The feeder on the new generation Rapida 105 features a single wide suction belt that also allows reverse gathering of sheets back to the pile. The sidelay movement is made by grippers on the feed drum. The new 105 features a host of other productivity enhancements, and was shown running at 18,100sph.

It will be introduced "step by step", and for complex configurations the existing model only introduced itself in 1998 will continue to be sold as the Universal 105 for the next couple of years.

One of KBA's most intriguing new products is the Rapida 74G, a waterless press featuring the same keyless inking as the 74 Karat. With start-up waste as low as 10 sheets, KBA is targeting the press at short-run specialists that require high quality print on costly substrates. "It's waterless and keyless, but not waterless as people think of it 30 years ago. This is a new combination that gives a more standardised printing process," explained marketing director Klaus Schmidt.

The conventional Rapida 74 has received a speed boost to 18,000sph for straight printing or 15,000sph when perfecting. KBA has also teamed up with Swiss firm Perf Print Plus to offer an inline perforating, creasing and slitting option.

The three-day event in Radebeul was attended by more than 1,500 clients from around the world, including around 120 UK printers. It included a visit to see the world's first installation of KBA's giant new Rapida 205 at Ellerhold Grossplakate. The huge press has a sheet size of 205x151cm.

KBA's entire sheetfed range has adopted the sleek modern design akin to that used on the Karat and Genius, and the firm has also marked the end of an era by dropping the Planeta name.

At Drupa KBA's 3,500m2 stand will also feature its new 70,000cph 16pp Compacta 217 web.

Story by Jo Francis