(September 09, 2008) Following a record-breaking performance at Drupa that secured the title of world makeready champion in medium format, KBA's 18,000sph high-tech Rapida 106 has been on a roll as more and more printers recognise the benefits of advanced automation.

Most specifications for the new Rapida 106 include special features for quality measurement and control plus a raft of KBA DriveTronic modules. For example, eighty per cent of all the models sold to date sport a no-sidelay DriveTronic SIS infeed, while more than a quarter also incorporate DriveTronic SPC dedicated plate-cylinder drives for simultaneous plate changes. Including its predecessor, the Rapida 105, there are 60 B1 (41in) Rapida presses with dedicated drives in operation or scheduled for shipment, giving KBA a clear edge in this innovative drive technology. The productivity boost they deliver is most apparent with perfector presses for 4 over 4 or 5 over 5, but even five- or six-colour straight coater presses can reap the benefits.

It is striking that the Rapida 106 had barely been launched on the market before a number of printers signed up for multiple press lines, among them PT Gramedia in Jakarta, Indonesia (two eight-colour perfectors for 4 over 4 with DriveTronic SPC and DriveTronic SIS), Al Khat in Kuwait (one five- and one eight-colour, the latter with a full suite of DriveTronic components) and Kroiss & Bichler in Regau, Austria (five-colour Rapida 106 coater press and four-colour perfector, both with DriveTronic SIS). Two Belgian printers, GE Mediaprint in Eupen and Bema Graphics in Wommelgem, have opted for an eight-colour version with QualiTronic Professional plus DriveTronic SPC/SIS. This illustrates how well the new-generation press has been received in the market. The main reasons cited for choosing such a high level of automation are the need to streamline production and minimise costs in order to remain competitive in the price-oriented litho sector.