A maximum of two clicks to every operating function

All medium and large-format Rapida presses have been equipped with a redesigned ErgoTronic console since Drupa 2012. With TouchTronic there now is also a new user interface making press operation, which is already extremely user friendly, even faster and easier.

The new ErgoTronic console is a prerequisite for TouchTronic. It features a daylight lighting system with a 5,000K standard light for optimum measuring table illumination. As in the past, the console is equipped with a sheet-inspection desk with desk angle adjustment (not for ErgoTronic ColorControl). The measuring arm can be equipped with corresponding measuring systems, e.g. ErgoTronic ColorControl (density measurement as well as L*a*b) and/or ErgoTronic ICR (register measurement). The optional wall screen offers even more comfort when visualising all press settings. The press operator can see live pictures from QualiTronic ColorControl, of the sheet travel (in perfectors) and ColorTronic ink metering with ink key display.

Shorter makeready times and less start-up waste

Instead of the usual keyboard the console features a 16:9 touchscreen at which the operator can activate all operating functions without any extra keypads. This makes operation fast and intuitive. All functions can be accessed easily by touching the screen a maximum of two times. The larger screen offers more information at a glance and also enhances clarity. Makeready times can be cut by up to 50 per cent with One-Button-Job-Change and the new FastInkUp function reduces start-up waste by up to 40 per cent.

Clear and logical job list

A clearly arranged job list is a new feature. All scheduled jobs are shown at a glance, including a preview of the CIP3 data. In addition, data regarding the image area of the jobs in question is made available ensuring optimum job sequencing which in turn reduces start-up waste and makeready times. Job-specific settings are also possible. The order of the jobs can be altered.

The job change programme carries out all selected makeready processes for the next job automatically in an optimised sequence in terms of time. All job and press settings can be loaded at the ErgoTronic console during production. This process is particularly simple thanks to the system’s intuitive user interface. The programme for job changing is activated at the touch of a button. The result: easy handling for press operators and fast job change.

FastInkUp cuts time and waste

The new FastInkUp function also helps to keep start-up waste and makeready times to a minimum. The ink feed roller can be disengaged at any specific point in time during production up to 20 sheets before the end of a job. The amount of ink in the inking unit is thus reduced without affecting the print quality of good sheets. After changing jobs, the ink run-up starts automatically with a ductor timing for the new ink profile. Therefore the ink profile in the inking unit is already set up for the new job before printing has started.

A feature of TouchTronic is devoted to special colours: the LogoTronic colour database. The set values (L*a*b*) of special colours stored in the database can be used for all jobs and connected presses. This considerably eases production with customer- and product-specific colours. The database can also be arranged according to print standards and paper classes.

The new Rapida 105 PRO comes with TouchTronic and since July 2015 all newly installed Rapida 106 presses have also featured it as standard. Large-format presses followed in autumn. In addition, the Rapida 105 has featured TouchTronic since the beginning of 2016. What is more, TouchTronic is available as an upgrade for the Rapida 145 and Rapida 164 with the latest ErgoTronic console.