KBA Genius press perfect for unusual substrates

Swiss print provider Druckstoff in Horw, was launched last summer with a business model powered by the installation of the first KBA Genius 52UV in Switzerland.

The waterless press is claimed by KBA to be suitable for printing new, unusual products on substrates that are often beyond the capabilities of conventional offset presses.

Such print materials include diverse plastics and paper with non-absorbent surfaces.

KBA said that in the Genius press, UV inks harden in the delivery and, as a result, the press can even print sensitive substrates, such as PVC, ABS, PET, PS and PC cost-effectively.

The Genius 52UV features an anilox screen roller in each of the press's five inking units ensures that the image is inked 100 per cent uniformly.

KBA added that semi-automatic plate changing reduces job change-overs to a few minutes with run-up to saleable colour in 10 sheets.

The press can handle substrates measuring 360mm x 520mm (14.17in x 20.47in) and up to 0.8mm thick (32pt).

UV curing allows the sheets to be turned and printed on the reverse side andr die-cut, scored, folded, embossed or trimmed immediately after impression.

The driving forces at Druckstoff are Peter Glanzmann, Stefan Scalet and Beat Vogel.

Scalet said: 'Our skill and inspiration in pursuing new business lines have convinced us that there is far too little diversification in the marketplace in respect of everyday printed products.

We are specifically on the lookout for niche products made of synthetics, metal, wood or cartonboard, with the main focus on premium-quality, beautifully finished promotional and packaging goods.

With the first Genius 52UV to be installed in Switzerland we are able to provide top-quality print at competitive prices.

We are also able to achieve some special effects that were previously impossible.

Druckstoff believes in conserving the environment by using sustainable resources and recycled substrates.

The waterless Genius 52UV dispenses with isopropyl alcohol and the other stabilisers, which in conventional offset are normally added to the fount solution.

The Genius's keyless inking system means that emission levels are low, claimed KBA.

The Swiss print firm sees itself as a provider of ideas for unusual types of packaging and products, and creative designers from the advertising industry are on hand to offer guidance and support to the UV press operators.

Stefan Scalet commented: 'We provide our customers with products that are out of the ordinary, for example with haptic properties to stimulate the user's sense of touch.

Our products attract the eye while at the same time projecting the customer's corporate image - that is a key function of the advertising business today.

Among other things they can include 3D or flip-flop images on special lenticular film.

We also use environmentally friendly products, such as wood veneers and organic resources that can be processed to create unusual substrates.

Examples of these are loyalty cards and stickers which are non-polluting even when disposed of as waste.

The office supplies we can print on the Genius 52UV include mouse pads, transparent sleeves and document cases with personalised corporate advertising, table mats, mobile telephone cases, desk mats, smart pocket diaries, rulers and so on.

There is also a big demand in the catering, hotel and manufacturing industries for durable, waterproof products.

Examples of these are door hangers, restaurant menus, printed die-cutting components, wipe-clean labels, tags and signs, and magnetic foils and adhesive films that can be applied to smooth surfaces without using glue.

He continued: 'We are confident that our customers consider us a competent provider of products that meet their specific needs.

This is because we are a one-stop shop for design and manufacture.

We see ourselves as a creative 'forge' for substrates of exceptionally high quality.

The Swiss company is delighted with the high-speed job changes and the quality provided by its Genius 52UV press.

Druckstoff's Peter Glanzmann explained: 'We trawled the press market but were unable to find any other press with the same level of versatility and ability to print such a broad range of substrates as the Genius 52UV.

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