The Japanese firm has won a deal to manufacture the A2 press on behalf of fellow Japanese firm Toppan.

The launch of the press on the commercial market is expected for 2005, with a projected price of around 150,000 (JPY30m).

The press, capable of printing 2,200 A2 sheets per hour, uses a new ink-drop technology developed by Toppan over the past three years. The firm claims that the print quality will be equivalent to offset presses.

The new product will be aimed at on-demand printing applications, and will incorporate UV curing systems, making the print waterproof.

Fusion UV, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, will produce the 6in, microwave-powered curing systems for the new printer.

Susan Mitchell, Fusion UV business development manager, said that UK sales of the press could begin in "early 2006".

She added: "It's the first time industrial ink-jet quality and price can compete with offset printing, but produce water resistant ink. This is ideal for on-demand printing applications."

Toppan plans to begin using the presses in its own sites by October, with a market launch to follow next year. It will be the firm's first time in the printing equipment sales arena.

Toppan expects first-year sales to reach 3m.

Toppan and Komori were unavailable to comment as PrintWeek went to press.