KBA North America announces that it will launch the Varius 80, a new variable-format web offset press for the flexible packaging market at Drupa 2012 scheduled for May 3-16 in Düsseldorf, Germany. KBA has booked a large 37,700ft² stand in Hall 16, Stand C47 as the showcase for its many new developments for sheetfed, digital and web offset printers.

The new Varius 80 is a modular, variable-format web offset press designed for the flexible packaging market. It implements the same waterless technology as the KBA Genius 52UV 20-inch press, with short-train inking units and UV drying. This combination achieves excellent print quality on flexible, non-absorbent substrates with very low start-up waste. The offset plates, moreover, are significantly less expensive than the sleeves required for a flexo process. The keyless and waterless Varius 80 is already in full color after 328 feet – a waste saving of around 80% compared to other presses. As runs become ever shorter and job changes more frequent, it is an advantage that can make all the difference. And the higher quality of offset compared to flexo no doubt answers the wishes of many print customers. The press is also environmentally-friendly since the Varius 80 uses no water, no solvent and no powder. Engineered for a maximum web width of 31.5-inches and a production speed of 1,312 feet per minute, the Varius 80 from KBA-MePrint handles substrate thicknesses from 30 to 800µm. The printing length is variable between 21 and 34 inches. Changes in format length are accomplished in a matter of minutes with an automated plate and blanket cylinder change function (no sleeves).