Fewer technicians, more downtime: KBA Rapida 105 spare parts planning for 2026

The KBA Rapida 105 is a widely used B1 sheetfed press from Koenig & Bauer, found in commercial and packaging print shops across the Gulf. At DW Spare Parts, we supply KBA Rapida 105 spare parts from Dubai to printers in the UAE, across the GCC and internationally. In this guide we cover what changed at Koenig & Bauer in 2026, why maintenance is getting harder, and five situations Rapida 105 owners are dealing with.

KBA or Koenig & Bauer?

The same company. KBA is the earlier name of Koenig & Bauer, so older Rapida 105s carry the KBA name and newer presses carry Koenig & Bauer. Buyers search under both, and parts are listed under both.

What changed at Koenig & Bauer in 2026

Stronger orders. Koenig & Bauer reported its highest first-quarter order intake in two years in 2026, up 21.4% to €297.6 million, with orders in its paper and packaging sheetfed segment up 12.4%. It expects 2026 revenue of around €1.3 billion. With Manroland Sheetfed ending press production this year, Koenig & Bauer and Heidelberg are the leading German sheetfed offset builders still making new presses, which matters for long-term parts support.

More automation, aimed at the skills gap. In December 2025 the company bought the Instrument Flight colour-control technology from System Brunner, and in July 2026 it launched a package of assistance systems for Rapida presses, including AutoSet, AutoRun and JobGuide. Koenig & Bauer said the package responds directly to the shortage of skilled press staff.

Newer presses are replacing older ones on efficiency. In July 2026, Scottish carton printer KennedySmith said a new Rapida 106 replaced two legacy presses, produced in three shifts what used to take six, and cut its energy bill by 26% in the first quarter.

Why maintenance is getting harder

A September 2026 survey of 211 maintenance and operations leaders by MaintainX found that more than 70% of maintenance teams had been understaffed at least some of the time over the past year, and 37% were chronically understaffed. Among the chronically short-staffed teams, 46% said unplanned downtime was rising, and 48% of facilities were relying on contractors to fill gaps. The survey covered US industry, but print trade press in 2026 has reported the same pressure worldwide: fewer experienced technicians and more machines per person.

Five situations Rapida 105 owners face, and what to do

1. You’re comparing your 105 with a new Rapida 106. A new press makes the strongest case when it replaces two or more older ones, as at KennedySmith. If your Rapida 105 is mechanically sound and runs one or two shifts, a planned parts shelf usually costs far less.
2. Your maintenance team is stretched. Move from fixing failures to replacing wear parts on a schedule, and let us keep the parts ready. Feeder suckers, grippers, vacuum filters and sensors are cheap compared with an unplanned stop, and a short-staffed team can change them in planned downtime.
3. Summer heat upsets ink and water balance. Heat and dust are hard on rollers, filters and electronics. Well-maintained dampening and temperature control units keep a Rapida stable through the Gulf summer.
4. The part number says KBA, the catalogue says Koenig & Bauer. Both are valid. Send the number as it appears on the part, along with the press serial number, and we match it.
5. You want the new assistance systems on an older press. Koenig & Bauer has introduced them for its Rapida range. Ask your Koenig & Bauer contact which features can be added to a Rapida 105 of your build year before you plan an upgrade.

The Rapida 105 parts that wear most

• Grippers and gripper bars in the printing units, transfer drums and delivery.
• Feeder suckers and suction head parts.
• Inking and dampening rollers, many of which can be re-covered.
• Vacuum pumps and filters.
• Delivery chain and grippers.
• Sensors and circuit boards.
• Bearings and cam followers.

What to send for a quote

1. The full model name from the machine plate, for example Rapida 105-5+L.
2. The serial number and build year.
3. The part number, if you have it.
4. A photo of the part and where it sits on the press.

Delivery across the UAE, GCC and worldwide

We ship KBA Rapida 105 spare parts from Dubai across the UAE, to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, and beyond the Gulf, including the UK, the US and Canada. Every quote includes shipping cost and delivery time. See more on our KBA Rapida 105 spare parts page. Running other B1 presses? Read our guides to the Roland 700 and the Heidelberg SM 102.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy KBA Rapida 105 spare parts in the UAE?
Right here. At DW Spare Parts in Dubai, we supply KBA Rapida 105 spare parts to printers across the UAE, the GCC and internationally.

Are KBA and Koenig & Bauer the same?
Yes. KBA is the earlier name of Koenig & Bauer, and Rapida presses carry either name depending on their age.

Are Rapida 105 and Rapida 106 parts the same?
Some wear parts are shared and many are not. Send the part number and serial number, and we confirm the fit.

Is it worth keeping a Rapida 105 in 2026?
Often, yes. If the press is mechanically sound and runs one or two shifts, planned maintenance and parts usually cost much less than a new press.

Need a Rapida 105 part?

Send us the part number, a photo or just your press model, or browse our spare parts. Our team replies within 1 working day.