Konica Minolta has launched the AccurioLabel 231, a new four-colour digital label press aimed at the entry- to mid-level market, with increased automation, higher print resolution and improved colour registration.

Available now, the toner-based roll-to-roll press replaces the previous model in Konica Minolta’s label portfolio and sits alongside the higher-volume AccurioLabel 400. It runs at a full production speed of 23.4m/min with a resolution of 1200 x 2400dpi.

A key development is the optional IQ-530 Intelligent Quality Optimizer, which provides inline calibration and monitors colour and registration during production. During an online media briefing, Konica Minolta explained that processes which previously involved printing and removing a chart from the web for measurement can now be carried out automatically.

The IQ unit can also be added after installation, allowing customers to initially purchase the press without it and upgrade later. Konica Minolta said the system can maintain colour stability on runs of up to 1600m within tight Delta E tolerances.

The company estimates that the CMYK toner set can reproduce roughly 80% of Pantone colours, depending on the colour, with AccurioPro Color Manager providing tools for spot-colour matching.

Konica Minolta said the press can handle both paper and synthetic label stocks without requiring pre-coating or primer, although the heat required by the toner fusing process places limitations on some heat-sensitive materials.

The AccurioLabel 231 is targeted at label converters as well as commercial printers, manufacturers, retailers and brand owners looking to bring label production in-house. Konica Minolta said it has now installed more than 2000 digital label presses worldwide, including around 700 in Europe.

“The AccurioLabel 231 has been designed to support ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Masashi Morii, head of industrial printing business development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe. “By combining productivity, automation, and consistently high print quality, it helps customers improve operational performance, reduce waste, and grow more profitably.”

The press will make its UK exhibition debut at The Print Show at the NEC, Birmingham, from 29 September to 1 October. Konica Minolta plans to run the machine in production throughout the event alongside GM and Plockmatic finishing equipment to demonstrate an end-to-end label workflow.