Eight-Colour KBA Press Replaces Three Machines

Canadian company 3S Printers has replaced three sheetfed offset presses with a new KBA Rapida 105 41" eight-colour sheetfed press.

Canadian company 3S Printers has replaced three sheetfed offset presses with a new KBA Rapida 105 41" eight-colour sheetfed press with perfecting, UV hybrid and in-line coating capabilities in one pass.

The privately-held general commercial printer in Richmond, British Columbia is the first printer in Canada and western North America to have this type of press.

President of 3S, Dave Sandhu, commented: "There are no other machines like it in this part of the country.

It certainly differentiates us from our competition.

Now, we can offer our customers the ability to utilise UV.

There are many reasons to offer it.

First, we gain time using UV inks, because the UV inks harden instantly when exposed to UV lights thus turning the job immediately." He added: "Secondly, there is a quality achievement as high-speed curing eliminates the need to powder spray so the gloss of the ink is not impaired.

Finally, we reap the benefits of ecology because UV curing eliminates the need for solvents in the ink so there are no VOC emissions." The Rapida 105 press at 3S Printers is equipped with an array of KBA systems, including the Logotronic management system and Densitronic S closed loop colour control system and a combined density and colour measuring system for quality control both during and after printing.

Sandhu continued: "KBA automation and management functions allow us to keep track of how quickly and efficiently we are printing our jobs and maintain a high-level of colour control on every job.

Our new Rapida 105 replaced three existing presses - a 40" six-colour, a 40" four-colour and a 28" four-colour.

By installing the Rapida, we not only gain in automation and efficiency but we also gain extra units." The addition of the new press is part of a new chapter for the company, according to Sandhu, who explained: "This is an exciting time for us.

We're moving our 43 employees in to a new 30,000 square foot building with a new highly-automated press.

We have installed a Creo Lotem 800 computer-to-plate system to replace a Creo Trendsetter to keep up with the high speeds on the new press.

We'll also be installing a JDF-based Stahl folder and Compcut JDF based Polar cutter later this year to add to our finishing capabilities." He added that in September, the company plans to have an open house for its customers and potential clients to see the new facility and equipment.

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