The clear toner can be used to apply an overall coating to control gloss levels, as well as selective security features, spot varnishes and metallic effects.

"We didn't realise how popular it would be," Canon solutions marketing manager for professional print Nikki Richardson said. "The feedback has been very positive."

Spot coatings and metallic effects can be applied while printing, which slows the machine down from 14ppm to 11ppm, or it can be used as a coater for pre-printed sheets, when it runs at 40ppm.

Canon (Hall 8a Stand B46) said the machine is ideal for low-volume high value print commercial print, photo book production and for proofing.

The metallic and spot varnishing capabilities are predicted to be particularly popular for packaging proofing applications.