---

Describe your business
We are an award-winning family-owned company, with a strong presence in the journals and magazine sector.

What does the KBA Rapida 106 do?
The machine’s DriveTronic Simultaneous Platechanging System (SPC) in a long-perfecting 10-unit configuration features quality assurance software QualiTronic, DensiTronic and LogoTronic to ensure every page is right, every time. Should any errors occur the sheets are tagged and removed quickly and simply.

Why did you choose this particular press?
To improve efficiency, quality and ultimately be more productive, competitive and profitable. It was also important the new press complied with our commitment to the environment.

Did you look at any other similar options?
We shortlisted four manufacturers and put each of their presses through the same tests, all based on live work we do. When we analysed the results the Rapida was clearly ahead.

Why did you make the purchase?
Cambrian has always invested in the latest technology and state-of-the-art machinery – this was the next and necessary step forward in these challenging times.

What features do you particularly like?
It has to be the Synchronised Plate Change and the SIS infeed system. They are must-haves.

Is there anything that you dislike?
The maximum speed of 15,000 impressions per hour (iph) –  20,000iph would be much better.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
An espresso machine would be really handy.

How reliable is it?
Mechanically it’s excellent – it’s German. Electrically it’s good, but there’s room for improvement.

What’s the quality like?
Erm, it’s German, what do you think?

How easy is it to use?
If you can print, you can run the 106. It prints beautifully.

How much time or money has it saved?
Put it like this: we removed three presses and replaced it with one, the KBA Rapida 106.

Has it won you any new work?
Yes – weekly titles that require a 12-hour turnaround that previously would have been impossible.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Long-term for sure, but short-term, like any large investment, you don’t always see the benefits immediately.

Have you had any difficulties with the machine?
The installation went like a dream. We planned well ahead and, working with KBA, we process mapped the whole installation from start to finish.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
I won’t lie, I did have my doubts, especially because of our location in Aberystwyth. But I have to say that the service support post-installation has been superb.
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
Any business that prints on both sides of the sheet in the B1 market. Simple as that.

Under what circumstances would you buy another? 
Watch this space.

---

CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response
Christian Knapp, KBA UK managing director, says: "Cambrian has opted for the quickest makeready machine on the market with SPC, SIS and the super-responsive QualiTronic CC (colour-control) system which allows it to extend the litho boundaries to economic production of low to very low runs. KBA believes that high-productivity presses should provide for the occasional high-volume job but essentially must allow the user to produce economically with the quickest job-to-job changeover. The Rapida 106 does exactly this."
Price £3m
Contact KBA 01923 819922