How the German printing pioneer is redefining corrugated printing for the digital age.
When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century, he could hardly imagine that his legacy would grow into a global technology empire. Yet, more than five centuries later, his spirit lives on in Koenig & Bauer — the world’s oldest printing machine manufacturer, founded in 1817 in Würzburg, Germany.
Today, Koenig & Bauer (K&B) is not just a company; it is a constellation of brands, technologies, and innovations covering every major printing process — from offset and flexo to digital and corrugated.
A New Era for Corrugated Printing
At the recent FEFCO Technical Seminar in Rome, Bastian Deppisch, representative of Koenig & Bauer, presented their latest developments for the corrugated industry — innovations that merge precision engineering with digital intelligence.
“We developed a system that allows you to adjust the die-cut length not only for the entire sheet, it’s possible to adjust it for each row individually,” explains Bastian. “That means perfect alignment — even with four-out layouts — and the ability to produce jobs that previously required a flatbed die-cutter, now on a rotary line.”
This feature, implemented in the ChromaCUT X Pro Series, brings a level of flexibility and accuracy previously unseen in rotary die-cutting. It enables customers to transfer the majority of their production from flatbed to rotary die cutting. The effect is clear:
- 📐 Up to 65% larger format
- ⚡ Approx. 60% speed increase
- 📈 Up to 200% productivity boost
Expanding the Portfolio: CutPRO 2.1 & Open/Close Machine
Besides their current portfolio, Koenig & Bauer is making a big announcement by entering the flatbed die cutter business for corrugated. Introducing the new CutPRO 2.1, designed to redefine operational stability:
- 🚀 Speed: Up to 7,000 sheets/hour
- 🧠 Smart features: Patented double-brush delivery system, VarioLever, and VarioPlan
Additionally, their portfolio is complemented by a new Open/Close-machine for customers with long runs and less need for automation. Operating at speeds of up to 10,000 sheets/hour, it is designed for:
- 💰 Cost efficiency through maximum availability
- 🛠️ Ease of maintenance with optimized service processes
- 🌱 Reduced wastewater and ink consumption
When Machines Begin to Think: Introducing Kyana AI
The most striking innovation is Kyana — Koenig & Bauer’s new AI-based support system.
“Kyana doesn’t just analyze machine data — it assists operators,” Bastian says. “You can upload your own manuals or training materials, and the operator can simply ask: How do I adjust this setting? or What’s the right procedure for that? — and the AI will respond with a clear, step-by-step answer.”
This human-centered approach bridges the gap between data analytics and hands-on expertise. It transforms Koenig & Bauer’s machines into intelligent assistants — capable of teaching, supporting, and optimizing in real time.
The Power of Integration: Celmacch, Durst, and Beyond
The 2022 acquisition of Celmacch Group marked a turning point for Koenig & Bauer’s corrugated business. Known as Koenig & Bauer Celmacch, the Italian division now also produces the Chroma X Pro Series — fully automated flexo printing and rotary die-cutting lines, combining Italian craftsmanship with German engineering precision.
Meanwhile, the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture focuses on digital solutions such as the Delta SPC 130 — the world’s first 100% water-based, single-pass digital press for corrugated board. It covers over 90% of corrugated applications with outstanding quality and sustainability.
Together, these brands form a unified technological ecosystem, offering converters complete solutions — from printing and die-cutting to digital workflow, data analytics, and operator training.
Heritage of Gutenberg, Vision of the Future
Koenig & Bauer’s roots trace back to the dawn of industrial printing — to the very invention of mechanical typography. Over two centuries, the company has produced tens of thousands of machines and set countless global standards in quality and innovation.
Today, K&B operates in more than 140 countries, continuously expanding its leadership in print technology. With its blend of mechanical precision, digital intelligence, and environmental responsibility, it has become — without exaggeration — the world’s most comprehensive printing machine manufacturer.
Why Corrugated Manufacturers Should Care
Because Koenig & Bauer is not just another machine builder — it’s a technological heritage that keeps reinventing printing itself.
If Gutenberg gave the world its first printed words, Koenig & Bauer now gives the corrugated industry its digital voice — intelligent, flexible, and sustainable.
So, if you want printing on corrugated board to become your daily bread, there’s no better partner than the company that literally baked the first loaf.
corruga.expert
