The Inprinting Unit, Foliant's multi-functional is retrofittable to the firm's Vega, Mercury and Taurus B3 and B2 laminators that use the 'sleeking' process, where foil or varnish is applied to pre-printed black toner. The sheet can then be reprinted mono or four-colour.

According to Foliant's UK distributor, Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), the system is suitable for a range of products, from corporate stationery to POS and book covers and will be officially launched in the UK at the IFS Real Print and Finish open house at Hemel Hempstead on 15, 16 and 17 March. 

The Inprinting Unit runs a wide range of colours including gold, silver, red and green and a clear gloss for spot varnish.

IFS specialist for laminating Lee Fowler said: “Foliant wanted to make their laminators a bit more multifunctional and add more value.

“After laminating short or medium-length runs you can foil and varnish at very low cost. The price is £3,000 but if you bought a spot varnisher you are looking at well over £100,000 – a massive saving.

“We are using a clear gloss to give a spot varnish effect and the machine is targeted at any commercial printer with digital capability and their own laminator.”

He added: “The stand-out feature is the ability to make variable spot foiling. With a traditional foil blocking machine you make your foil block and you are doing just one piece of artwork.

“But with this you can put in variable data, so for stationery or wedding invitations each one can have different names and other personalised information.”

IFS managing director Bryan Godwyn said: “Adding the multi-functional Inprinting Unit to an existing laminator is an affordable way to quickly and easily introduce a number of finishing techniques to an operation’s print production services.

“As such printers can add value to their capabilities at a reasonable cost. One of the Foliant's benefits is the ability to apply good, constant pressure and keep the sheets flat to produce high-quality results.”