KBA sheetfed offset users and potential users, who until now worked with other manufacturers, were amongst the participants.

Following a welcome by Jan Korenc, managing director of KBA CEE, and KBA executive vice-president Ralf Sammeck, the world’s second-largest press manufacturer’s broad product and performance portfolio were presented to the participants by sales director Sven Strzelczyk. Using balance sheet figures he underlined the KBA group’s above-average financial performance over the previous challenging years. With an equity rate of nearly 40% and the entry into new business fields, such as digital printing and flexible packaging, KBA offers its customers security and future orientation.

The practical part of the event included print demonstrations on typical commercial presses, which saw changes in jobs and substrates. A poster and a small book filled with cocktail recipes were produced on a five-colour new-generation Rapida 75. This was followed by postcards with high-quality matt/gloss coating. For this, the press was switched from conventional to UV inks and coating, and 400 g/m² (257lbs) postcard board was used. The visitors then learned more about the press’ technical details.

The second demonstration took place on a Rapida 105 for four-backing-four. A poster in straight printing at a maximum speed of 15,000sph was the first to be printed. Following a quick changeover to perfecting with automatic plate and substrate changes, a catalogue was then produced on 80g/m² (51lbs) paper. Finally the high flexibility of the perfecting press was put to the test with the production of challenging packaging with high colour imposition on 350g board at 14,000sph. Many participants used this chance to take a closer look and find out more about the Rapida 105.

The event was rounded off by a tour of the plant followed by an evening stroll through the historical city of Dresden.