Oosterhout, February 2018
– Lidergraf, the Portuguese
printing concern, has recently started using measurement and control systems
from Q.I. Press Controls. In 2017 the Dutch specialist in press automation
delivered its innovative and highly lauded mRC-3D, IDS-3D and IQM
systems to Lidergraf, one of Portugal’s leading printers. “We are expecting to
make intensive use of the IQM system, so that we can optimise performance yet
further”.
Practical solution
The plant in Vila do Conde,
close to Porto in northern Portugal, has been home to a Heidelberg M600 heatset
press since 2001. In order to get the best out of the press in the future and
for it to meet current quality standards in the printing trade, Lidergraf had
been looking at possible automation solutions for some while. Thanks to
Tecnimprensa, QIPC’s agent in Portugal, the company came into contact with
QIPC. “After carrying out a fact-finding mission in the Netherlands and holding
various technical discussions establishing Lidergraf’s wishes and requirements,
we were able to offer them a practical solution,” says Harold Drinhuyzen, sales
executive at QIPC.
Maximum cost savings and
quality improvements
“Our goal was to reduce paper
waste significantly on start-up and during production,” explains Andrea
Carneiro, technical director at Lidergraf, when asked what the company aimed to
achieve in implementing the automation project. “We also wanted to quantify
levels of quality and improve and stabilise these.” To help towards this
objective, two mRC-3D cameras for colour register, five mRC-3D
cameras for cut-off control and two IDS-3D cameras for colour control were
installed. “This maximises cost savings whilst at the same time bringing about
quality improvements,” adds Harold Drinhuyzen.
Partnership
In addition to improving the
operating of the press, Lidergraf’s investment also marks the beginning of a
new partnership with QIPC. “For the IQM press analysis system in particular,
QIPC’s support is extremely important,” explains Andrea Carneiro. “We are
expecting to make intensive use of the software so that we can optimise
performance yet further. Hopefully we will be able to learn a lot from each
other.” One of the key reasons for teaming up with QIPC was Lidergraf’s faith
in the support being offered by the Dutch company: “Not only are we convinced
of its technical potential, first and foremost we know QIPC will deliver an
expert and professional service.”
Good references
For QIPC, the installation of
its systems at one of Portugal’s leading printing plants represents an
excellent reference in Southern Europe. “The collaboration with Lidergraf
presents us with a perfect opportunity to set out our stall in Southern
Europe,” enthuses Harold Drinhuyzen. “This plant is a great place to
demonstrate our systems in practice to other interested players in the region.”
