Updated automation including closed-loop inspection are integral to an upgrade of a nine-tower Goss Magnum in Norway.

Newspaper printer Agderposten Trykk in Arendal, has contracted DCOS for a major upgrade of the press including a partial retrofit of the Goss Omnicon system and the addition of DCOS closed-loop inspection system.

The press - which has three folders - is kept busy producing more than ten million copies a month including six of its own titles, contract newspaper printing and commercial work.

The company looked to overcome drive and control issues, tackle obsolescence, and find ways of futureproofing systems, as well as reducing waste and consumable costs.

The overall scope of the project involves separating the quality functions (ink, water, register and web tension) from the Omnicon platform which also eliminates the need for the Goss WebCenter production management system. The existing Quad Tech Multicam system will be replaced and the existing Baldwin spray system will be integrated.

Managing director Rune Andresen says finding a partner which 'step-by-step' can take ownership of the entire press control was a strong argument for their decision. DCOS will install the control components to handle the quality functions of the press along with three operator desk touch screens, a Printing framework software package including presetting and pre-press interface and finally its inspection system - using eighteen CRC4 cameras) for closed-loop control of the quality functions.

Rune says the "primary incitement" to invest in closed-loop density was to reduce start-up waste and ink consumption. To handle the emerging need to retrofit the Goss WebCenter, the project was divided in two phases. The first phase, to take over the control of quality functions was completed in September, and the second - to install the closed-loop system - will take place next month.