Johannesburg, 26 Jan 2022
Canon today announces that a close collaboration with Plockmatic, a global supplier of finishing solutions to the print and mailing businesses, has resulted in the seamless, inline integration of the Canon varioPRINT iX-series digital inkjet sheet-fed press with the Plockmatic DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED paper coating machine.
Thanks to its offset-like print quality, high productivity and compelling cost-efficiency, the varioPRINT iX-series has proved to be a popular investment for commercial and online printers, and its integration with the DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED further extends its already broad application flexibility, making it an even more attractive option. The combination of the two technologies means that varioPRINT iX-series customers in EMEA can now not only produce high-quality, UV-coated applications, but can do so at rated engine speed in a single automated workflow.
Commercial print users of the varioPRINT iX-series that want to produce business cards, postcards, photo merchandise, book and magazine covers and printed applications where coating adds value, can now maximise their productivity by connecting the DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED inline. The integration removes both the need for manual intervention and the risk of a production bottleneck and allows commercial printers to deliver applications of a glossy, higher value look and feel and to meet the shortest turnaround times. By opting to use a flood varnish in the production of such applications, not only are the results more eye-catching, but the coating also protects the printed materials against wear and tear, water, dirt and food.
Thanks to the low coating coverage – only 2g/m – 4g/m of varnish – required to complete the UV curing process, the print enhancement is far more cost-efficient compared with traditional technologies, which use 15g/m – 30g/m in varnishing processes. Because both machines run at the same rate, material can be printed and then coated by the Digicoater without compromising the performance or speed of the varioPRINT iX-series engine. And as the finished coated output is delivered at room temperature, the sheets are ready immediately, with no wrinkling or shrinkage, for further finishing.
With the two machines connected via an open SFD interface, the bi-directional communication between the varioPRINT iX-series and the Plockmatic Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED results in a highly efficient, end-to-end workflow. The level of compatibility and automation delivered by the interface means 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 reprint the whole job.
Hayco Van Gaal, Vice-President Sales and Service, Commercial Printing EMEA, Canon Europe, comments: “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. We’ve found a way for our customers to widen their product portfolio and increase their profit margins, while maximising the impact of applications and minimising production costs.”
Speaking about the partnership with Canon, Plockmatic Group’s VP Business Unit Inline & Group Technical Support, Johan Mikaelsson, says: “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.”
For more information on the varioPRINT iX-series, visit: https://www.canon.co.za/business/products/production-printers/digital-presses/varioprint-ix-series
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Canon Europe
Canon Europe is the EMEA strategic headquarters of Canon Inc., a global provider of imaging technologies and services. Canon Europe has operations in roughly 120 countries, with approximately 13,300 employees and contributes to around a quarter of Canon’s global revenues annually.
Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80 plus year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities, from cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services.
Canon is constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through its technology and spirit of innovation, it pushes the bounds of what is possible – helping to see our world in ways we never have before.
Further information about Canon Europe is available at: www.canon-europe.com
Canon South Africa
Canon South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon Europe, came into being on January 4, 2000. Canon Europe is the regional sales and marketing operation for Canon Inc., represented in 120 countries and employing over 11,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Canon Europe invested in South Africa with a view to growing and expanding its market share in the country.
In South Africa, the Canon brand is today synonymous with consistency, driven by the company’s passion, imagination, knowledge and importantly, loyalty to its customers. Canon SA offers a wide range of consumer imaging products and business solutions as well as a variety of large format printers.
Canon technologies are durable, innovative, intuitive, and feature smart and environmentally sustainable designs. Canon invests heavily in R & D and will continue to deliver new and technologically advanced products that cater for a variety of requirements.
In South Africa Canon will continue to support environmental sustainability by operating responsibly, minimizing the impact of its business on the environment and also encouraging a culture of environmental awareness and accountability amongst their staff, business associates and partners. Canon has also maintained its ISO 14001 environmental accreditation since 2007.
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