BSP Labels Ltd, based near Royston, Hertfordshire is the latest UK label printer to install the AccurioLabel 230 digital toner press, manufactured by Konica Minolta and supplied by Focus Label Machinery Ltd.

The new press has been purchased to enable the company to satisfy the increasing demand for short run and variable data label production. 

According to Focus, the AccurioLabel 230 press offers an affordable entry to high-quality digital printing for print providers, brand owners, and packaging companies. Originally targeted at small to mid-size label converters, the AccurioLabel is now also widely accepted by various larger label convertors. The press has been specifically designed to manage the demand for an increasing number of small to medium print jobs with short processing times. Features include on-demand full colour printing, sampling, variable data and graphics, fixed price printing, with no requirement for special substrates, plus software packages for colour management and job composition.

A touch panel monitor enables intuitive operation, eliminating the need for extensive user training. Konica claims that tasks which were time-consuming on analogue machines can now easily be performed quickly and accurately with the AccurioLabel presses.

Image quality and colour variation are controlled by Konica Minolta’s Myiro calibration technology, designed to maintain consistent print quality from the first print through to the last, via multi-gradation data processing at high resolution. This technology is said to enable significant savings in both time and wastage.

‘AccurioPro Flux’ label imposition software optimises the use of media by automating jobs, such as impositioning and step-and-repeat, as well as support for variable data printing. It works on a simple drag-and-drop principle - where the one-up, print-ready PDF file is simply placed into the software, which facilitates job layout, registration marks and composite arrangement of label designs.

The cost model of the press is based on a simple click price per linear metre, which includes all consumables, spare parts and servicing. This allows the user to quote for jobs without seeing the artwork, as there is no requirement to estimate toner coverage.

BSP owner, Mr. Martin Attaway commented “We had been researching digital label presses for some time, but kept coming back to the AccurioLabel 230. For the price and the footprint size, there isn’t another press available, which gives us the high print quality and variable data facility we need. As well as selecting the most suitable press, we were also conscious of choosing a reputable and reliable supplier. The partnership between Konica Minolta and Focus Label Machinery was the perfect solution for us.”

Mr. Attaway continued, “We find the AccurioLabel 230 very simple to operate, with intuitive software and controls. Both Focus and Konica Minolta were very helpful and professional throughout the procurement and installation process, helping us to conduct a number of trials, before we committed”.

Focus Sale Director, David Lee added “Today’s label converters and print companies are increasingly challenged by market demands for faster turnarounds and shorter print runs. With the AccurioLabel 230, orders that were once difficult to handle with analogue presses can now be handled much more efficiently. Greater value can be added to the print product using VDP or numbering, helping to differentiate the user amongst their market.

BSP Labels had been looking into digital label production for quite a while, before deciding that the Konica Minolta press was the best fit for them. We are very pleased that after such careful consideration, they have selected Focus & Konica Minolta for this latest investment.”

He concludes, “Being a Konica Minolta expert reseller enables Focus to deliver an exciting new product option at an affordable level, which is perfect for customers looking to adapt to an evolving market.”

As well as being an Accredited Konica Minolta Industrial Print Partner, Focus also specialises in supplying and manufacturing narrow web flexographic and integrated digital printing presses and innovative solutions for digital finishing equipment.

The AccurioLabel 230 is available for demonstration in the Focus technical showroom facility, alongside their Reflex 330 re-register label finishing systems. Visitors are able to directly compare digital toner & inkjet technologies side by side, as well as finishing & digital hybrid equipment.

For more details of Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 or Focus equipment visit: www.focuslabel.com