World's Largest Sheet Fed UV Press First For UK

The first UK Rapida 205, KBA's 'Super XXL' format sheetfed press, has been ordered by Augustus Martin and will be the largest sheetfed press ever installed in the UK, claimed press manufacturer KBA.

The first UK Rapida 205, KBA's 'Super XXL' format sheetfed press, has been ordered by Augustus Martin and will be the largest sheetfed press ever installed in the UK, claimed press manufacturer KBA.

It will also be the world's largest UV sheetfed offset press, as capable of printing on plastic as it is on board and paper added the company.

The London Docklands-based group, which is one of the UK's largest producers of point of purchase (POP) material and outdoor media, has also taken an option on a second Rapida 205.

Through a total first phase investment package exceeding £3m Augustus Martin said it is aiming to reinforce its leadership in retail and brand communication by expanding and enhancing its existing super-large sheetfed capability.

Augustus Martin joint managing director Lascelle Barrow commented: " All our investment decisions are based on identifying customer needs and delivering cost or service benefits to them - the KBA 205 will fit perfectly with that aim." The first Rapida 205, a five-colour UV machine, will be delivered to Augustus Martin's main London plant.

The new kit will compliment Augustus Martin's existing 21 KBA Rapida units, which are spread across Rapida 105 and 162 models.

To complete the picture Augustus Martin also has screen process and digital printing technology.

The scale of the Rapida 205 is exemplified by the fact that its sheet pile alone weighs up to three tonnes.

Whilst embracing all the benefits of the 162 range, the 205 is an entirely new press designed to run at speeds up to 11,000 sheets per hour (sph) said KBA.

The press offers shaftless feeding, double sheet sensors and a swing arm in-feed allowing gentle acceleration.

There is an exceptionally short inking unit with just 16 rollers allowing for low wastage and short washing times.

The 205 also offers substrate flexibility, including a wide range of paper, board and metallised stocks from 0.1mm up to 1.2mm and even 1.6mm on request.

"The Rapida 205 is well suited for Augustus Martin's varied range of applications and customers.

This Rapida 205 is truly the leader in XXL format and this proven technology will extend our successful growth in large format.

Over 11 Rapida 205 presses have been sold worldwide in the past year and I see a strong UK potential for this machine," said KBA UK managing director, Christian Knapp.

He added that he was hopeful that KBA UK would shortly be making further announcements regarding major UK printing industry investment in KBA technology.

The Augustus Martin Group, founded in 1966 by the present joint managing directors Lascelle Barrow and Barrie Dix operates a policy of sustained investment in the latest offset, screen and digital printing equipment.

Today the Group has a turnover set to touch ?40m and provides employment for nearly 350 staff.

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