Features Printing Sheetfed Offset
KBA Introduces Rapida 105 PRO

German press maker KBA, during last week’s Print China show, unveiled a new medium-format sheetfed offset press model, called the Rapida 105 PRO, scheduled for launch this June. The Rapida 105 PRO, KBA explains, is to be positioned in its top-performance segment between the Rapida 105 and the flagship Rapida 106.

Compared to the Rapida 105, which is still available, at 17,000 sph the new press delivers a slightly higher level of performance in terms of production, a larger standard sheet format of 740 x 1,050 mm, shorter makeready times based on more automation and a new operating concept. KBA explains it also offers more equipment flexibility and greater scope for customization.

One of the Rapida 105 PRO’s key features, according to KBA, is the full preset capabilities from the feeder through the printing units to delivery. All of the settings at the feeder and delivery can be stored according to job type, which can be leveraged with repeat jobs or orders printed on the same substrate.

The Rapida 105 PRO is also available with semi-automatic plate change (change in every printing unit) and automatic plate change (fully automatic change in all units in 2.8 minutes). Optional features include DriveTronic SRW (simultaneous roller wash), CleanTronic Multi (ink changes) and CleanTronic UV. KBA explains its Fast Clean feature enables the high-speed washing of rollers and cuts washing times from four to two minutes.

The EasyClean ink duct’s non-stick coating shortens cleaning times when changing inks. In addition, the ink ducts do not have any expendable parts, which need to be replaced frequently. As it is not equipped with a film liner, KBA explains deviations when setting to zero are prevented and ensures that the ink zone settings can be reproduced precisely.

In terms of flexibility, the Rapida 105 PRO is available with up to 10 printing units, perfecting, as well as single and multiple coating applications. In addition to its potential position in commercial printing, the press is equipped with a range of features suited to packaging printing. This includes what KBA describes as coating unit function valued by packaging printers when changing coating plates, setting the register at the console and the coater and when automatically cleaning the coating circuit or the hydro-pneumatic adjustable doctor-blade chamber. This is in addition to the option of non-stop systems in the feeder and delivery up to the integration in fully automated pile logistics.

Microflute, film and lightweight paper packages or kit for in-mould film are available for special applications. The Rapida 105 PRO covers a range of substrate thicknesses from 0.04 mm to 1.6 mm. KBA explains the press’ gripper systems do not need adjusting even when making extreme substrate changes. It can also be integrated with special components like a reel-to-sheet unit, perforation and numbering unit, iris printing device, or the KBA ColdFoiler.

KBA explains a new, intuitive operating concept for the Rapida 105 PRO allows all functions to be controlled via touchscreen with a maximum of two touches of a button. The Rapida 105 PRO’s ErgoTronic console no longer features a data entry keyboard. Icons allow operators to change systems.

The new JobAccess program facilitates savings in makeready times of up to 50 percent, according to KBA, and new tools for setting up ink profiles reduce start-up waste. A job list with preview images and optimization functions for determining the sequence of jobs is also featured to speed up production changes. HR and LED drying are also available with the Rapida 105 PRO, including the VariDry Blue drying system.