KBA rapida 105 or Komori Lithrone G40

[shofneb]

Hi new here and I was wondering if anyone had particular opinions about these two presses.
How do they compare to each other?
Advantages of either?
Disadvantages of either?
Anything one or the other is especially good at or weak at?
What type of printing is especially good on either of these presses?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Meny]

The Rapida is an OK press , but the Komori is a very good one....

Would not touch a KBA in the current market conditions

 

[shofneb]

Thank you for your response.

Why is that though?

 

[rapida guy]

@Meny, I cannot figure out why you always seem to have a bad opinion of a product while completely un-supported by any facts at all.
Why don't we try to help a guy out with some facts or at least opinions based on some type of fact.
@ original post, I would imagine since you are looking at the Komori G40, you are looking at new equipment so likely looking at the Ra 105 that I would call the "mid series". It would be based on the P40 machine that came out near 2004.
Both machines will do a great job on paper stock, both machines will run fast, though the rapida will have a slightly higher rated top speed. Both will MR quickly with the KBA having better fully auto plate changers. Both will print about the same with the Rapida maybe holding color a little better. The changing of a coater plate will be much easier on a Rapida so if you are coating many different forms, the Rapida will save time. If you are planning on running many various thickness' of stock, the Rapida gripper system will allow changeover with no adjustments while the Komori still requires some adjustment if covering a large range.
The Rapida 106 is a superior machine to either but the cost is much higher. It would compete more with the LSX40 and the XL 105.
KBA has been out selling Komori and often Heidelberg lately so they are in a very strong financial situation.
I would concentrate on the service in your area. All manufacturers have good service areas and some not so good.
All this said, the Komori is a simpler design and they have always been known as a strong running machine and will likely be down less and cost less for upkeep. I would happy to discuss the project with you if you like.

 

[Komory]

Komori it is the copy from Kba(Нeidelberg)not on the contrary..
but the big difference isn't present

 

[presselectronics]

I agree with a lot of what the "rapida guy" said, they are both great machines. The KBA is a better board or packaging press. It has a lot of great features and is superior in many ways. On the negative side, KBA's complexity results in higher maintenance costs and more down time. My recommendation is that Komori and KBA are both great press manufacturers and you need to base your choice on cost and application.

 

[Meny]

was i missunderstood ?

Rapida Guy

I never wrote (and never will) that the KBA is a bad brand / press.
KBA are good presses for sure , and i wrote this in my basice reply.

The current market conditions are that more presses are available for sale on the world market making it very hard to sell a press for a fair price - and a KBA is harder to sell , so the buyer vould find himself in a point where he has a good press on the floor but can not sell it for a fair price that will reflect the real value.
This is why i think it is better to take a chance on a Komori in this market and not a KBA - as it sells easier (not easy) in the strugeling market.

The Komori has a lower cost of ownership - fact gathered from Rapida 105 users around me , and they demand more maintenance & more service , reflected also in the cost of spare parts.

KBA is a good press , fast ,smart & well designed , but i would go for Komori

 

[shofneb]

Thank you all for these helpful replies. @rapidaguy the 105 that I am referring to is the post drupa-2012 model. The "106 inside". We are located in Southeastern China. Who would have stronger service here, KBA or Komori? My inclination would be Komori simply because we are closer to Japan but I could be wrong. Also @Meny, you seem very familiar with Komori's do you own or operate a G40 or other new Komori press and if so what year is it?

 

[shofneb]

Also throwing a Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102 into the mix. Four color as well. Same questions for it.