Koenig & Bauer: A Rapida 145 and two CorruCUTs for the Model Group

The Model Group is investing in a Rapida 145 with eleven printing and finishing units, as well as two CorruCUT machines from Koenig & Bauer. The Rapida is scheduled to enter production in Opava in the Czech Republic in spring 2022, while the first of the two CorruCUTs is to be installed at a second Czech plant in Nymburk towards the end of next year. “Koenig & Bauer satisfied our high expectations in terms of quality, sustainability and performance in every respect. At the same time, we were looking for a single partner for the whole investment package. The broad product portfolio offered by Koenig & Bauer is therefore a perfect fit for our company,” says Roman Jamnický, COO of Model Obaly. The second CorruCUT is scheduled for installation at the group’s Polish plant in Czosnów near Warsaw. All three machines represent a genuine advance in printing technology for the packaging industry and combine high print quality and precision with market-leading performance.

Innovation and new technical developments
The two CorruCUT machines are the first ones to incorporate a novel presettable rotary die-cutting unit. It allows the die-cutting cylinder that is not in use to be set up for a subsequent job without affecting current production, also allowing fully automatic exchange once the present job is completed. Koenig & Bauer executive board member Christoph Müller: “With these two machines, Koenig & Bauer has finally made its entry into the market of direct corrugated printing. The aim is to achieve a market position that is customary for Koenig & Bauer in the medium term.” In addition, the machines will be equipped with all the established unique features such as anilox roller changing systems and vacuum-belt feeders without feed rollers. Various software upgrades, which raise automation levels yet another notch and greatly simplify work with the machines for the operators, are likewise important and inherent elements of the machine package. “Our team is constantly developing new and innovative technical features for our machines. We listen to our customers and work together with them in partnership. This ensures that the performance of our machines are able to be enhanced further,” Christoph Müller adds.

Rapida 145 with eleven printing and finishing units
Model Obaly has used a total of twelve sheetfed offset presses from Koenig & Bauer for its operations since 1976. The current line-up comprises a Rapida 145, two Rapida 142 models and a medium-format Rapida 106.

The new Rapida 145 was purchased to increase print capacities in Opava as of spring 2022. It will be placed on foundations raised by 420 mm to accommodate production with heavy and corrugated board, and has been configured with six printing units, followed by a coater and two intermediate drying units, ahead of a further printing unit, a second coater and a three-section extended delivery. Automation highlights include automatic non-stop systems and pile logistics, the sidelay-free infeed DriveTronic SIS, simultaneous plate changing with DriveTronic SPC and Plate Ident, as well as CleanTronic Synchro washing systems for parallel washing processes. To enable mixed UV/conventional operation, and therefore maximum flexibility in inline product finishing, the press also features UV interdeck dryers and a full complement of IR, hot-air and UV drying systems in the extended delivery.

Tradition paired with foresight
The Model Group with its headquarter in Switzerland is managed in the fourth generation by Daniel and Elisabeth Model. The company was founded almost 150 years ago and, in the meantime, maintains subsidiaries in seven countries. The Model Group develops, produces and supplies intelligent, innovative and high-quality display and packaging solutions made of solid and corrugated board. Around 4,600 people are employed at the Model Group’s 15 European locations. Last year, they generated a turnover of more than €800 million. Particular importance is attached to the issue of sustainability – for several years, for example, the company has used almost exclusively recycled fibres in its products.