Konica Minolta introduces AccurioPress C14000

Konica Minolta Business Solutions, in print solutions, has announced the launch of its latest breakthrough in high-speed digital printing: the AccurioPress C14000, at its exclusive conference, the Gratitude Gala. Designed to address the evolving demands of production printers, in-plant print shops, and commercial printers, this state-of-the-art machine is presently the fastest sheet-fed digital printing press.

11 Oct 2024 | By Rahul Kumar

For businesses looking to increase their print capabilities and expand their service offerings, the AccurioPress C14000 represents a significant leap forward

For businesses looking to increase their print capabilities and expand their service offerings, the AccurioPress C14000 represents a significant leap forward. This is designed as a high-performance production printer with capabilities like 3600x2400-dpi print resolution, for exceptional image quality and supports increased productivity. By optimising operations and reducing the total cost of ownership, the C14000 can contribute to business growth and success.

Accommodating a wide range of paper weights and sizes from 52-gsm to thick cardstock 450-gsm, the introduction of banner printing up to 1300-mm, the C14000 is perfect for handling diverse printing projects, from creative solutions like four-panel brochures, book covers, marketing collateral, direct mail pieces, catalogues, and even posters.

Furthermore, the introduction of C14000 expands the print applications for the user including increased monthly print volume due to various auto-adjustments, enhanced durability and capability of high-volume banner printing, and dummy package printing due to enhanced compatibility with thick media. Its feature arsenal also includes advanced support for envelope and embossed media printing, making it easier than ever to produce a wide variety of print jobs seamlessly. The ability to print on textured paper stocks further enhances the range of applications for businesses, especially those looking to offer high-end, premium printed materials.

Additionally, the AccurioPress C14000 offers flexible choices of controller technology between the latest EFI Fiery and CREO controllers, or Konica Minolta’s proprietary controller. Each option offers advanced colour management and job management utilities, enabling users to customise their workflows.

Katsuhisa Asari, managing director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India, said, “By integrating intelligent automation and media flexibility that handles everything from lightweight paper to heavy cardstock, we’re enabling small print shops to diversify their offerings without increasing complexity. Our solutions lend print businesses the ability to print with speed and scale while integrating automated features like media recognition and intelligent fusing.  We understand that smaller print businesses often face tight margins and the need to differentiate themselves. With the AccurioPress C14000’s flexibility to tackle a wide range of jobs, print businesses stand a chance to expand their offerings from personalised direct mail to large-format banners — while keeping operating costs low. This means businesses can take on larger, more complex jobs with fewer resources, leading to faster turnarounds and increased profitability.”

Lalit Kumar, product manager, production print business, said, “At Konica Minolta, we believe that innovation is a standard, beyond just a goal. The AccurioPress C14000, with its integrated IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser, is a testament to this vision. Our technology will enable eliminating manual interventions and the risk of errors. This type of advanced automation transforms the way print operators work, making customisation and rapid job switching the new norm. Compounding on these features, this press’s impressive 2.5 million duty cycle, combined with its durable components and enhanced auto inspection system, provides the reliability and stability that modern print environments demand, where customers benefit from superior performance, operational flexibility, and a significantly lower total cost of ownership.”

Konica Minolta’s proprietary IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser, integrated into the C14000, continuously monitors and adjusts colour accuracy and registration throughout the entire print run. This ensures that the first print is just as flawless as the last, reducing waste and ensuring consistency, even on the longest jobs.

One of the most significant time-saving features of the C14000 is its automatic media detection sensor. This technology is enhanced with the 300 pre-installed paper profiles and eliminates the need for manual paper settings by automatically identifying the paper stock, reducing the risk of errors and lags.

The press's customisable operation screen allows users to tailor the interface to their specific needs, improving ease of use and efficiency. As for finishing, the C14000 has the TU-510 Versatile Trimmer Unit offers full-bleed trimming and creasing capabilities for a variety of printed materials. while the optional LS-507 Large Stacker enables operators to offload prints during production, minimising downtime and maximising throughput.

With a duty cycle of 2.5-million prints, the press offers reliability that few competitors can match. This high-duty cycle, combined with long-life parts and consumables, ensures that the machine can handle even the most demanding production environments.

Konica Minolta has also introduced an enhanced auto inspection system in the C14000 series, designed to detect print quality issues such as streaks, spots, and blemishes, catching potential problems early. Another standout feature is the VDP print control system, which facilitates printing barcodes, numbers, and personalised information with ease. This makes the C14000 an ideal solution for direct mail campaigns, personalized marketing materials, and other applications that require dynamic data.

The AccurioPress C14000's intelligent fusing-rolling mechanism ensures accurate front-to-back registration and maximises print efficiency, making it ideal for high-volume production. Its durability and focus on productivity contribute to a lower Total Cost of Ownership. With these technical specifications, the AccurioPress C14000 shall arrive as the new industry standard for demanding printing applications.