Xeikon has expanded the inline finishing options available for its digital presses with the development of the Web Varnishing Module, a unit that can apply UV or aqueous varnish on one side of a wide range of substrates. These substrates include self-adhesive label materials, coated papers, unsupported films and coated paperboard. This new unit will be commercially available from early 2015.

“The label and folding carton industries employ a wide range of varnishes, from matt to super gloss, and these can have a huge impact on the appearance, feel and quality of the final printed product,” says Filip Weymans, director of business development and marketing for labels and packaging, Xeikon.

One of the big advantages of the new inline module is that the operator can see the results immediately and can make any corrections, if required, in order to achieve the desired effect, the company says. In theory, this would eliminate the high expense and job delays when varnishing is done offline and the entire job has to be reprinted if the end result is not acceptable.

The Web Varnishing Module runs inline with the Xeikon 3000 Series of presses (at full press speeds) and the print roller can be changed to match the repeat or width of the job being printed. In addition to applying the flood or spot varnish, the unit can be upgraded with a UV dryer and/or aqueous dryer.
 
“The Web Varnishing Module is an important addition to our Suites, enabling further optimization of the processes and workflows used by printers and converters,” says Weymans. “We are convinced that the ability to apply spot aqueous varnish makes the module the ideal fit for folding cartons, which require varnish-free areas for glue strips and production data. The module is an extremely compact solution to apply spot varnish. In addition, we expect most users to also install the optional cutter and use the Xeikon stacker to create a phenomenally efficient production line.”