Koenig & Bauer sees huge potential and growth in large format sheetfed offset presses. According to the company the demand for large format presses is rising.
“We have earned our distinguished reputation as the market leader of manufacturing large-format press models,” says Eric Frank, Koenig & Bauer senior vice president of marketing and product management. “Our large format press models display proven performance and extraordinary print quality. After seeing at least 50% or higher efficiency, productivity, and output on their large format press models, our customers agree with our assertion through their own KPI’s and analytics.”
Large format’s many benefits
Due to the on-going advancements in new technology on its large format models, Koenig & Bauer claims it has repeatedly sold more large-format models than any other press manufacturer. In part, this is due to its stable of models: the large-format press line runs the gamut from the Rapida 145 57-inch with its production speeds of up to 18,000 to the 64-inch Rapida 164 printing at 17,000 sph.
Large format customers point to the competitive advantages they receive including 50% or more square inch capacity, reduced make-ready time per box, and the highest production speeds, with the most industrialized customers producing in excess of 90 million sheets per year on a large format press.
Large format presses can be equipped with a reel-to-sheet feeder, a double-pile delivery, diverse drying units such as UV and LED, additional printing units after coating and perfecting facilities, as required for the individual application. For packaging printing, they can also be placed on raised foundations and integrated into a fully automatic pile logistics system. Presses with up to 16 printing and finishing units are already in daily use.
“While our large format models have many benefits for our customers, we’re proud to act as neutral consultants in which we bring a full press portfolio from half-size to large format,” says Frank.
“But due to the technology, service, and support of our large format models, customers easily choose one of those models due to their ability to be a profit leader with this format size. Only Koenig & Bauer can customize each press to each customer’s application allowing them to offer a unique printed product for extreme market differentiation. It is important to Koenig & Bauer to be the only press provider that can start and grow with a customer in all format sizes to ensure their long-term success.”
