The Digicoater, which will launch at Drupa, is being pitched primarily at on-demand digital printers but is also capable of handing litho-produced print.

It is compatible with liquid ink and toner-based digital print engines, as well as photo, ink-jet and conventional litho printing technology.

The coater can take stocks up to 400gsm in 500mm widths and can apply coatings in variable thicknesses.

Functions include dual-path coating stations that allow both matt and gloss varnishes, or two differently textured finishes, which is claimed to improve the ease of job changeover.

There is also a fully automatic wash cycle and adjustable universal sheet feeder with an optional station for priming paper prior to printing.

The finishing kit manufacturer said the model, which will retail for less than £30,000, has a footprint half that of traditional coaters.

Morgana managing director Quen Baum said: "The DigiCoater fits perfectly into Morgana's extensive range of finishing equipment."

He added: "The machine is designed specifically for digital print output, but it handles litho print with ease too."