Offset Printing
FCL Graphics sees dramatic print quality improvement, will outfit third web press with Baldwin Vision Systems technology
Tuesday 07. September 2021 - FCL Graphics has upgraded two of their commercial web offset presses with color control and ink delivery technology from Baldwin Vision Systems. Technology upgrades on these first two full-web presses resulted in significantly higher print quality and 50% reduction in waste.
Existing presses become “brand new presses overnight,” deliver savings for customers, create opportunities to pursue more demanding print jobs
Based on these results, a third upgrade on a half-web press is scheduled for August of 2021.
According to Kurt Kunde, FCLs Vice President of Operations, “We have presses that have been in operation for 15-18 years and are mechanically very sound. We basically scrapped everything on the machines from a controls standpoint, replaced it with the Baldwin Vision Systems technology, and made them brand new presses overnight.” The full-web presses are Harris M1000s and the half-web press scheduled for upgrade in August is a Harris M110B. “Our very experienced press operators love the systems,” said Mr. Kunde, “and because the interfaces are so easy to use, were able to train new operators more quickly.”
The technology from Baldwin Vision Systems includes the RIC Remote Ink Control. RIC is highly scalable, budget-friendly solution for replacing obsolete or unsupported press controls. Retrofit possibilities include simple ink key actuator replacements or upgraded electronics for existing actuators, as well as segmented ink blade replacements. The system controls ink zones individually, by selectable group, or all together to achieve precise ink controleven on light coverage jobsfor enhanced print quality and significant makeready/run-waste savings.
The CLC+ Color and Register Control from Baldwin Vision Systems combines both color and register control into one systemrequiring half the hardware on press and only one system for press operators to learn. The system scans in a continuous motion from side to side of the press in both directions, resulting in the fastest performance available in the market. The optional CIP3/CIP4 fountain preset software provides remote control of individual unit ink and unit water, and is a key factor in FCLs immediate 50% waste reduction.
Lou Tazioli, CEO & President of FCL, commented on the positive business impact of the new technology: “The systems deliver very high quality and precise consistency throughout the entire press run. We need that to be the case from the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of every press run. Once you lock in the color against the proof, it holds color very tightly. Our presses new capabilities give our sales organization confidence that they can go after very demanding jobs and know that we can handle them. Those very demanding projectssuch as a large catalogue job for a national retailer in the home improvement spaceare where the Baldwin technology really shines. Beside saving our current customers money on paper, ink, and press time, these systems also enable us to go after challenging projects that we wouldnt have pursued before.
“Our investment in this technology indicates that FCL is still bullish on printing. Its not disappearing any time soon. As an employee-owned business, we have a strong belief in the future of the industry and FCLs role in it. We are very, very happy with the investment in the Baldwin Vision Systems solutions. This upgrade is one of the better projects that weve taken on in recent years. Were not afraid to invest in necessary technology that puts us in the best position to meet our customers current needs, and the growing high quality expectations in the future.”
FCL has also installed an AMS LED curing system on their Komori 6-color 40″ sheetfed press. AMS, along with Baldwin Vision Systems, is a business segment of Baldwin Technology, Inc.