KBA has already been supplying sheetfed offset technology to the Hanau facility of international packaging group DS Smith for several decades. Other DS Smith locations also work with Rapida sheetfed offset presses, predominantly in large format. It is thus no great surprise that the new production centre for display and consumer packaging in nearby Erlensee will again be relying on highly automated large-format Rapidas from KBA-Sheetfed.

A new KBA Rapida 145 has already been taken into service, and further large-format Rapidas were relocated to Erlensee from the old print centre in Hanau. Before reinstallation, however, they were treated to a thorough overhaul and a number of state-of-the-art retrofits. All three presses are integrated into automatic logistics systems, which handle substrate transport along the whole chain from initial delivery through to post-press finishing and conversion.

The new six-colour Rapida 145 with inline coating unit is engineered for production speeds up to 17,000 sheets per hour. Comprehensive automation lays the foundation for efficient packaging production. Inline quality management is another extremely important aspect. With QualiTronic ColorControl, ink densities are measured and controlled sheet after sheet over the whole length of a run.

Looking ahead to further years of reliable service 

The first of the relocated Rapidas came back on stream at the new facility last autumn. With its new grippers and retrofitted logistics components, it is set for many more years of reliable service. After recommissioning, work began on the overhaul of the second large-format Rapida. The whole relocation project was then completed at the beginning of 2017.

Number one in folding cartons 

KBA-Sheetfed is the long-established market leader for large-format folding carton production. From multinational packaging groups to regional family-run businesses, users appreciate the enormous substrate flexibility and productivity of the large-format Rapidas, the particular readiness with which KBA addresses requests for application-oriented press configurations, and the company's superior know-how in the field of inline finishing. Economic efficiency is today a key focus for developments in the packaging branch. In this respect, unique technical features such as universal gripper systems, the sidelay-free infeed DriveTronic SIS or individual logistics solutions have contributed decisively to the high reputation of sheetfed offset technology manufactured in Radebeul.