Konica Minolta makes progress with B2 inkjet

Konica Minolta showed samples of the latest output from its KM-1 B2 inkjet press at this week's North Print & Pack, and has confirmed the press will be on show at Ipex 2014.

The KM-1 was first shown this time last year in concept form at Drupa. It uses Konica Minolta’s own UV inkjet technology, and a press chassis from Komori.

It can now print on thicker stock of up to 0.6mm thickness when simplex printing. The previous maximum was 0.45mm, which remains the limit when in perfecting mode.

The 1,650sph press can also print onto difficult substrates, such as textured grades.

Konica Minolta business technologies manager Kazuyoshi Tanaka said the firm had been working on further enhancing the quality of the print output since Drupa.

"Large commercial printers are our first target," he said. "They can expand their business using this technology. From books to packaging and beyond, the potential is immense and really diverse.

"We want to go-to-market as soon as possible," he added.

PrintWeek understands Konica Minolta held a number of high-level meetings with potential customers for the press at the show.

The next public outings for the KM-1 will be at the Print 13 show in Chicago in September.

Konica Minolta is also set to be the largest exhibitor at Ipex 2014.