Konica Minolta Europe, Ines Wenneman, describes the 501 as a ‘rough diamond’ which the new version now polishes. The IQ-601 offers more sophisticated colour monitoring and adjustment capabilities via a spectrophotometer that scans whole pages, plus the ability to reference the scan against a master RIP image, thus bringing variable data checking capability. According to category manager for Professional Print, Malcolm Smith at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, some 70 to 80% of commercial printers opted to take the IQ-501 with their Konica Minolta presses, so it seems likely that this will be maintained for it successor. Both the IM-104 and IM-105 are available as options for the C5080 and 5070. The IQ-601 can be added to either, increasing the footprint by some 80 to 100cm, though not to the C5065, which is designed for minimal footprint, and does not support the inline finishing options either. This measurement capability is backed by Konica Minolta’s Auto Quality Adjustment. This is an AI-based print optimisation tool that analyses image quality and provides diagnostic capabilities to stabilise output quality and identify potential issues before they affect production, improving efficiency and reducing unscheduled downtime. It can be run at the start of a shift or at other regularly scheduled times, as preferred. What’s in the Box While these hardware and software elements and options are common across the revamped range, what of the C5080’s unique attributes? As well as handling sheets up to SRA3, all three models can print banners to 1300mm simplex or 900mm duplex. Media weights supported run from 62 to 360gsm (limited to 300gsm in duplex mode). It’s rated for up to 864,000 A4 images per month and can be configured with up to 11 paper trays. Addressable spatial resolution is 3,600 x 2,400dpi with 8-bit tonal precision; the press uses Konica Minolta’s SimitriHDe toners. Print engine improvements in this fifth generation include automatic corona charger cleaning that reduces maintenance effort and extends the part life, more reliable feeding with very thin papers, plus improved paper jam clearing in the fusing area. Only CMYK colour is offered, but various Fogra and G7 certifications for colour capability and consistency have been achieved. Smith notes that anyone interested in wider-gamut printing might look instead at the company’s C84 HC (standing for high chroma) model that uses spectrally purer magenta and cyan toners to achieve an expanded gamut, while offering similar productivity. Three RIP options are presented, Konica Minolta’s own AccurioImage IC-613, or a choice of Fiery-based models. Smith reports that more customers are opting for the company’s own RIP, which links into Konica Minolta’s Flux workflow software environment, though acknowledging that the Fiery brand has clout in the commercial print environment and may better suit multi-vendor sites which already use Fiery solutions. As important in Konica Minolta’s eyes as what goes into the press, and what goes on inside it, is what comes after it. There’s a wide range of inline finishing options available including KM’s TU-510e four-sided trimmer, which the company believes to be unique in this market segment. In addition to cutting and perforating in both directions, it creases too. There’s also a dedicated business card cutting capability. Other inline finishing options include a booklet-maker and a GBC cold laminator that offers full encapsulation, running at full engine speed. Both of these can be run inline with the TU-510e trimmer, allowing full bleed finishing for banners, booklets, small signage, and direct mail pieces. This illustrates the idea behind the new entry-level models and the broader range revamp as a whole – a complete, integrated, and productive offering that should meet the needs of both commercial printers and inplants/CRDs. ▼ Extra units can be added to the press for scanning, feeding, and finishing The C5080 series is part of a complete revamp of Konica Minolta’s toner press line that began in 2025 with the introduction of the C14010 and C12010 production machines UNDER THE HOOD | KONICA MINOLTA ACCURIOPRESS C5080 34 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 363 - November | December 2026
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