Canon said the tie-up extends the already broad application flexibility of the VarioPrint iX-series and that the combination of the two technologies means that users of the presses in EMEA “can now not only produce high-quality, UV-coated applications, but can do so at rated engine speed in a single automated workflow”.
Canon said connecting the DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED inline will maximise productivity for commercial print users of the VarioPrint iX-series that want to produce business cards, postcards, photo merchandise, book and magazine covers, and printed applications where coating adds value.
The integration is said to remove both the need for manual intervention and the risk of a production bottleneck and allows commercial printers to deliver applications of a glossy, higher value look and feel and to meet the shortest turnaround times.
A flood varnish coating also protects printed materials against wear and tear, water, dirt, and food.
A low coating coverage of only 2-4gsm of varnish is required to complete the UV curing process, meaning the print enhancement is more cost-efficient compared with traditional technologies that use 15-30gsm in varnishing processes.
Because both machines run at the same rate, Canon said material can be printed and then coated by the Digicoater without compromising the performance or speed of the VarioPrint iX-series engine.
And as the finished coated output is delivered at room temperature, the sheets are ready immediately, with no wrinkling or shrinkage, for further finishing.
With the two machines connected via an open SFD interface, the bi-directional communication between the VarioPrint iX-series and the Plockmatic Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED is said to result in a highly efficient, end-to-end-workflow.
The level of compatibility and automation delivered by the interface means that the print engine’s Prismasync controller can be easily alerted to misprinted single sheets and the VarioPrint iX will automatically reprint them without having to reprint the whole job.
Canon UK & Ireland head of Commercial Print, Production Printing Products Stuart Rising said: “Once again, Canon has enabled its customers to achieve greater rates of productivity and faster turnaround times using automation made possible with inline integration.
“The high-quality printed output from the VarioPrint combined with the embellishment capabilities of the Plockmatic Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED is a winning combination for any commercial printer wishing to capitalise on the growing market demand for enhanced printed applications.
“We’ve found a way for our customers to widen their product portfolio and increase their profit margins, while maximising the impact of applications and minimising production costs.”
Plockmatic Group vice president of Business Unit Inline and Group Technical Support Johan Mikaelsson added: “The innovative technology of the Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED enables commercial print operations to enhance the value of their printed applications and drive down the cost of production.
“We see the combination of the Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED with the Canon VarioPrint iX-series as a perfect match that will drive business growth as well as customer satisfaction.”
