KBA and Xerox have announced a partnership to develop an industrial digital sheetfed press for the folding carton market.
The KBA Xerox deal will see a the press available in 2017
The deal involves a KBA business unit KBA Sheetfed Solutions and Xerox. Named the KBA VariJET 106 Powered by Xerox, the new press integrates Xerox Impika inkjet technology into the KBA Rapida 106 press platform. Now in the final stages of development, it will print 4500 B1 (750 x 1060mm) sheets per hour. The companies say the press’s 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. Ralf Sammeck, chief executive at KBA-Sheetfed Solutions, says, “As a leader in packaging printing, our customers are confirming that this is exactly the product they need for the market opportunity that exists. Xerox’s inkjet technology coupled with our packaging expertise combines proven technologies to bring the right product to market at the right time.†KBA and Xerox say the production of wide format cartons, for items like cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products, has relied on traditional analogue offset production printing. The companies add that digitally printed packaging worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 16 percent between 2015 and 2020. Within that, digitally printed folding cartons will see a compound annual growth rate of 40 percent. Robert Stabler, general manager for graphic communications business at Xerox, says, “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. KBA and Xerox see the press opening up new business opportunities for industrial production printers. Stabler adds, “The KBA VariJET 106 Powered by Xerox will have the flexibility, format and speed to help print providers capture this growing market opportunity.†KBA and Xerox will share details on the new press concept during presentations at their respective stands at drupa.
