Indonesia based Gramedia Printing Group has placed an order with KBA Asia-Pacific for two eight-colour perfector versions of the Rapida 106 exhibited at drupa. The order follows four four-colour KBA presses; two medium-format Rapida 105 universals, one Rapida 105 and one half-size Rapida 74 previously installed by the company.

According to KBA, eight-colour perfector presses for four over four are no novelty in Southeast Asia, however it is unusual for them to boast such a high level of automation and performance as that specified for the two identical Rapida 106 press lines.

In addition to automatic plate changing Gramedia has opted for closed-loop densitometric colour measurement and control, a LogoTronic Basic management information system, a lightweight print capability and dedicated plate-cylinder drives, which allow all eight plates to be changed simultaneously in a around 60 seconds.

KBA adds in conjunction with various other contemporary processes this makes for exceptionally fast job changes – as KBA demonstrated at drupa by printing 15 jobs of 520 good sheets apiece in less than 60 minutes.

The two presses are scheduled to ship in September. Once they are up and running they will position Gramedia at the forefront of medium-format press technology, according to KBA.

www.i-grafix.com