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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.
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.
Enhanced efficiency with web-to-print
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 fulfilment offers printers and their customers greater efficiency, more detailed and timely information, and process transparency.
Still the technological bellwether
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.
Low-emission printing
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.
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.
Enhanced efficiency with web-to-print
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 fulfilment offers printers and their customers greater efficiency, more detailed and timely information, and process transparency.
Still the technological bellwether
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.
Low-emission printing
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.
