KBA Rapida 164

Two different coater towers are available for the Rapida 164. The standard version pairs the chamber blade coating system with automated forme changing (SAPC). The positioning of the forme cylinder for changing is here automatic – as is also clamping and tensioning of the coating forme.

On a coater with DriveTronic SFC (Simultaneous Forme Change), the coating forme is changed simultaneously with plate changing and washing in the printing units. If only one coater of a double-coater press is in use, makeready on the second tower can be done while the current production is still running. With the AniSleeve system, it is additionally possible for a single operator to exchange the anilox roller sleeves, either during production or parallel to other makeready processes. This is at the same time a fast and convenient way to vary the coating application from job to job.

It goes without saying that the new Rapida 164 also possesses a high-level delivery with full preset capabilities. The Venturi sheet guiding concept ensures reliable sheet transfer right up to the maximum production speed of 15,000 sph, while KBA VariDry dryers in the extended delivery guarantee optimum drying results. In both infrared/hot-air and UV drying systems, the individual modules can be switched flexibly between the different interdeck and final drying positions. With VariDryBlue, KBA offers a particularly energy-efficient dryer system. The already warm, but not yet saturated drying air is recycled to subsequent dryer modules. Energy savings of up to 50 per cent are possible.

Ultramodern console with countless options

Since drupa 2012, all Rapida models – and thus also the Rapida 164 –are supplied with the new ErgoTronic console with wall screen. This console is able to accommodate various online systems for quality control, such as the automatic colour measuring system ErgoTronic ColorControl or the register measuring systems ErgoTronic ACR and ICR. Online integration with KBA DensiTronic and the pre-press department is similarly possible. The live image from inline quality monitoring with QualiTronic ColorControl or Professional can be displayed on the wall screen. Like all KBA consoles, the console of the Rapida 164 incorporates the integrated remote maintenance module PressSupport 24 Sheetfed with an Internet link for software updates.

The Rapida 164 can be supplied in all typical configurations for commercial, book and packaging printing, with one or two coater towers, intermediate dryer towers, a raised foundation for higher piles, accessory packages for lightweight papers, heavy board and corrugated, PileTronic pile logistics, perfecting, and many further application-specific extras. It thus maintains all the flexibility of its predecessor, but at the same time promises significantly enhanced performance, faster makeready processes and even greater economic efficiency in production.

The first Rapida 164 presses have already been in production in the field for some time. The experience gained flows directly into optimisation of the current series. As the predecessor model Rapida 162 is completely sold-out, KBA now offers only the new Rapida 164 for this format class. An open house with fitting official presentation of the new press is to be held at the KBA facility in Radebeul in the near future.