Grafikontrol’s participation at drupa proved to be one of the most successful, with hundreds of visitors from all over the world. Grafikontrol showed its leadership by presenting a complete range of quality control systems centered on the TQC-360° platform. These products offer continuous and complete inspection throughout the printing and post-printing process. These solutions have been adopted by major industry manufacturers including UTECO, Lombardi Converting and Amut Dolci Bielloni who installed the Grafikontrol systems on their printing presses at drupa.

Visitors were particularly impressed with the PROCHECK system, the newest TQC-360° product presented at the show. “This innovative defect tracking system, which is currently patent pending, tracks the exact location of every defect detected during printing and lamination. This information is then sent to the slitting department and allows the operator to remove defects by automatically controlling the machine stoppage. Until now, it was the missing link in the total quality process,” comments Paolo De Grandis, sales director and business partner at Grafikontrol. Regarding the new philosophy adopted in the development of the TQC-360° products, De Grandis elaborated: “it’s a unique solution on the market and an indispensable aid which any efficient pressroom must have.”

There was strong interest from packaging markets, which is where Grafikontrol’s MATRIX, LYNEX, CHROMALAB and PROCHECK systems are devoted. The demonstrations at the Grafikontrol ’s booth showed how the TQC-360° systems work in combination with each other. MATRIX is the basic component of the TQC-360° line; its primary function is to provide the highest image quality. The 6 Megapixel colour digital camera, combined with the new generation of high efficiency LED illumination, allows for snapshots of the running web. The new multi-touch operator interface enables the operator to easily manage multiple functions, including detection of defects with continuous live comparison of the image with the master image, bar code verification and colour monitoring. MATRIX is recommended for sheet-fed applications, such as folding cartons, corrugated and metal substrates.

The inspection offered by LYNEX assures total quality by inspecting 100% of the printing web in real time. Roll-to-roll package printing demands defect free products and tight tolerances which means that printers need advanced quality inspection equipment to avoid embarrassing and costly customer complaints. LYNEX provides this with continuous inspection of the entire print repeat, on any substrate and in real time! It is suitable for any printing method and is recommended for labelling and packaging.

“The largest number of visitors came from the United States of America and Middle Eastern markets, which means Grafikontrol’s expanded sales network in those areas are giving positive results,” adds Paolo De Grandis. “We received important orders from these markets, some of which were unexpected. Orders also came from our European customers, including companies in France, Spain, Britain and Benelux. As expected, we also had many requests for information and offers from our Italian customers. Thousands of Grafikontrol systems are installed around the world, and the success at drupa will allow us to reach an annual result that exceeds expectations.”