SMALL-FORMAT SHEETFEDS -- Small Press Envy

KBA offers the Rapida 74, a 20x29˝ press available in two- to eight-color models, with or without tower coaters. The press is equipped with automatic plate changers, CIP3 digital interface, as well as automatic washers and ink roller wash.

Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses' Marketing Director John Santie agrees that interest in small-format sheetfed presses has expanded in the last few years. "We are seeing a mix of printing firms purchasing presses. On the one hand, there are small commercial shops that are up-and-coming and looking to grow their business. With the speed and automation available on 28˝ or 29˝ presses, they can move up to the four-page format. This size enables them to offer their customers better quality on a wider range of products. We also are seeing larger printers with full-size 40˝ presses realize that a half-size machine allows them greater flexibility and productivity. Rather than try to fit a small job onto a 40˝ press—which wastes press capacity—they are adding half-size presses."