Lower costs and better quality for shorter runs

As a flexible narrow web press, the Varius LX-TX with ghosting-free short inking units is based on UV offset technology, a technology that has proven itself with a brilliant print quality in a wide range of real-world applications. The absence of ink keys and dampening solution simplifies operation, saves time and leads to a drastic reduction of waste during job changes – a crucial economic advantage for shorter runs. In addition, for label and laminate printing, the semi-rotary Varius LX-TX achieves the necessary format flexibility without expensive, complicated sleeves using cost-effective, quickly imaged and automatically interchangeable offset plates. Compared to conventional solutions, this lowers production costs and unproductive machine downtime significantly. Especially for screen images, the superior detail and colour brilliance of the waterless offset process shines – a great advantage for high-quality wine, spirits, cosmetics and other premium labels, films or challenging laminates with thicknesses between 50 and 500 microns.

The semi-rotary drive concept allows for continuous variation of the printing length without time-consuming changes for the plate and blanket cylinder. The high degree of automation with fully automatic plate change, auto register, optional quick-change doctor blade chambers and other features greatly minimises set-up times.

The sum of the technical and procedural advantages provides the user with opportunities for differentiation and specialisation in a highly competitive market.

User-oriented technology platform

The fully modular design of the Varius LX-TX is not a purely offset press but a flexible and configurable, user-oriented technology platform for the printing, finishing and postpress required for premium labels. Instead of the anilox inking units, longer inking units without damping units can be integrated as well as modules for UV varnishing or opaque white applications (replaceable between different positions within the machine), flat screen printing units from KBA-Kammann and digital printing heads (also subsequently) for marking or personalisation. The same flexibility applies to the inline finishing with the possible integration of modules for cold and hot stamping, embossing, stamping, cutting, weeding, etc. 

Depending on customer requirements, a wide range of drying systems from different manufacturers are used. In addition to drying with ultraviolet and infrared radiation, a hot-air dryer system can also be installed.

Users of the Varius LX-TX do not receive a machine simply of the rack, but a tailor-made production line, customised to their needs. KBA-MePrint cooperated closely with the colleagues from KBA-Kammann for the technical implementation of the flexible module system. They are already experienced in addressing the high-value label and laminate market. The first machine from this cooperation will be delivered shortly to Italy.

Advantages of Varius LX-TX at a glance:

• Significantly less paper waste (up to 90% less)
• Faster job and format changes (no change of sleeves or cassettes)
• Minimal set-up times due to automatic plate change
• No adjustment of ink zones, no dampening unit
• Less volatile organic components (VOC)
• Photo-realistic multi-colour printing with high colour brilliance
• Consistent colour reproduction, no ghosting
• Excellent reproducibility of repeat jobs
• Fast, easy to learn operation
• Economical and competitive for small to medium print runs