Solopress has returned to Konica Minolta for its latest enhanced finishing technology. Following a decision to install the first MGI Jetvarnish 3DS from Konica Minolta in 2019, the Southend online trade printer has become the first in the UK to buy a Motioncutter 23.
The laser cutting device is the latest version of a technology that was first introduced to plaudits more than eight years ago. It had been developed by a German printer and was introduced to UK printers at Ipex 2014 with the first installation swiftly following at Screaming Colour. More recently Konica Minolta took on the Motioncutter and has pushed through improvements that have been implemented on the model installed at Solopress.
Solopress intends to use the machine for kiss cutting stickers and labels replacing the need to hold stock of pre cut sheets of self adhesive material on a variety of face materials which are then printed. Solopress managing director Simon Cooper says: “Having seen the impressive results and the potential for big material cost savings, we felt the Motioncutter 23 was a no brainer for us. We estimate that the capex costs of the machine will be offset within just 18 months, while the operational benefits will be realised right away.”
This model can accept a printed sheet to a maximum format of 585x750mm with a maximum throughput of 40m/min, slower for more intricate cutting work. The machine reads a barcode to load the cutting file. It uses a printed mark on the centre of the leading edge of the sheet and an optical system to correct the presentation of the sheet to the laser unit. This is similar technology to that used on the MGI JetVarnish.
The sheet is picked up from a feeding stack and placed on a metal belt to pass under the laser head. The finished sheet is then presented to a delivery table.
