While MGI is selling the machine through its direct channels, Konica Minolta, which owns a significant stake in MGI, is the only vendor distributing it on their behalf. It became available in June and had its first B1 installation at German printer Druck & Medienhaus.

The machine applies Spot UV coating with the aim of producing vivid and tactile applications with a variety of 2D and 3D effects, running at speeds of up to 4,065sph. 

“We have several sales avenues reaching a positive stage, including a number of interested parties in the UK,” said Konica Minolta Industrial Printing team manager Edoardo Cotichini.

“A big advantage of this machine is that investing in analogue embellishment technology is far too expensive and can be too cumbersome for companies wanting smaller runs. Our digital machine gives you the freedom to produce high-quality products in smaller quantities.

The Evolution is available in B2, B2 landscape and B1 formats. Employing MGI’s inkjet engine technology with drop-on-demand inkjet, "enhanced" UV protection allows it to consume less energy than traditional UV systems and it has eliminated several plastics to reduce consumables.

“Customers looking to add a luxury dimension to their portfolio will be very happy. It is clear that brands are willing to pay a little more for prestige packaging, so this will add an edge to any printers' offering.”

Cotichini recommended the machine as an add-on product for printers operating toner, offset or inkjet print systems. It can also be combined with inline hot-foiling modules to add extra finishing effects.

Last month, Konica Minolta took on MGI’s Jetvarnish 3D Web Color+ press, intended for the label market.