FCL Graphics Sees Dramatic Print Quality Improvement, Will Outfit Third Web Press with Baldwin Vision Systems Technology

Published: September 07, 2021

FCL Graphics, located in suburban Chicago, has upgraded two of its commercial web offset presses with color control and ink delivery technology from Baldwin Vision Systems. Technology upgrades on these first two full-web presses resulted in significantly higher print quality and an immediate 50 percent reduction in waste. Based on these results, a third upgrade on a half-web press is scheduled for August.

The full-web presses are Harris M1000s and the half-web press scheduled for upgrade in August is a Harris M110B.

The technology from Baldwin Vision Systems includes the RIC Remote Ink Control. RIC is highly scalable, budget-friendly solution for replacing obsolete or unsupported press controls. Retrofit possibilities include simple ink key actuator replacements or upgraded electronics for existing actuators, as well as segmented ink blade replacements. The system controls ink zones individually, by selectable group, or all together to achieve precise ink control—even on light coverage jobs—for enhanced print quality and significant makeready/run-waste savings.

The CLC+ Color and Register Control from Baldwin Vision Systems combines both color and register control into one system—requiring half the hardware on press and only one system for press operators to learn. The system scans in a continuous motion from side to side of the press in both directions, resulting in the fastest performance available in the market. The optional CIP3/CIP4 fountain preset software provides remote control of individual unit ink and unit water and is a key factor in FCL’s immediate 50 percent waste reduction.

“The systems deliver very high quality and precise consistency throughout the entire press run,” said Lou Tazioli, CEO & president, FCL. “Our presses’ new capabilities give our sales organization confidence that they can go after very demanding jobs and know that we can handle them. Beside saving our current customers money on paper, ink, and press time, these systems also enable us to go after challenging projects that we wouldn’t have pursued before.”

FCL has also installed an AMS LED curing system on their Komori 6-color 40-inch sheetfed press.

For more information, visit http://www.fclgraphics.com.