One such company is DTL in Porabka near Bielsko-Biala, whose half-format KBA Rapidas have contributed decisively to a shift in the production profile. In May, for example, DTL started up a six-colour Rapida 75 with inline coater, three-section extended delivery and equipment for hybrid production, i.e. for the alternating use of conventional and UV inks. This is already the sixth purchase of a KBA sheetfed press in the 15-year history of DTL. And thanks to this latest acquisition, the company has practically doubled its production capacity in sheetfed offset.
It was two years ago that DTL ventured its first steps into the realm of packaging printing with a five-colour Rapida 75 with a coater tower and perfecting after the second printing unit. Even though this was not a typical packaging press, its configuration permitted the economical production of short- and medium-run packaging jobs. The comprehensively equipped post-press department was another important factor: DTL is itself able to handle the complete process, including die-cutting and gluing.
Zdzislaw Wawak, managing director of DTL: “The press we purchased two years ago heralded our real breakthrough onto the packaging market. At the moment, 80% of our customers are still from Poland, but we are also planning to extend our services abroad”.
The new Rapida 75 is expected to accelerate this step. The press is configured with CX board-handling accessories and has been raised by 225 mm to allow for higher piles. Further significant features include an enlarged sheet format, inking unit temperature control, CleanTronic Multi washing systems for alternating ink systems (conventional/UV), a coating supply system, UV interdeck dryers and energy-saving VariDryBlue dryers in the swan neck and extended delivery. To enable colour measurement and control, it is equipped furthermore with ErgoTronic ColorDrive, ErgoTronic Lab (online) and QualiTronic ColorControl with the functions LiveView, DotView and ColorView (inline). PSO certification is scheduled for September. The result will be even more economical and ecological processes.
Zdzislaw Wawak points out that the new press was purchased above all for its UV production capabilities, which permit DTL to add non-absorbent substrates to its list of product options. “In the first month, we printed exclusively UV jobs”, says Wawak. “That illustrates the high demand for such products. In many cases, production is already economical from short runs of around 100 to 150 sheets. With the new press, we aim to strengthen our presence on the packaging market by offering highly refined products on out-of-the-ordinary substrates”.
In the meantime, there are three KBA presses in use at DTL. Wawak: “Over the course of our long cooperation, I have come to appreciate KBA CEE as a reliable partner with a portfolio of first-class equipment. Our experience with earlier presses was already very positive, and we are also very happy with the customer care provided by KBA CEE. We looked at the offerings of other manufacturers, but the KBA package was the most attractive”.
Jan Korenc, managing director of KBA CEE: “We are delighted that DTL has bought what is now its sixth KBA press, and that our technology solutions are contributing to the dynamic further development of the company. This is already the second time that DTL has chosen a very individual configuration. That shows that the company has a clear vision for its further development and its future position on the Polish print market”.