Made in India: KnowzzleJet

The inkjet web press from Monotech Systems, in association with Pressline India offers print-on-demand possibilities, ensuring that businesses and individuals can meet tight deadlines. So says, Tejinder Singh at Monotech Systems.

The KnowzzleJet is a high-speed inkjet web press designed for large-volume commercial printing, available in roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet, and roll-to-fold formats to meet a variety of production needs. It offers a print resolution of 1,600-dpi. The machine’s manufacturer, Monotech Systems, started its journey in inkjet solutions in 2010 and since then, the company has been a pioneer in presenting digital solutions in flexible packaging, labels, publications, and security printing, among others.

Tejinder Singh, vice-president, print and packaging solutions at Monotech Systems, says, “Utilising eco-friendly water-based inks, the KnowzzleJet is both cost-efficient and environmentally responsible, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from books, transactional and trans-promotional, direct mail to newspaper/tabloid printing.”

Launched in 2020, the press is available in both colour and monochrome configurations, providing flexibility for different printing requirements. With a web-fed system, continuous rolls of paper are processed with advanced tension control for smooth handling. It has been conceptualised, designed and jointly developed in India by Monotech Systems and Pressline India.

The advantages
The machine is targeted at digital and commercial printers focusing on the applications like books, direct mail, transactional, trans-promotional, and newspapers.

“This print-on-demand product is suitable for an extremely price-sensitive market like India. The affordability of printing at approximately four paisa per A4 page for monochrome and less than 50 paisa for colour prints makes it an attractive option for digital and commercial printers. Given the low cost, customers can print only what they need, which eliminates the overhead of bulk printing and storage. This significantly reduces waste and upfront costs, making it ideal for those who require low-volume printing without compromising on quality,” Singh says.

He adds that it is also a green technology as the major consumable is the ink which is water-based. So, compared to offset, all other consumables like fount, washes, and plate cleaners are eliminated in this.

He adds, “On-time delivery is another key advantage. As the machine offers print-on-demand, customers can have prints produced and delivered quickly without the long delays often associated with bulk printing. This ensures that businesses and individuals can meet tight deadlines and manage time-sensitive projects efficiently.” Overall, Singh says, the press provides a balance of affordability, flexibility, and speed, making it a great solution for customers in India who are looking to manage print costs while ensuring on-time delivery for their projects.

The market
According to the company, currently there are 10 colour and monochrome KnowzzleJet presses running in India with some of the leading publishing houses like Arihant Publications, Bhavik Publications, Saurabh Printers and YCT Publishing. Singh says while choosing a print-on-demand printing press, customers, both in India and globally, prioritise affordability, print quality, and convenience. In price-sensitive markets like India, the low cost per print is a key driver. Ultimately, customers want a solution that balances low cost, high quality and ease of use, all backed by strong customer support.

Explaining what the press can achieve, Singh gives the example of Greater-Noida-based Saurabh Printers, which successfully printed and exported the Malaysian Civil Procedure Book on 32-gsm Bible paper. Singh says it’s an impressive feat in the realm of inkjet printing, typically considered quite challenging.
 
The productivity
Singh says the KnowzzleJet is designed for ease of use, even in high-volume, fast-paced print environments. It features an intuitive user-interface that simplifies job setup, allowing operators to easily load print files, adjust specifications (like paper size, colour, and volume), and manage print speeds.

With automated features for paper handling, ink management, and quality control, the system minimises manual intervention and ensures consistent results. Real-time monitoring tools also allow operators to track print quality and make adjustments on the fly, ensuring high efficiency and minimal errors. The press is built for reliability, with maintenance alerts and accessible customer support, making it a streamlined solution for both large and small-scale printing needs.

Singh says Monotech Systems provides comprehensive training for operators of the KnowzzleJet high-speed inkjet web press to ensure they can operate the system efficiently and maintain high-quality output. The training includes basic operations, such as loading print jobs, selecting settings, and using the user interface. It also covers routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and addressing print quality issues, allowing operators to minimise downtime. The advanced training focuses on optimising the machine’s features, such as automated paper handling, print speed adjustments, and workflow integration.

“Additionally, safety protocols, real-time monitoring, and quality control are emphasised to ensure smooth operation. Monotech Systems offers both on-site training during installation and ongoing support, ensuring operators are well-equipped to maximise the press's capabilities and performance,” Singh says.

The support
The company also offers comprehensive service and support for the knowzzleJet. This includes on-site installation and setup, followed by initial training for operators. Ongoing technical support is available through phone, email, and remote diagnostics, while preventive maintenance services help keep the equipment in optimal condition.

Monotech Systems also provides access to genuine spare parts, consumables, and software updates to ensure long-term performance. For more complex issues, on-site support and emergency assistance are available. Additionally, the company offers extended service contracts, warranties, and refresher training to ensure that operators remain up-to-date with new features and best practices.

“This holistic support approach allows businesses to maximise the performance and longevity of their KnowzzleJet press. With our offices and manpower in all major cities across India, we intend to provide services on SOS basis,” Singh says. He concludes, “As per an estimation, the current financial year will have an installation of 30 inkjet web presses in India. Monotech Systems aims to become a market leader in this segment by the next financial year.”