This new “first-of-its-kind” modular hybrid press is designed for folding carton printers and integrates Xerox Impika inkjet technology into the KBA Rapida 106 press platform. The modular KBA VariJET 106 permits the combination of conventional printing and finishing technologies with digital inkjet printing in a hybrid press. It can be configured with up to seven inkjet colours and offers print speeds of up to 4,500 sph in 29.5” x 41.7” at 1,400 dpi. Its modular concept enables the combination of digital inkjet printing with optional inline capabilities such as printing units, coating, cold-foil application, rotary die-cutting, creasing and perforating.
It’s predicted that digitally printed packaging worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 16% between 2015 and 2020. Within that, digitally printed folding cartons will see an estimated CAGR of 40%. “The KBA VariJET 106 Press brings the benefits of digital printing such as running multiple versions of the same carton as well as customized cartons, opening up new business opportunities for industrial production printers,” said the OEM. Until now, wide-format cartons for items such as cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products, have relied on traditional analogue offset production printing. “As a leader in package printing, our customers are confirming that this is exactly the product they need for the market opportunity that exists,” said Ralf Sammeck, CEO of KBA-Sheetfed Solutions. “Xerox’s inkjet technology coupled with our packaging expertise combines proven technologies to bring the right product to market at the right time.”
“By combining digital capabilities like cross-media marketing, digital storefronts and automated workflows with those of classic offset printing, our customers will be able to offer new products not seen in the traditional packaging market to their customers,” said Robert Stabler, General Manager, Graphic Communications Business Group, Xerox. “The KBA VariJET 106 Powered by Xerox will have the flexibility, format and speed to help print providers capture this growing market opportunity.”
KBA introduces VariJET 106 Sheetfed with Xerox Impika inkjet technology
