James Labels installs Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230

James Labels, based in Bacup, Lancs has become the latest UK label printer to install the AccurioLabel 230 digital toner press, manufactured by Konica Minolta and supplied by Focus Label Machinery.  

Joint managing director Keven Mitchell commented: ‘With our impressive growth over the last 12 months we needed to invest in new technology to compliment our existing digital offering to our increasing customer base. The new press will operate alongside existing Focus flexo presses to enable the company to satisfy the increasing demand for short run and variable data label production.’ 

With 23.4 m/min print speeds, and a native 1200 x 1200 DPI resolution, the output quality is claimed to compete favorably against other high-end digital presses which cost three to four times the price. The press can run standard 330mm width coated paper, uncoated paper and polypropylene label materials with no special pre-coating.    

James Labels joint managing director, Andrew James 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.’ 

The new press comes with Konica Minolta’s own ‘AccurioPro Flux’ label imposition software, which optimizes 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 then performs the necessary functions. This is complemented by a Konica Minolta Miyro Auto Scan Spectrophotometer, which provides the ability to accurately profile and calibrate colors in around four minutes. This technology is said to enable significant savings in both time and wastage.  

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

James 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.’

Antony Cotton, technical sales manager at Focus added: ‘Our partnership with Konica Minolta brings together the product excellence and support of this highly respected manufacturer, along with our own considerable printing and finishing expertise. This partnership continues to open up exciting new avenues for UK label printing companies, looking for an alternative way to provide production digital print services alongside traditional label printing methods.’

James Labels carefully evaluated digital label production options before choosing the Konica Minolta press as the best fit. 

He added: ‘The AccurioLabel 230 provides a simple business model that makes perfect sense to all sizes of printing companies, competing in an ever-changing market. The considerable benefits include on demand full color printing, sampling, variable data and graphics, fixed price printing, no special substrates, and low-cost investment - all fully serviced, and inclusive of consumables and components. Being a Konica Minolta expert reseller enables Focus to deliver an exciting new product option at the right price, which is perfect for customers looking to adapt to an evolving market.’ 

The AccurioLabel 230 and Reflex 330 label finishing systems are available for demonstration in the Focus technical showroom, allowing visitors to compare digital toner, inkjet technologies, finishing, and hybrid equipment side by side.