sense, minimizes marks on the removal drum… and is better for the environment” Trent Nankervis, CMYKhub, Australia.

Packaging application

The 40 % of our work is commercial printing and packaging production, which is why our customers are looking for the high-quality enhancements and special effects that enable UV applications to be created on uncoated paper and specialty materials, such as varnishes for packaging applications. Currently all work is done on demand and must be delivered very quickly. When it comes to putting ink on paper, Komori's H-UV system is very attractive because the entire printing process does not use anti-staining agents. Terry Storms, McCallum, USA

Instant drying

“I am not a printing machine operator, but I knew that the biggest problem in the workshop was anti-staining dust and marks on the prints. When the job came to the finishing department, scratches and repaints due to printing with conventional inks were common, so I thought instant drying would be a very good solution.Masahiro Arita, Akomi, Japan.

Value added

“H-UV is a very special technology that is nothing like what we already knew. These machines use high-sensitivity inks that dry instantly when passed under the light of a special H-UV lamp. We can now print on all types of specialty media and creative papers, including the Arche series, rubber media, plastic and even prelaminated paper. There are very few printers that can compete with us with these materials. In addition, we can print with a screen line of 300 lpi, very close to photographic quality. We can print many products that we did not even consider before. And nothing inspires us more than elaborate creations—printing on non-standard media, embossing, cutting, folding, gluing… In addition, the workshop now operates 24/7, even on weekends and holidays.” Eric Broche, PPA-Mahé, France.

Source: OnPress

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