Closed-loop density control is among automation features being added to an 18-year-old Tensor press in Jylland, Denmark.

DCOS will install its Inspection System technology at daily newspaper and contract printer Skive Folkeblad, established in 1880.

Installed in 1999, the six-tower Tensor press was expanded in 2004 and includes third-party peripherals including Söderqvist footprint shaftless drive and controls, Inventor Graphics spray dampening, and QIPC register and cut-off controls.

The DCOS Inspection System package calls for 12 CRC4 scanners for combined closed-loop density and register, and 12 PTC4 scanners for cut-off control. In addition, existing EPG ink controls and the spray system are to be integrated into an upgraded control system with two new desks.

Operation manager John Vejle says Skive Folkeblad has stayed successful and competitive by striving to be in the forefront of technology and print processes: "DCOS was able to show us a reference site that is almost identical to our press, ten years younger but same type for equipment and automation."

After a Tensor press at Nr1Adressatrykk in Norway was equipped with DCOS closed loop density three years ago, "the productivity is amazing, with minimal manning and high efficiency," he says. "Based on their data, our ROI calculation fell in place."

DCOS Sweden chief executive Mattias Andersson says the Danish market is undergoing a consolidation similar to many neighbouring countries, but still has several small to mid-size printers and an overcapacity in the market: "This investment will give Skive Folkeblad yet another edge to strengthen its position."

The system will be in production by end of this month, and will be the first closed loop density system on a newspaper press in Denmark. With the technology taking off, DCOS has sold 86 closed-loop cameras over the last 12 months.

He says support from Nr1Adressatrykk in sharing data, results and hands-on experience helped build trust and confidence. "A sales person can give hundreds of arguments, but at the end of the day, it's results and ROI from running systems that represents the only hard facts," he says.