Digi-Foil employs a Mimaki UJF 3042 or 6042 printer together with a heated applicator to apply foiling effects without the need for foil presses or dies, and can apply foil on areas as small as 0.3mm, according to I-Sub Digital. The machine is intended to be used for creating product mock-ups, one-offs or for very short runs.

The machine can print on substrates and objects of up to 150mm thick, making it suitable for producing awards and trophies.

I-Sub Digital director Andy Spreag said the Trophex show, which runs 19-20 January at the NEC in Birmingham, offered the opportunity to expand into a new sector: “We're looking forward to Trophex and showing how our large-format printing equipment can be used to great effect by trophy and personalisation specialists.

"Foiling and direct printing using metallic inks can create whole new business opportunities, and for much less money and time than many traditional techniques," he said.

The Kettering-based company said the foil effects created by Digi-Foil were identical to those produced by traditional foiling techniques, but could be achieved much faster and at a fraction of the cost.

I-Sub will also be showcasing the Mimaki CJV30-60 digital print-and-cut systems, focusing on the products that can be created with the metallic, white and colour inks.

The Digi-Foil, with UJF 3042 and 6042, are available for £29,995 and £39,995 respectively, including the heated applicator and a starter pack of foil rolls in a range of colours.