A KBA Rapida 105 medium-format press has been strutting its stuff at Pakistani print enterprise Artotec in Karachi since early April. The six-colour coater press with extended delivery was installed in a brand-new commercial printing plant boasting cutting-edge technology from pre-press to the mailroom. The press operators at the 40-employee company headed by managing director Wahab Rehmani have become keen KBA fans: the Rapida 105 went into full-scale production following an installation, commissioning and training period of just three weeks.

Along with nonstop facilities at the feeder and delivery Artotec's new Rapida 105 features an array of automation modules embracing plate change and the washing systems for the blankets and inking rollers. A speed-enhancement package supports press speeds of up to 16,500 sheets per hour, mostly on stock weights of up to 600gsm (375lb Bristol), though 1.2mm (48pt) board can also be printed. Mechanical guide elements and sheet travel control ensure the secure transfer of heavy substrates. The coater incorporates a Harris & Bruno chambered doctoring system and lightweight anilox rollers. The 2.6m (7ft 6in) delivery extension houses a hybrid VariDry dryer with IR and thermal radiation units for drying both conventional inks and aqueous coatings.

Following the highly successful launch of Pakistan's first Rapida 105 KBA anticipates to further orders in a densely populated country where there is a huge pent-up demand for press technology.