Smart investment in UV technology and double delivery transforms packaging operations
In an era where packaging printers are under constant pressure to increase output while reducing costs, Silver Printing Co., Ltd. has taken a decisive step forward. With the installation of a five-color Komori Lithrone G40 advance—equipped with double pile delivery, double-sided inspection, and heavy roller cleaning—the company has significantly raised the bar in both productivity and quality
Founded in 1978 and based in Japan, Silver Printing specializes in high-end paper-based packaging for industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and sporting goods. The company’s commitment to meeting diverse market demands is matched by its strategy of continuous investment in technology. The newest press has been in full operation since January 2025. 
President and Representative Director Kimio Toita explains: “Our product quality has received top marks from customers, and we expect the new press to further reinforce that strong reputation.”
With the growing demand for shorter runs, more variety, and faster lead times, Silver Printing saw the need to upgrade its pressroom to maintain a competitive edge. By replacing two older machines with one highly automated UV press, the company has not only freed up floor space but also cut costs and improved responsiveness—key concerns for European packaging printers navigating similar challenges.
Double pile delivery: Efficiency where it counts
While often overshadowed by more headline-grabbing automation, the double pile delivery system has proven to be a game-changer on Silver Printing’s production floor. By automatically separating acceptable sheets from defective ones, the system removes a major bottleneck in the post-print process.
“Labour-saving in removing defective products has been achieved, and human sorting errors have been eliminated,” says President Toita.
Inline Double-sided Inspection System and Double Delivery
Enhanced Feeder Section Pusher for Top and Bottom Alignment
Factory Manager Takeshi Matsui notes improvements across the board:
“In the feeder section, we used to experience issues like sheets becoming misaligned or shifting, which sometimes led to paper jams or stoppages. With the top/bottom pusher aligning the tail edge of the sheet, paper feeding has become much smoother. It has also reduced the need for manual sheet alignment.”
More importantly, he emphasizes how the synergy of UV curing with double delivery transforms the workflow:
“Previously, after oil-based printing, we had a process of drying sheets and then sorting OK and defective sheets using a large inspection machine. With the new UV-equipped press, quick drying and automatic sorting by double delivery allow us to move sheets directly to post-processing. This is a very attractive setup.”
“With a single delivery system, even with an inspection device in place, both OK and defective sheets are stacked together. This results in extra work to remove the defective sheets and restack the paper. Double delivery is essential for improving sorting efficiency and easing the workload on operators.”
The efficiency gains go beyond labour savings. In a packaging market where tight deadlines and complex finishing processes are the norm, the ability to immediately identify and separate defective sheets means fewer delays, less waste, and higher reliability in delivery planning.
President Toita also points to a shift in packaging trends that makes double-sided inspection more valuable than ever:
“As specification sheets and instruction manuals become less common, more information is now being printed on the back side of packages. Because of this, installing a double-sided inspection system that can reliably detect issues such as ink splatter not only on the front side but also on the back side offers a significant advantage.”
Heavy roller cleaning: Cutting changeover times in half
Another standout feature of the new press is its Heavy Roller Cleaning system, which directly supports faster colour changes—critical in short-run, high-variety production typical in the European packaging sector.
“Colour changes are frequent in package printing, and it used to take time, especially when switching to white,” explains Matsui. “We had previously tried using roller additives and cleaning agents, but they didn't result in significant time savings. However, with the Heavy Roller Cleaning function, we were able to cut colour changeover time in half.”
Print Operator Yoshinori Nakamura is equally enthusiastic: “With fewer rollers, ink cleaning now finishes more quickly, and the final results are much cleaner. Ink roller cleaning also takes about half the time it used to, which is truly impressive.”
These improvements also feed into maintenance efficiency, another crucial area where downtime can mean lost revenue. Nakamura notes: “Thanks to enhancements in the assist functions, tasks like plate nip adjustment can now be completed simply by pressing a button once the initial nip is set. This has significantly improved overall work efficiency.”
Cost-effective, cleaner, and easier to operate
In addition to time savings, Silver Printing also reports a reduction in paper waste and ink mist—aligning the investment with both sustainability goals and workplace health standards, issues of growing importance across Europe.
Matsui highlights: “The automatic register adjustment function not only improves work efficiency but also helps reduce waste paper generated during colour adjustment. Because it promotes easy operation, I believe this press is also well-suited for securing personnel. Additionally, features such as the ink mist removing device help keep the machine clean—not only supporting consistent quality and efficient operation but also contributing to environmental performance.”
Lithrone G40 advance with members of the Manufacturing Department
| Takeshi Matsui, Manufacturing Department Manager/Factory Manager |
Tatsuya Yoshimura, Manufacturing Department Acting Factory Manager |
| Keisuke Tsujikado, Manufacturing Department Captain | Yoshinori Nakamura, Manufacturing Department Print Operator |
Positioned for growth—with Komori as a partner
Looking ahead, Silver Printing continues to evaluate the potential of digital technology while reinforcing its trust in Komori solutions.
“We're paying close attention to the impact of digital printing in the packaging sector. We're considering a shift to digital in the future and are particularly interested in Komori models like the Impremia NS40 and J-throne 29,” says Toita. “This latest press was introduced using an energy-saving subsidy with Komori's support. We'll continue exploring new press introductions while working toward further growth.”
The company’s commitment to quality, operational excellence, and smart investment continues to drive its success.
“With this new press, we can achieve even higher quality and deliver confidence to our customers, which leads to greater trust.” – Takeshi Matsui
“At the open house, we were able to see the machine in action and incorporate our requirements into the final specifications. It was also valuable to see the latest technologies of the Smart Factory.” – Tatsuya Yoshimura
“I can feel the improvements every day, from increased printing speed and enhanced feeder mechanisms to powderless printing.” – Keisuke Tsujikado
“With PDC-SX, registration is almost spot-on in one go. It's really helpful.” – Yoshinori Nakamura
