KBA vs. Komori

Hi all,

2007 KBA RA105-6+L CX Hybrid UV. VS.
2010 Komori LS540 with UV and coater

I’m new here and new to the 40 inch press world. I am hoping to get some advice to help make a fast approaching decision a little easier. The 2 presses above are what I’ve narrowed my selections down to based on availability and budget. We are getting into some packaging however the stocks we currently use both of these machines are capable of running. Are these machines comparable in quality and durability? Is one easier to operate over the other? Any information you could share would be greatly appreciated.

 

What are the impression counts on both machines?
Is the LS540 a converted HUV press?
What stock(s) are you planning on running?

Usually the more information you can provide, the easier it is to offer advice.

 

Thank you for your reply

Impression count is 90 million on the Komori and 120 million on the KBA

We run a ton of 80# gloss text stock and also a ton of 18 pt Kraft packaging stock.

Yes I’m assuming The LS540 is a converted HUV. The machine currently does not have UV but the purchase price includes a new UV system and rollers.

 

I can offer my advice but it doesn’t mean you should necessarily take it. To you I’m just a stranger on the internet with personal preferences that are formed from my past experiences and (hopefully) with a good amount of common sense thrown in, as well.

With that said, I would almost always choose a Komori over any other similar press. There are plenty of reasons why and without going into each of them here, it’s easier for me to just say that I’ve never had an issue with a properly maintained Komori that has prevented me from producing what I like to call ‘as good as it gets’ printing. Providing of course (just like any other press), that you’re not trying to do something beyond the machine’s capability, or something it was never designed to do.

I’m sure there are plenty of other operators who would probably offer different advice, and theirs is equally valid. Or at least to them, it is ...

 

hybrid is better, you can keep costs down if you don't need uv ink.

 

Having a little experience with the Plattsburgh NY area, I would say that when making a decision you factor in availability of service on short notice.

 

Haha my opinion would be the opposite. Wouldn’t run a Komori again for all the money in the world.

 

What about half the money?

 

I personally wouldn’t use a converted press unless it has been done properly by the press manufacturers, it isn’t just a case of putting on a UV unit, a lot of other things need modifying.
The only problem with a hybrid/convertible press is you need to plan your work carefully you can’t use Uv for one job and conventional for the next no matter how much you clean the press it takes along time to work out the residues from one to the other.

 

My experience with UV presses has been that as long as you stay within the parameters they’re designed for, there’s not much that they can’t do. UV hybrid presses make options almost limitless because then you get the best of both worlds - UV, and Conventional. And honestly, regardless of what anyone else might say or think about it, that’s basically the whole idea behind UV hybrid presses in the first place. (For what it’s worth, a UV hybrid press is not the same thing as a UV converted press.)

The versatility (or limitation) of a machine’s capabilities is built right into however the press is (or is not) setup.

 

Funny, I would always prefer a used Heidelberg over any other press. My opinion.
A Heidelberg can produce easily 30mill sheets 24/5 a year - up to 50mill. That's why I would choose it.

A press is not a car.

Therefore: Don't be afraid of high totalisors - first of all this means that the press was reliably doing the job it was bought for. And secondly, that it well can continue to do the job again for the new owner. That is true for any manufacturer who builds presses for high output.

Yes, a press with small totalisor may mean single shift operation, but rather unlikely for a 40" press.

Little overall output could rather mean a maintenance monster. Or a trouble maker. Trouble at feeder or delivery.