QIPC will add its IDS-3D colour density control to TN Printing's Comet newspaper press as part of a KBA-driven upgrade of the plant.

The two-and-a-half-tower Comet - the centrepiece of the Pencor Group plant in Lehighton, Pennsylvania - is being upgraded so that the company can expand the scope of its printing operations, which include more and more semicommercial work.

Prepress operations director Bob Miller says the IDS-3D automatic colour control will help ensure that TN Printing will be able to deliver a better and more stable end-product: "The assumption is that we will be able to retain our colour consistency throughout the print run from now on," he says. "It will also enable TN Printing to make savings in materials - one of our aims is to reduce waste."

KBA is taking charge of the entire upgrade of the press and will install the IDS-3D cameras. Miller says a key factor in choosing QIPC was that their equipment could be easily integrated into the KBA system, and KBA's confidence in the system. QIPC-EAE Americas managing director Ronald Reedijk says the two companies enjoy good ties with KBA and collaborate effectively: "They are familiar with our system and know how it works, not unimportant aspects."

Similarly, TN Printing is positive about having a closed-loop colour control system available which does away with the need for colour bars. "It means we can continue to provide our customers with the same product dimensions as we have in the past."

It is expected that the system will be up and running by August this year, and Reedijk is delighted to have the order: "The project fits in with our plans to take automation in the newspaper printing industry to yet greater levels... and to make our presence even more keenly felt in the United States."