KBA Rapida 105

This B1 press set the benchmark for frame design and incorporated a range of high-tech features that ensured its success, finds Nosmot Gbadamosi
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Sticking to its tried and tested blueprint was KBA's strategy when designing the Rapida 105. The single piece printing unit frame, now an industry standard, was based on a design from 1965, but underneath the skin was a B1 press that featured some of the most cutting edge technology available at the time.

"When KBA developed the Rapida 105, it created the first genuine B1 hybrid - a highly productive core machine with sophisticated technical options that could be configured to excel in particular work profiles, such as commercial, packaging, labels, magazine and book printing," says KBA UK executive sales director Mark Nixon.

Introduced to coincide with the German manufacturer's centenary in 1998, the 105 boasted full automation, ­including gripper and format changes. To date, there have been 40 machines installed in the UK and more than 500 worldwide.
"It achieved worldwide success and high-quality used models can be sourced globally," says Dean Beckett, sales director of Direct Press Marketing (DPM), a UK-based used press dealer. "When you take into account the reliability, productivity and energy-efficiency of these machines, you have to rate them as excellent value and sound investments."

Additional options
The press could be configured with up to 12 printing units and additional single or multiple anilox coating units were available, along with a full suite of automation options. These ranged from program and format pre-selection at the console to fully automatic plate changing.

A comprehensive range of optional extras allowed the user to handle a full range of substrates and applications. These included: non-stop pile-changing for the feeder and delivery; semi- or fully-automatic plate changing; plinths and raised foundations; various integrated washing and drying systems to suit a whole range of inks; advanced cooling and temperature control systems; and the option of perfecting stocks up to 0.7mm.

At Drupa 2004, the 105 was radically redeveloped in a bid to stay at the forefront of press technology. The original became known as the 105 Universal, while the new Rapida 105 was the world's first press without sidelays in the feeder. Sidelay action was carried out by the grippers on the feed drum and a single wide-suction belt allowed for the reverse gathering of sheets back to the pile.

Shorter makeready
A console program on the machine allowed unused inking units to be mechanically disengaged from the press drive. This resulted in shorter wash-up times, longer service life for the rollers and more efficient makeready.

Although the 105 has been superseded by the Rapida 106, which was launched at Drupa last year, KBA still ­manufactures the press. "The next-generation Rapida 106 has become KBA's new technology trail-blazer, with Drivetronic SPC direct plate cylinder drives, but the refined version of the 105 is still in production because it is a highly competitive B1 printing press by any standards," says Nixon.

A full range of spare parts and many ancillaries are readily available direct from KBA or via secondhand dealers such
as DPM.

"DPM's sister company DMD Graphic Services has been working closely with KBA in the UK and Europe over the past six years, building expertise in both young and older models," explains DPM's Beckett.
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Specifications
Max printing speed
15,000sph/16,500sph (DOC)
Max sheet size
720x1,050mm (DOC)
Max printing area
730x1,030mm (DOC)
Feeder pile height
1,300mm
Substrate thickness
0.06-1.6 mm
Price
New Rapida 105 5-colour £700,000
2001 Rapida 105 5-colour £300,000
What to look for
· Coating unit represents a better investment
· Temperature control for resale overseas