Since Heidelberg’s withdrawal
from DI offset the spotlight has shifted away from the 74 Karat.
Nonetheless, KBA continues to ship this model and will be exhibiting an
upgraded version at Drupa 2008. Why? In view of the current focus on
environmental issues and web-to-print, the 74 Karat represents a viable
alternative to conventional offset for printers keen to drive success by
raising their environmental profile in the marketplace.
Since the 74 Karat made its
debut at Drupa 2000 over 120 presses have been sold. At Drupa 2008 it
will be demonstrating its green credentials with web-to-print and a host
of unique qualities.
Where previously cost
efficiency, print quality and quick-fire short-run colour were the prime
qualities that sold the 74 Karat, these have been increasingly outshone
by its environmental credentials and its compatibility with workflow
digitisation embracing order origination.
The Karat’s waterless,
keyless technology, on-press imaging and all-digital workflow from
pre-press to press, and its 100% repetitive accuracy from one print to
the next and in all repeat runs, make it a highly effective tool that is
already being exploited to the full by many a farsighted print
entrepreneur.
KBA is heavily promoting
environmentally responsible print production with web-to-print, and at
Drupa 2008 will be demonstrating this with the 74 Karat and Hiflex
software tools. The two companies have created a dedicated joint
venture, KBA Complete, whose staff will be happy to provide details.
Web-to-print facilitates order
fulfilment on an unprecedented scale. The system allows a dynamic
calculation to be made for production and inventory purposes of all the
pertinent paper, pre-press, press and coating parameters. It organises
the entire production workflow and administrative handling, notifying
print buyers and manufacturers electronically. Web-based order
fulfillment offers printers and their customers greater efficiency, more
detailed and timely information, and process transparency.
The B2 (29in) 74 Karat
incorporates features that are still unique in this format. They include
a compact design, one-man operation, integrated imaging of up to ten
jobs with one plate magazine, and an inline coater that enhances gloss
and allows immediate finishing.
Also, the sheets are printed on
the underside but delivered face up, so they can be fed in straight away
for a second pass without being tumbled. These attributes make the 74
Karat the most compact and cost-effective short-run perfector press on
the market.
And if that is not enough, its
Gravuflow keyless inking units not only deliver rich solids and
ghosting-free, consistently high colour density and brilliance but even
allow the press to reproduce ultra-fine reverse type and colour
gradations from 2 to 98% on a wide variety of substrates, non-absorbent
materials included.
With the 74 Karat there is no
fount solution, no ink mist, no environmentally sensitive washes - and a
minimum of waste (2) When it comes to uniting ecology and economy, the
74 Karat really comes into its own, with start-up waste levels that are
often below ten sheets, dampener- and alcohol-free printing,
chemistry-free plate imaging, eco-friendly blanket washing with no
cleaning agents and a minimum of labour input for press cleaning.
On a 74 Karat keyless press
there is no ink mist or splashes. Alongside the standard waterless inks
the Karat can even process soya-based inks and so may truly be
considered a low-emission printing machine.
With the 74 Karat, the volume
of paper that must be stored at any one time is much smaller than with
comparable presses, thanks to its low level of start-up waste (which
reduces the total volume required for any print run) and the fact that
no interim storage is required prior to a second pass. So energy
consumption for paper conditioning is also reduced. This, and the Karat’s
compact footprint (it is just half the size of a conventional four-colour
unit-type press!) make it a popular choice for small print operations
where space is at a premium.
In association with
environmentally savvy industry players such as ClimatePartner KBA offers
the option of optimising the 74 Karat and embedding it in a demonstrably
sustainable production workflow powered by green energy. This enables 74
Karat users and their customers to grow market share by promoting their
carbon-neutral credentials - a service that is in brisk demand.
