KBA Sheetfed Solutions and Xerox have partnered to develop the VariJET 106, a digital sheetfed inkjet press targeted at the folding carton market.
The KBA VariJET 106 Powered by Xerox press - to be unveiled at drupa - 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. Wide format cartons, for items like cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products, have traditionally relied on analog offset production printing.
The VariJET 106 integrates Xerox Impika inkjet technology into the KBA Rapida 106 press platform. The press, in the final stages of development, will print 4,500 B1 (750 x 1060mm/29.5 x 41.7in) sheets per hour. Its modular concept enables the combination of digital inkjet printing with optional in-line capabilities such as coating, cold foil application, rotary die-cutting, creasing and perforating.
"As a leader in packaging 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."
Robert Stabler, GM, Graphic Communications Business Group, Xerox, added: "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 and opportunities for their customers not seen in the traditional packaging market. The KBA VariJET 106 Powered by Xerox will have the flexibility, format and speed to help print providers capture this growing market opportunity."
Digitally printed packaging worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 16 percent between 2015 and 2020, according to new research by Smithers Pira.
KBA and Xerox will share details about the new press during presentations at their stands at drupa. KBA is in hall 16 (C47) and Xerox is in hall 8 (A62).