At Labelexpo India 2024, Konica Minolta showcased an impressive lineup of digital label printing solutions, demonstrating its commitment to meeting diverse customer needs. The company’s display included the AL230, an entry-level 4-color solution; the newly launched AL400 with CMYK plus white capabilities; and a die-cutting solution offered in partnership with Italian brand DPR.
Pawan Chauhan, IP business head, sales division, Konica Minolta, emphasized the breadth of the offerings, stating, “We are providing end-to-end solutions for label applications. Our exhibit features three key products: the AL230, AL400, and the DPR die-cutting system, which we market exclusively in India.”
The AL400 emerged as the star attraction of Konica Minolta’s display, reflecting a thoughtful response to market demands and customer feedback. According to Chauhan, the AL400 was conceptualized as an upgraded alternative to the AL230, which has seen approximately 30 installations across India.
“The AL230 has become a popular choice in the market, being both affordable and directly serviced by the OEM,” he explained. “However, many customers sought an upgraded model with white toner capabilities, higher speeds, and improved consistency. The AL400 was developed to address these needs and more.”
One of the most significant advantages of the AL400 is its reliance on toner technology. Unlike inkjet systems, which can suffer from issues such as malfunctioning print heads and inconsistent output over time, the AL400 ensures reliable and consistent performance. Furthermore, Konica Minolta introduced a pay-as-you-print model for the AL400, eliminating the need for fixed monthly AMC charges. This flexible pricing approach allows businesses to pay only for the volume they print, providing a cost-efficient alternative for companies with fluctuating workloads.
The AL400 also features advanced technology to ensure print consistency. With its IQ 520 system, the printer auto-calibrates during the printing process, guaranteeing uniform quality from the first label to the last. Chauhan explained that this feature addresses a common industry issue, where inconsistencies in color and quality can compromise output.
Another significant highlight of the AL400 is the inclusion of white toner, which expands the range of applications customers can undertake. The white toner enables printing on clear films, craft paper, and other substrates that were previously challenging to work with. According to Chauhan, this addition is particularly beneficial for industries such as FMCG, nutraceuticals, and beverages, where clear-on-clear labels and high-opacity designs are in demand. The white toner density offered by the AL400 has been benchmarked to be up to three times higher than that of competitors, providing premium-quality results for intricate applications.
The digital label printing market in India is undergoing a transformation. Pawan noted that demand has increased significantly over the past two years, with half of Konica Minolta’s AL230 installations occurring during this period. The company expects the digital label printing segment to grow by approximately 30% annually as more converters adopt digital machines alongside conventional systems.
Ankit Madan, product manager, product life cycle management and planning division, IP Business, Konica Minolta, highlighted emerging trends driving this growth. He pointed out that the need for short-run printing has surged, especially in Tier 3 cities where startups and small businesses are looking for efficient and localized printing solutions. Madan also noted that the pandemic emphasized the value of quick turnaround times, leading more businesses to opt for digital printing solutions that can fulfill orders within a day.