The Rapida 164, which KBA has dubbed the "big sister" to the Rapida 145 that was unveiled at Drupa, features a marginally larger sheet size and higher print speed than its predecessors.
Maximum sheet size is 1,205×1,640mm, while the maximum print size is 1,190×1,640mm. Maximum production speed is 13,000sph or 15,000sph with KBA's high-speed upgrade.
KBA Australia's sheetfed general manager, Dave Lewis, told ProPrint: "The 164 is now available for sale here. This press is the successor to the Rapida 162 and we have several Rapida 162 installations in Australia. This is a very specialised area in this sheet format but we have some local projects ongoing."
[Related: KBA inkjet web press targets books]
The Rapida 164 can be specified in all typical configurations for commercial, book and packaging printing, with one or two coating units, intermediate dryers, perfecting, a raised foundation for higher piles, PileTronic pile logistics, and accessory packages for lightweight papers, heavy board and corrugated board.
KBA has also added a host of the fast makeready automation features from its B1 range, including its DriveTronic SPC simultaneous plate change technology, which reduces total plate change time to 110 seconds, irrespective of the press length.
DriveTronic SPC also allows the blankets and impression cylinders to be washed at the same time in parallel to the plate changing. Alternatively both washing beams can be used to clean the blanket, halving the blanket wash time.
KBA's ReInk ink roller washing is said to cut ink roller washing to 90 seconds, while CleanTronic Multi is a multi-purpose washing circuit aimed at printers that need to switch frequently between ink systems.
Other features include the DriveTronic Infeed, for motorised adjustment of the front lays, and KBA's sidelay-free infeed DriveTronic SIS, which avoids marking issues on sensitive substrates and eliminates operator intervention.
KBA will only offer the Rapida 164 in this class once the few remaining Rapida 162s have been sold.
KBA Rapida comparison
Max sheet size
164: 1,205×1,640mm
162: 1,120×1,620mm
162a: 1,200×1,620mm
Max Speed
164: 13,000-15,000sph
162: 13,000-14,000sph
162a: 12,000-13,000sph
This article originally appeared at printweek.com
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter