Koenig & Bauer has introduced a package of automation and communication solutions for its Rapida sheetfed offset presses. The systems, which include AutoSet, AutoRun and JobGuide, are aimed at addressing skilled labor shortages and cost pressure in the packaging industry. According to the company, the networked assistance systems perform set-up processes autonomously and standardise pressroom workflows, allowing customers to make greater use of production capacity while reducing waste paper and downtime.
From operator to process manager
As print jobs become increasingly smaller, set-up times are said to dictate profitability in printing. AutoSet calculates the necessary set-up steps in advance, from ink changes to format adjustments, and AutoRun then executes these processes automatically, without manual intervention from the press operator. This is intended to free up time for operators to prepare consumables or new pallets in parallel, allowing the press to run continuously and reduce idle periods.
Consistent performance across all shifts
The company noted that technical features alone do not resolve staffing bottlenecks, since individual process steps still require manual or semi-automatic input from operators. JobGuide is designed to reorganise communication at the press by sending step-by-step instructions during set-up or production directly to the operator or to a separate assistant panel, providing guidance for tasks such as changing a coating plate or preparing ink.
The system’s multilingual capabilities are intended to help overcome language barriers. Combined with touch panels and automated checking of coating knock-outs through FormCheck, the company said error rates are further reduced, helping printing companies standardize workflows and maintain consistent quality regardless of operator experience level.
“Our customers are under immense pressure to produce complex packaging and high-quality commercial jobs even more profitably,” said Sebastian Stange, head of product management at Koenig & Bauer Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems. “The new assistance systems on our Rapida presses are our concrete response to this market trend. We are delivering an intelligent tool that supports the operator just like a modern driver assistance system in a car. In doing so, we turn the press operator into a supervisor of the machine and safeguard our partners’ competitiveness.”
Live in a real production environment
Koenig & Bauer is inviting printing companies to view the automation systems during press demonstrations and specialist events at its Customer Experience Center in Radebeul. Regional Koenig & Bauer sales contacts are available for further information and appointments.
