Koenig & Bauer Durst, the joint venture launched in May 2019 in which the German press manufacturer’s original development partner Xerox was replaced by Italian wide-format specialist Durst, has confirmed its intent to push ahead with the introduction of its VariJet 106 single-pass hybrid press. The first installation at a customer site is expected for early next year, prior to a formal unveiling at drupa 2021.
Targeting folding carton applications, the VariJet 106 is a B1 6000sph press that integrates Durst’s inkjet expertise with the offset printing know-how of Koenig & Bauer and its Rapida 106 press platform, and includes inline finishing. The VariJet 106 was expected to be a major attraction at this year’s drupa.
News of the beta roadmap for VariJet 106 follows on from Koenig & Bauer confirming its intent to exhibit at a drupa in 2021 in the wake of a growing contingent of manufacturers choosing to cancel their participation at the event. This has included Heidelberg, Bobst and Komori, although Eagle Systems, Kama and Windmöller & Hölscher have stated they will exhibit at drupa 2021.
Robert Stabler, managing director at Koenig & Bauer Durst, said, ‘We’re really excited by the opportunities and progress with our much-anticipated VariJet 106. We have a number of existing customers that would like to be beta sites, and we plan to show them the press after the summer.
‘The customer we choose will have a vision for mass customisation and be a good partner for a beta site. 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.’
Koenig & Bauer Durst has also upgraded its single-pass corrugated presses, the Delta SPC 130 and CorruJet 170. This includes a digital priming unit to broaden the applications of Delta SPC 130 machines and special colours to help converters meet brand colour requirements. CorruJET 170 has undergone successful beta testing in Germany.
