Canon has collaborated with Plockmatic to achieve ‘seamless’ inline integration of the former’s VarioPrint iX-series sheet-fed inkjet press with Plockmatic’s DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED paper coating machine so that customers in the EMEA region can produce high-quality UV-coated applications at rated press speed in a single automated workflow.
The integration of the press and coater removes both the need for manual intervention and the risk of a production bottleneck, allowing commercial printers to deliver applications with a glossy, higher value look and feel with short turnaround times. Flood varnish is said to protect the printed materials against wear and tear, water, dirt and food, as well as producing more eye-catching results.
A coating coverage of 2 – 4g/sqm of varnish makes the print enhancement more cost-efficient than conventional technologies, which use up 15 times as much. Because both press and coater run at the same rate, material can be printed and then coated by without compromising throughput of the press. Finished coated output is delivered at room temperature, with sheets immediately ready for further finishing.
The two machines are connected via an open interface which supports bi-directional communication between them, enabling automation such 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 re-run the entire job.
Stuart Rising, head of Commercial Print, Production Printing Products, Canon UK & Ireland commented, ‘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.’
Plockmatic Group’s VP Business Unit Inline & Group Technical Support, Johan Mikaelsson, sayid, ‘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.’
