Koenig & Bauer Durst is ready to move into full production and commercial availability for its B1 inkjet press, the Varijet 106. The press was first shown at the Radebuel plant at the end of the Covid period and then appeared at Drupa. Controlled installations have followed.
The event attracted 80 converters from around the world to hear customer feedback from early adopters Schelling and Amcor, which had not previously publicised its engagement with the press. It has been installed at a site in Poland where the configuration includes flexo units ahead and behind the inkjet arrays. The press has helped the business address rapid lead times, brand proliferation the increase in requirements to carry security and health warning information.
Schelling is Swiss company that has a seven-colour version of the press with a double coater. This enables the converter to match PMS colours for premium folding carton applications.
To underline the business arguments, a role playing conversation between brand owner and printer about the different real life pressures both face. Demonstrations ran the gamut from simple applications to complex sheets combining different cartons with changing variations, variable data for security, QR codes and for connected packaging. The press is not simply about short runs.
The workflow continued to its CutPro cutting and creasing platens and Omega Allpro 110 folder gluer.
CEO of Koenig & Bauer Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems Markus Weiss says: “Our approach remains holistic: connecting prepress, press and postpress systems through intelligent automation, AI and workflow solutions to deliver efficiency and profitability across the entire production chain.
“The future of print isn’t about choosing sides – offset or digital. It’s about mastering both to meet today’s evolving market demands. At Koenig & Bauer, we’re passionate about driving that transformation with our customers, shaping the next chapter of what print can achieve.”
