K&F International Inc. recently introduced its Universal Punch Bender to the newspaper and commercial markets. With the UPB Model 1, more than one press can be fitted with plates produced from a single punch bender, rather than requiring a dedicated punch bender for each press a newspaper is running. The UPB Model 1 identifies each type of plate and performs the proper punch and bend functions for one of the various presses in use. After bending and punching, K&F’s system directs the plate to the appropriate plate-stacker bin.

The UPB automatically punches and bends single- and double-wide, computer-to-plate or conventional plates with sizes up to 36 inches wide. The UPB handles plates from 0.08 inches to 0.12 inches thick.

With the introduction of K&F International’s Universal Punch Bender Model 1, more than one press can be fitted with plates produced from this single punch bender. Madison Newspapers in Madison, Wis,. is the first newspaper group in the United States to integrate the UPB into its plate production line.
Photo courtesy of K&F

The automatic in-line bender includes K&F’s Vision Registration system with an accuracy of .0005 inch (0.13 millimeters) edge registration and optional pin registration. Digital display communicates bender status, alarms and service status. All UPB Model 1 units will include a Universal Transition module and a plate stacker. K&F first displayed the new punch bender at Ifra in Geneva last October.

K&F also recently announced a plethora of sales throughout the United States, as well as several international sales.

Madison Newspapers in Madison, Wis., became the first U.S. newspaper group to purchase the Universal Punch Bender Model 1. The configuration includes three Universal Turn Modules, two CDs and a plate stacker.

The Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune purchased two new No Tool Locks for the web reduction of its Goss Metro press, as well as a DPPC Power Plate Punch. The Canton (Ohio) Repository is implementing a new line of platemaking equipment from K&F. The Repository purchased a Plate Express 2 Exposure unit, a Universal Plate Transition Module, a Vision Bender Model 2 plate punch bender, with color and a collating stacker and an AP-1000 Automatic Plate Punch.

The Record in Hackensack, N.J., purchased an AB-7000 automatic plate bender with a collating stacker and a Universal Transition Module to convey plates. The Daily Reflector in Greenville, N.C., purchased new press registration lockups for its press as well as a Vision Bender three-plate punch/bender. The Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call purchased a Twinline Exposure Unit and an AB-6000 automatic plate bender. K&F helped the newspaper convert its Vision Bender Model 1, Automatic Optical Film Punch, DPPC Power Plate Punch and NPP Power Film Punch for a 50-inch web reduction.

The Detroit Newspaper Agency purchased two Vision Bender Model 1 punch benders. K&F also announced that it recently helped The Rocky Mountain News in Denver convert two Vision Bender Model 1 punch benders to produce plates for a 50-inch web.

Other sales took place at The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle, the Ventura (Calif.) County Star, The Baltimore Sun, The Warren (Ohio) Tribune Chronicle, The Post-Journal in Jamestown, N.Y., the Elyria (Ohio) Chronicle-Telegram and Cox Publishing in Longview, Texas.