Focus on growth markets such as digital packaging printing is part of the successful Koenig & Bauer strategy. With the installation of the first CorruJET press at the KOLB company group in Memmingen, it has now taken the next step along this fruitful path.
When developing the new CorruJET press for the corrugated board industry, Koenig & Bauer was able to call upon extensive experience already gained with the RotaJET. The CorruJET can deliver high-resolution digital print at production speeds of up to 6,000 sph and handles formats up to 1,700 x 1,300 mm (66.9 x 51.2 in). All customary outer liners, whether coated or uncoated, can be printed in exceptional quality. This combination of high quality and maximum throughput is a key distinguishing feature of the CorruJET. As the sheet infeed was designed for a hard-edge sheet orientation, it can be combined easily with typical peripheral equipment (pre-feeder, stacker) and harmonizes with the standard logistics of every corrugated board plant. The incorporation of a coating unit provides for gloss or matt coating of the 4-color images printed using water-based inks.
Koenig & Bauer management board member Christoph Müller said, “In exactly the same way as for our analog presses, the CorruFLEX and CorruCUT, we based the project specifications on a careful evaluation of the market and customer wishes. The KOLB Group is here an ideal partner with whom to further the development of our new CorruJET for digital post-printing on corrugated board.” The CorruJET is set to enter production in the second quarter of 2019.
New premises for KOLB DigitalSolutions were opened in Memmingen-Amendingen just last year, barely a stone’s throw from the KOLB group headquarters in the town. The CorruJET will form the heart of a new production plant with integrated finishing and conversion. “Differentiation, fast time-to-market scenarios, or reduced run lengths in conjunction with increased versioning – the demands expressed by our customers are forever changing,” says Dr. Bernhard Ruffing, managing director of Hans Kolb Wellpappe. “Against this background, focus is naturally turning to the option of digital post-printing. With Koenig & Bauer and the CorruJET, we are well equipped to respond to future customer demands and can also open up new markets.”
