The Lithrone LSX29 is the largest half-size, sheetfed-offset press co. offers, accepting 24 x 29-½-in. sheets. It fits a growing US-market demand for a press that maximizes the sheet and provides rapid job-cycle times. A wide range of advanced technologies including high-speed start and fully automatic console-driven makeready is said to be ideal for short-run, fast-turnaround work. Speeds of 12,000 sph are possible, and fully automatic plate-changing technology changes each plate in less than 40 sec., co. says.

KOMORI AMERICA CORP., 847/806-9000, www.komori-america.us

The Roland 700 HiPrint sheetfed-offset press can be configured with any of co.'s in-line advancements to integrate special effects into the printing process, providing value-added production without adding press time. Available with two to 12 colors and a single or double coater, the system includes automatic ink/roller blanket washers, remote-control inking, power plate loading and speeds of up to 17,000 sph. In-line options such as the new Inline Foiler PRINDOR, which won a 2006 InterTech Award; the Inline Inspector to detect the smallest flaw on a printed sheet; and the Inline Sheeter to print directly from web rolls; are available.

MAN ROLAND, INC., 630/920-2000, www.manroland.com

The Rapida 105 represents one basic concept for both paper and packaging printing, allowing flexibility and economical production for closely contested markets, co. says. The 18,000-sph, 40-in. press features an ergonomic console with flatscreen monitor, clearly structured menus, and direct access to all press functions and auxiliary systems. Print quality is further assured via co.'s Densitronic color-measurement and control system.

KBA NORTH AMERICA, 800/522-7522, www.kba-usa.com

...on growth track After an extended period of lack-luster sales that had all the excitement of one beige corrugated case after another, US demand for corrugated and paperboard boxes is set to climb a respectable 2.1 percent a year to nearly $35 billion in 2009. That projection, from Cleveland-based researcher The Freedonia Group (www.freedonia group.com), is a distinct rebound from the weak growth of barely 0.6 percent a year during 1999-2004.

Value gains will be built upon the shift toward high-quality printing and graphics on boxes, as packagers and converters continue to focus on aesthetics as a means of competing with alternative packaging materials.

US demand for folding cartons will increase modestly through 2009—up 1.7 percent a year, Freedonia says, but gains will be restricted by strong competition from alternatives such as standup pouches. On the plus side, cartons will benefit from printing advancements and foil-stamping and embossing capabilities along with a positive environmental image.

Expected to account for more than 40 percent of corrugated and paperboard box demand in 2009, retail foods and beverages will remain the largest end-use market. Key categories will be beer and soft-drink carriers and packaging for dairy and fresh produce, the report says. Boxes for chemical products are also forecasted to see healthy gains because packagers of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries will focus on high-value cartons.

Capable of production speeds of up to 18,000 sph, the Speedmaster XL 105-6+LX press (fitted with a coating unit and extended delivery) can be applied in packaging settings to accommodate a wide range of substrates. Further makeready-time reductions are possible via the Prinect Inpress Control, which provides reportedly the first in-line device for spectrophotometry to measure color and control registration on-the-fly, even when the press is running at peak speeds. Also available for the XL 105 is the FoilStar cold-foil application technology to produce metallic effects in-line.

HEIDELBERG USA, 888/472-9655, www.us.heidelberg.com

The Diamond 3000LS incorporates a variety of automation technologies to reduce makeready times. Among these is the SimulChanger for simultaneous plate-cylinder repositioning to replace old plates with new ones on every print unit in one operation. It reportedly can reduce makereadies on an eight-color job by 10 mins. The 40-in. press in an eight-color configuration is said to deliver smooth color gradations and is popular with label printers.

MITSUBISHI LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES, 847/634-9100, www.mlpusa.com

The new 807 Series offset press, designed for 20.5 x 29-in. sheet-format printing, is offered in two-, four-, five- and six-color configurations. Capable of running paperboard cartonstock up to 20 pt, it features Omron programmable logic controls to command all important functions on the printing units, the feeder and delivery from the control panel of the delivery unit. A DeviceNet™ industrial bus digitally links all controls and drives. With an anilox, chambered doctor-blade system, the 807's new in-line aqueous coater is said to lay down a thicker coat of spot or solid varnish. An efficient ELT infrared dryer with a hot-air knife is integrated with the coater. The basic design of the press' inking unit consists of 19 rollers, and an automatic ink washer is standard.

ADAST A.S., 420/516-511-001, www.adast.com

September 2007

Paper (synthetics, recycled-content)

October 2007

Static elimination & web cleaning Chucks & shafts

If you would like to submit a product for consideration, fax or e-mail 1) A press release or brochure; 2) A standard-size color print or electronic file (TIFF, EPS or JPG saved at 300 dpi) to: Jorina Fontelera, Associate Editor, at jorina.fontelera@reedbusiness.com or fax 630/288-8537. For submission guidelines, call 630/288-8535. Only high-quality, color photos or diagrams will be used.