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 predecessor the 162/162a [see table below].

Maximum sheet size on the Rapida 164 is 1,205x1,640mm, while the maximum print size is 1,190x1,640mm. Maximum production speed is 13,000sph or 15,000sph with KBA's high-speed upgrade.

The press can be specified in all typical configurations for commercial, book and packaging printing, with one or two coating units, intermediate dryers (IR/hot-air or UV), perfecting, a raised foundation for higher piles, PileTronic pile logistics, and accessory packages for lightweight papers, heavy board and corrugated board.

As it did with the Rapida 145, KBA has added a host of the fast makeready automation features from its B1 range to the new Rapida 164, 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 - thanks to a second washing beam, CleanTronic Synchro - 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 (UV/conventional).

Other features include the DriveTronic Infeed, for motorised adjustment of the front lays, and - new to the large-format class - KBA's sidelay-free infeed DriveTronic SIS, which avoids marking issues on sensitive substrates and eliminates operator intervention.

KBA said that beta installs of the new Rapida 164 had been in production in the field "for some time" and that it would hold an open house to give an official presentation of the new press as its facility in Radebeul "in the near future".

All existing stock of the Rapida 162 has been sold and KBA will now only offer the Rapida 164 in this class.

KBA Rapida 164 vs 162 

Max sheet size
164: 1,205x1,640mm
162/162a*: 1,120x1,620mm / 1,200x1,620mm

Max Speed
164: 13,000-15,000sph
162/162a*: 13,000-14,000sph / 12,000-13,000sph

Price
164 tbc
162* five-colour with coater £2.25m

*Rapida 162 and 162a has been discontinued; specifications given for comparison