Koenig & Bauer Durst has finally lifted the lid on VariJET 106, its B1 press platform for folding carton packaging powered by water-based inkjet printing.
The B1 5500sph press has been jointly developed by Koenig & Bauer and Durst, combining their respective offset and inkjet digital printing expertise.
The VariJET 106 platform is based on Koenig & Bauer’s standard high performance Rapida 106, coupled with Durst printhead electronics, inkjet expertise, and proprietary workflow and RIP technology. This includes Durst Analytics, Smartshop and Workflow. Modular integration of upstream and downstream processes enhances the platform’s flexibility.
Target customers include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco and food industries, as well as folding carton converters. Using seven-colour water-based food compliant inkjet technology (CMYKOGV), VariJET 106 is suitable for food applications that meet the stringent requirements for food-safe primary packaging. VariJET 106 can produce personalised and individualised print products, or alternate between short and medium runs.
Robert Stabler, managing director, Koenig & Bauer Durst, said, ‘Feedback from our customers is that shorter run lengths, mass customisation, and the need to be more agile are the compelling reasons for moving to digital production.
‘Successful companies need to be able to embrace the trends that are occurring and offer solutions. Brand owners continually want their products to stand out, require shorter lead times, while at the same time eliminate waste and conform to sustainability and track-and-trace requirements. Brand owners are also looking to ensure the new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective while converters need to have the capabilities and competencies to mass customise without any compromise on quality. We deliver on this.’
The first VariJET 106 units are due to be installed at customer sites in Europe and America in the second half of 2022.
Mr Stabler added, ‘We have beta sites at an advanced stage of planning. These potential customers already have a vision for mass customisation, and will be working with us in partnership.’
VariJET 106 is the first product jointly developed by Koenig & Bauer and Durst, although already in production and part of the Koenig & Bauer Durst portfolio are the Delta SPC 130 Series and the CorruJET 170 Series for corrugated packaging.
Read Sean Smyth’s take on the launch of VariJET 106 here
