The machine transfers foil images onto leather, vinyl, plastic and paper and, according to the company significantly reduces the direct and indirect costs of print by eliminating set-up time, as well as the consumables used in traditional printing.

Rita Mascari, vice president, marketing and sales at the US company, said: "What is unique about this product, and all of our digital foil printers, is that it can print variable and on-demand information. 

"It transfers hot-stamping foils without the need for any printing tool and it can personalise and customise the printed product, therefore, as a result, it is truly on-demand."

The Foil Xpress machine will be targeted at smaller print shops, whereas the company's other printers, including the Force10 and Cyclone, have traditionally been sold into the industrial market. 

At the Print 09 event, Massachusetts-based Impress Systems is also planning to showcase the Force10 model – a speciality printer for the security printing market.

Print 09 is due to take place on 11-16 September, in Chicago, US.