Me & My: KBA Rapida 105

Bikash Niyogi of Niyogi, says, the reliability of this press has kept his company competitive in the book printing market

11 Jun 2015 | By PrintWeek India

Describe your company
Established in 1992, Niyogi Offset is engaged in commercial and book printing work. The company is one of the leading printing houses in North India. It has a well-equipped printing and post-press set-up and a dedicated workforce. We have two KBA Rapida 105 presses. It’s sub-division, Niyogi Books, which was formed in 2005, caters to the coffee-table publication segment, illustrated books, and calendars, among others.
 
Name and model of the machine
KBA Rapida 105 U - 4+LALV2 SAPC, KBA Rapida 105 - 4 (Universal).
 
When did you install the machine and what kind of application do you print on the press?
The four-colour KBA Rapida 105 Universal was installed in 2006, while our latest acquisition, KBA Rapida 105 U - 4 + LALV2 with semi automatic plate changer, was  commissioned in 2013. These machines produce all types of commercial jobs and books.
 
Why did you decide to invest in an offset press of this kind? Why not digital?
Considering the nature of our print jobs, which demand printing of large volumes in the shortest possible time, offset was an obvious choice. Digital is not the solution for such a scenario.
 
Did you look at any other similar machines? 
We have used several machines in the past including those manufactured by Heidelberg, Planeta and Dominant. We felt comfortable with KBA’s machines. 
 
Why did you choose this particular machine?
The objective of this purchase was to upgrade to the latest technology and achieve faster production.
 
What tilted the scale in favour of this press? How much have these features helped you in print work?
Machine is operated by electronic system which is error free and meets the request of job with a feather touch along with continuous feeding and delivery as well as speed.
  
What’s the speed of the machine?
The machine prints at 15,000 sheets per hour.
 
If there’s a critical print job that has come your way, would you rely on this press to see it through?
It is a 101% reliable machine. We print any kind of critical job on this press very confidently.
 
Do you think it allows you the flexibility to do urgent jobs on the fly?
It takes 15 minutes for a job changeover, and runs at 15,000 iph speed, giving us flexibility and reliability.
 
How easy is it to use?
Our operators handle the machine with ease.
 
Has it won you any new work?
This machine has not only won me enough new work, it has also helped us add new clients.
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Totally. Without the machine, I don’t think that our organisation would face today’s competitive market.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
The installation process was smooth and we have not faced any difficulty thereafter.
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
For commercial printer, book printer and packaging printers with high volume.
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
I will prefer to buy another in five years just to be updated with the latest technology and facilities.