With the Rapida 105, KBA presents a completely new medium-format press series. The high-level delivery is immediate indication that the new Rapida 105 is based on the same platform as the high-end Rapida 106 press. The range of automation options has been extended compared to the predecessor model. The maximum production speed for presses incorporating the high-speed package is being raised to 17,000 sph (standard: 16,500 sph). The Rapida 105 is now also available in a four-back-four perfector configuration, with a perfecting unit based on the modern technology of the Rapida 106. The new Rapida 105 thus packs all the features expected of a modern commercial press placed under the banner: “Designed for Performance”.

Now KBA presents this internationally popular press type in a hybrid offset/inkjet version. The five offset printing units and coater tower are joined by an inkjet unit with two Delta 105iUV printing systems from Atlantic Zeiser for personalised imprinting and coding applications. Thanks to an innovative vacuum cylinder (AirTronic Drum) to fix the sheets under the inkjet heads, the KBA Rapidas (105 and 106) are currently the only presses on the market to realise this option without the need for mechanical sheet guides and print-free corridors. The unique solution prevents lifting of the tail edges and enables the inkjet systems to be installed at a clearance of only 1mm (0.04in) from the sheet. UV-LED dryers provide for fast drying of the ink.

There are many potential applications for inkjet systems in a sheetfed printing press. They range from sheet marking in connection with quality inspection using the alphaJET-tempo printer from KBA-Metronic to coding for purposes of brand protection (barcodes, QR codes, numerical IDs, or combinations thereof). Relevant fields are security printing, packaging, labels, lottery tickets, and industrial product marking. Up to eight inkjet heads from Atlantic Zeiser can be accommodated in a printing unit of the Rapida 105 or 106 presses.

The high-speed greyscale printer is equally suitable for coated, laminated, glossy, and non-absorbent materials. A mini controller takes care of system handling in marking, inspection, and quality assurance processes. Quality control, including verification of the variable data, is similarly the purpose of a high-speed camera system.

Another interesting option for packaging printers is the marking of individual blanks in connection with the inline sheet inspection system KBA QualiTronic Mark^Plus. Flawed blanks can then be ejected automatically during downstream processing, e.g.: in the folder gluer. With the KBA AirTronic Drum, further inline finishing processes are likely to be integrated in future.