KBA-MePrint is known for innovative printing solutions on demanding, nonabsorbent substrates. Presses for waterless UV offset printing have long formed a core competence of this KBA subsidiary. KBA-MePrint joins the premium class of label and laminate printing with the modular Varius LX-TX narrow web press. In a market where digital printing is gaining importance in numerous segments, the Varius LX-TX provides good print quality, versatility and individual equipment options for printing and finishing along with economic advantages for small to medium runs.
Better quality for short-runs
As a flexible narrow web press, the Varius LX-TX with ghosting-free short inking units is based on UV offset technology, a technology with good print quality in a wide range of real-world applications. The absence of ink keys and a dampening solution simplifies operation, saves time and leads to a drastic reduction of waste during job changes – an economic advantage for shorter runs.
Moreover, for label and laminate printing, the semi-rotary Varius LX-TX achieves the necessary format flexibility without expensive, complicated sleeves using cost effective, quickly imaged and automatically interchangeable offset plates. Compared to conventional solutions, this lowers production costs and unproductive machine downtime significantly. Especially for screen images, the superior detail and color brilliance of the waterless offset process shines – a great advantage for high quality wine, spirits, cosmetics and other premium labels, films or laminates with thicknesses between 50 and 500 microns.
The semi-rotary drive concept allows for continuous variation of the printing length without time-consuming changes for the plate and blanket cylinder. The high degree of automation with fully automatic plate change, auto register, optional quick-change doctor blade chambers and other features minimize set-up times. The sum of the technical and procedural advantages provides the user with opportunities for differentiation and specialization in a highly competitive market.
User-oriented technology platform
The fully modular design of the Varius LX-TX is not a purely offset press but a flexible and configurable user-oriented technology platform for the printing, finishing and post press required for premium labels. Instead of the anilox inking units, longer inking units without damping units can be integrated as well as modules for UV varnishingor opaque white applications (replaceable between different positions with in the machine), flat screen printing units from KBA-Kammann and digital printing heads for marking or personalization. The same flexibility applies to the in-line finishing with the possible integration of modules for cold and hot stamping, embossing, stamping, cutting, weeding, and more. Depending on customer requirements, a wide range of drying systems from different manufacturers are used. In addition to drying with ultraviolet and infrared radiation, a hot-air dryer system can also be installed.
Users of the Varius LX-TXdo not receive a machine simply off the rack, but a tailormade production line, customized to their needs. KBA-MePrint cooperated closely with the colleagues from KBA-Kammann for the technical implementation of the flexible module system. They are already experienced in addressing the high-value label and laminate market. The first machine from this cooperation will be delivered shortly to Italy
