KBA launches modular Varius LX-TX narrow web offset press

KBA-MePrint has launched the modular Varius LX-TX narrow web offset press to target opportunities in printing and finishing, along with economic advantages, of small to medium runs.

The Varius LX-TX from KBA-MePrint is ideal for producing labels for quality wine, cosmetics and spirits and other luxury items as well as for printing tube laminates

Varius LX-TX has a maximum machine speed of 50m/min, with web widths from 100mm to 430mm and a maximum printing width of 420mm.

It can print on self-adhesive label substrates, laminates and foils with a thickness of 50-500 microns (substrate-dependent).

Varius LX-TX features ghosting-free short inking units and is based on waterless UV offset technology, with the absence of ink keys and damping units simplifying operation, saving time and resulting in a ‘drastic reduction of waste during job changes’.

Fully automatic plate change, auto register, optional quick-change doctor blade chambers and other features are included to minimize set-up times.

In addition, for label and laminate printing, the semi-rotary Varius LX-TX uses cost-effective, quickly imaged and automatically interchangeable offset plates, which KBA-MePrint said achieves the necessary format flexibility without 'expensive, complicated sleeves'.

The semi-rotary drive concept allows for continuous variation of the printing length without changing the plate and blanket cylinder.

The fully modular design of the Varius LX-TX means it is not a purely offset press but a flexible and configurable, user-oriented technology platform for the printing, finishing and post-press required for producing premium labels, according to KBA-MePrint. Instead of the anilox inking units, longer inking units without damping units can be integrated as well as modules for UV varnishing or opaque white applications (replaceable between different positions within the machine), flat screen printing units from KBA-Kammann and digital printing heads for marking or personalization.

Finishing is also modular, with the possibility to integrate modules for cold and hot stamping, embossing, stamping, cutting, weeding, etc.

Depending on customer requirements, a wide range of drying systems from different manufacturers can be used. In addition to drying with UV and IR, a hot air dryer system can be installed.

KBA-MePrint, a subsidiary of German printing equipment manufacturer Koenig & Bauer (KBA) which specializes in the development, design, production, marketing and service of UV printing systems for paper, cardboard, plastic, electronic data storage devices, plastic cards, cans, tubes, labels and film, and has cooperated closely with KBA-Kammann, another KBA subsidiary, for the technical implementation of the flexible module system.

The development of Varius LX-TX has allowed KBA-MePrint to join the premium class of label and laminate printing, the company said.

‘In a market where digital printing is gaining importance in numerous segments, the Varius LX-TX provides an outstanding print quality, versatility and individual equipment options for printing and finishing along with economic advantages for small to medium runs,’ KBA-MePrint stated when announcing the launch of Varius LX-TX.