Unveiled at Viscom Frankfurt Grapo sales director Branislav Oravec said: "There is nothing else like it on the market that offers such a good quality/price balance."

With a price of €51,900 (£44,000) for a 2x1.5m true flatbed the machine is competitively priced against rival hybrid machines based on roll fed designs that use friction or roll feeding with feed and take up tables.

Grapo claims that the Manta Slim takes up half the footprint of its predecessor and can deliver 720dpi quality onto a range of rigid substrates including foamboard, cardboard, plastic, wood, metal and glass.

At the event Grapo was showing with its German reseller Igepa and partnering with cutter manufacturer Aristo.

"This cooperation offers synergies for both companies," said Aristo market manager Michael Hock. "It is a door opener for us in an important market."