The press giant said it had already signed a number of big orders during the past few months and was looking forward to the show.

Eric Frank, vice president of marketing at KBA North America, said that the recession was not affecting expectations for the show.

"We are cautiously optimistic and are focusing on helping our customers learn about new potential operating efficiencies, new market opportunities and how to add value to their work," he added.

On show at its 840sqm stand will be its flagship eight-colour Rapida 106 perfector running in a four-over-four configuration and fitted with DriveTronic plate-changing and workflow systems.

The company claimed the live demonstration would offer "renewed proof of its status as makeready world champion".

KBA will also be giving a North American debut to the five-colour Rapida 75 with integrated coater.

The printer is engineered for the extended sheet format 605x750mm. Its ability to wash the impression cylinders parallel to blanket washing enables significant savings in makeready, the company claimed.

A Genius 52 UV, which is built by KBA subsidiary Metronic, will be running on paper, plastic and board throughout the show.

Print 09 is due to take place on 11-16 September, in Chicago, US.