KBA/Xerox partner to develop digital sheet-fed folding carton press

The KBA VariJET 106, powered by Xerox, integrates 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. 

The market for digitally printed packaging worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 16 percent between 2015 and 2020; within that, digitally printed folding cartons will see a CAGR of 40 percent, according to figures from Smithers Pira quoted by the partners.

The KBA VariJET 106 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. 

‘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, general manager of Xerox’s graphic communications business group, 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.’ 

The KBA VariJET 106 will be available to customers beginning in 2017.