Koenig & Bauer and Durst develop VariJET 106

With beta testing due to start in the coming weeks, the first units of the VariJET 106 will be installed at customer sites in Europe and America in the second half of 2022. Target groups include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco and food industries, as well as folding carton converters.

The B1 5,500 sph press combines digital inkjet and traditional offset printing. It is built on water-based inkjet processes to provide high print quality. The VariJET 106 platform is based on Koenig & Bauer’s standard high-performance Rapida 106 platform and Durst printhead electronics, inkjet expertise, and Durst workflow and RIP technology. This includes Durst Analytics, Smartshop and Workflow. 

Using 7-color water-based food compliant inkjet technology (CMYK plus orange, green and violet), the VariJET 106 is suitable for applications that meet the requirements for food-safe primary packaging utilizing proprietary water-based ink technology. The VariJET 106 can produce personalized and individualized print products or alternate between short and medium runs. 

Robert Stabler, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Durst, said: ‘This world premiere marks a proud moment – and what a journey it has been. We are really excited by the progress we have made and the opportunities with our VariJET 106 despite these testing times. We have beta sites at an advanced stage of planning. These potential customers already have a vision for mass customization will be working with us in partnership feedback from our customers is that shorter run lengths, mass customization and the need to be more agile are the compelling reasons for moving to digital production. 

‘Successful companies need to be able to embrace the trends that are occurring and offer solutions. Brand owners continually want their products to stand out, require shorter lead times, while at the same time eliminate waste and conform to sustainability and track-and-trace requirements. Brand owners are also looking to ensure the new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective while converters need to have the capabilities and competencies to mass customize without any compromise on quality. We deliver on this.’