Hybrid Ink Press Helps Firm Target Packaging Print

The UK's first large format sheetfed press offering hybrid inks technology will arrive at Clifford Press, Coventry at the end of this year and be operational during January 2006.

The UK's first large format sheetfed press offering hybrid inks technology will arrive at Clifford Press, Coventry at the end of this year and be operational during January 2006.

The press, a KBA Rapida 162a six colour and coat machine and part of a GBP2.5m investment programme, will enhance the company's KBA-based pressroom and spearhead a drive in to the firm's chosen growth sector - high quality packaging print.

With existing KBA Rapida 162a and Rapida 105/8 presses, Clifford Press has an already established reputation for fine art print, for book printing and for mapwork, said KBA.

It has seen steady growth in the commercial sector and is purchasing the large format Rapida to offer its customers versatility and choice.

Clifford Press's works director Paul Cockerill said: "We expect to take no more than 20 minutes to switch from conventional inks to hybrid inks.

We have to stay one step in front of the opposition and the use of hybrid inks will allow us to respond creatively to our customers' needs." KBA said that the press is one of the highest specification machines to leave the company's stable this year.

It features Logotronic Professional workflow, automatic plate changing, multiple washing for blankets, plates and impression cylinders, Adphos/Eltosch Light Guide UV drying technology, ink temperature control and a cardboard package that will allow the press to print on solid board up to 1.2mm thickness and on E-Flute up to 1.5mm.

The Rapida 162a has a maximum sheet size of 1,200mm X 1,620mm and a claimed output of between 12,000 to 15,000 sheets per hour (sph).

A new Luscher CTP system with automatic plate punching will feed the new press.

Clifford Press, a 30-employee company with a turnover of GBP4.5 million produces a mix of work direct to its own commercial clients and also for large format trade customers.

The English Midlands is home to only two large format sheetfed producers giving Clifford Press a welcome edge, added the company.

KBA believes that it is the established market leader in the provision of large format sheetfed technology.

Its Rapida 130/142 machines have been installed with packaging producers.

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