Heidelberg previewed the new MetalFX gold-base system beside demos of the silver-base technology on a Speedmaster 52 UV press. The kit rolled off MetalFX stickers, stamps, die-cuts and packaging at the show in Chicago.

MetalFX managing director Andrew Ainge said: "Heidelberg has come on board as our key strategic partner in demonstrating the MetalFX products. It's better to see them on printing presses live at a show."

His firm took around 200 orders for standard licences at Print 05, each costing around 2,000. Ainge said he would look at beefing up his firm's presence at shows in Japan and China.

Richard Bradley, marketing manager for small-format kit at Heidelberg UK, said: "We have a working alliance with MetalFX and can show the technology exclusively for another year."

Heidelberg will show MetalFX at Ipex 2006 and may demonstrate it at open houses in Leeds and Brentford in October and Tamworth in November.