Koenig & Bauer offers upgrade for older Rapida presses

The new unique value-added technology offers several benefits for the customers operating older Rapida presses. These include higher automation levels, waste reduction, metrics capture, ISO and G7 compliance, and integration with third-party reporting software.

The SpectroDrive system analyzes the digital image and automatically presets the ink keys on the press before the run begins. During the press run, a sheet is pulled, and the Spectro densitometer scans a color bar spanning all ink zone locations in a single operation. Ink keys are automatically adjusted, and the results are displayed on a press-side touch screen monitor for the press operator. The color control software verifies that the press is printing correctly and enables reporting on critical metrics.

One of the first to receive the upgrade is a US-based packaging printer headquartered in the Southeast. According to both companies, since the installation, the converter has seen dramatic improvements in makeready, consistency of color throughout the run, better color management, and reduced waste. The upgrade switch installation takes less than a day, followed by a week of training. 

‘This new partnership will provide our valued Rapida customers with a way to easily update older equipment to today’s process control standards and meet the demands of plant and brand owners color communication needs, extending the life of their machines even further,’ said Michael Eichler, Koenig & Bauer’s sales director of service select.

‘Our team is excited to expand the relationship with Koenig & Bauer to include this closed-loop SpectroDrive system,’ added Jim Lange, executive vice president at Techkon USA. ‘It builds upon the existing partnership in place for in-line measurement components and technical support services, adding new workflow automation for older Rapida presses.’