Oosterhout, September 2017
– Portuguese
printing concern FIG has placed an order for an automatic colour register
system with the Dutch specialist in optical measurement and control systems for
the printing industry, Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC). The system will be installed
on a 2011 Goss Community press which has recently been acquired by FIG.
Snap decision
The printing plant in Coimbra,
halfway between Lisbon and Porto, has been looking at possible ways of
expanding and improving its production processes for some time. Even before
acquiring a new press, FIG decided to have one fitted with QIPC automation systems.
“Our Portuguese agent, Duarte Alves de Sousa, managing director and owner of
Tecnimprensa, discussed the matter with FIG even before there was talk of a new
press,” explains Harold Drinhuyzen, sales executive at QIPC. “At that stage it
was already clear that the best technical solution for their specific
application was ours.”
Production changeovers
Production at FIG is subject to frequent change
rounds, partly because the plant is responsible for printing several regional newspapers
for all the country; mostly weekly, biweekly, monthly and, and also four daily:
Diário de Coimbra, Diário de Aveiro, Diário de Leiria e Diário de Viseu. “That
meant that efficiency in the start-up process was a key issue for the new
printing press,” states Harold Drinhuyzen. “Because of the intense usage, our
system has a crucial role to play in the production process on this Goss
Community.” Jorge Dinis, FIG’s financial director, reiterates this: “We are
expecting savings in waste, ink and personnel. At the same time, thanks to
QIPC’s system, we’re anticipating major improvements in the quality of the
end-product.”
‘The best register control system’
In total, FIG has ordered eight mRC-3D
cameras for automating the colour register. The cameras are fitted with
optional Automatic Ink Mist Shields (AIMS) for automatic cleaning of the
lenses. The systems will be installed once the press has arrived in Portugal.
“We’re absolutely convinced this is the best register control system for rotary
offset printing presses,” Jorge Dinis concludes contentedly.
