(October 26, 2008) KBA recently booked its second order within just a few weeks for a top-spec eight-colour Rapida 106 perfector for a Belgian user. After GEmediaprint in Eupen, attention moves across to Bema Graphics in Wommelgem, where a comprehensive market analysis preceded the decision in favour of the high-tech press shown at drupa 2008. Managing director Bart Beyers is convinced that the fully equipped Rapida 106 will lend a significant boost to the company's development.

The new press is to be configured with practically all the drupa innovations for maximised efficiency and faster makeready. This means above all the DriveTronic SPC direct drive technology with simultaneous plate changing and Plate-Ident automatic register presetting, inline colour measurement and control with QualiTronic professional, the self-regulating sidelay-free sheet infeed system DriveTronic SIS, washing systems for parallel blanket and impression cylinder washing, fully automatic positioning of the sheet brake elements in the delivery, and much more besides. In a series of print tests, the press was able to demonstrate its mastering of the highest demands in respect of print quality and colour consistency. The Bema Graphics press is also to be used for hexachrome production, in addition to full-colour perfecting. 

When Bart Beyers took over the company from his father in 1997, it was still working exclusively in the format 50 x 70 cm. The acquisition of Emico Offset in 2007 gave the start signal for Bema's activities on the 70 x 100 cm market. The new Rapida 106 is the first new press to be installed for this format and is viewed as a key contribution to modernisation of the business.