KBA to grow Bulgarian package printing market

Bulgarian packaging printer Unipack has purchased a KBA Rapida 106 that it is to use to produce cosmetics packaging, and which the press manufacturer said is likely to be the ‘longest and most extensively equipped’ sheet-fed offset press line in Bulgaria when it is installed in April.
 
The six-color B1 (41in) press features two coaters, KBA DriveTronic SPC dedicated plate-cylinder drives and a series of automation modules. In addition to conventional inks, the Rapida 106 press will be capable of applying UV inks, and its two coaters will enable it to apply a range of different coatings – both conventional and UV – in either single or multiple applications.
 
The Rapida 106 for Unipack will have five ports for interchangeable interdeck UV dryers that can be positioned and relocated according to the type of job being printed. Washing systems for the different types of ink are included in the press package.
 
KBA said that as the Rapida will primarily be used to print short and medium runs, Unipack opted for fast, simultaneous plate changing with DriveTronic SPC. Image quality will be monitored by in-line QualiTronic colour density controls, DensiTronic Professional with spectral measurement and ErgoTronic automatic camera register control.
 
Additional equipment includes a board-handling package plus non-stop systems at the feeder and delivery.
 
The installation could pave the way for further orders for the German printing press manufacturer in eastern Europe, with KBA stating: ‘There is an urgent need for investment among Bulgarian printers, and at present financing is facilitated by grants from the EU. KBA is therefore confident of booking further contracts from this region, especially in view of Bulgaria's favorable situation as a direct trade link between Serbia and Greece.’