Overview

The JETvarnish 3D is an advanced inkjet spot UV coater designed for fast startup without plates or screens, enabling production from single sheets to thousands per hour. It supports variable coating thickness from 3 to 200 microns, allowing both flat and 3D raised effects on the same document.

Key Features and Innovations

• Format and Substrate Compatibility: Supports sheet sizes up to 52x105 cm (20x42") and substrate weights from 135 gsm to 600 gsm, including matte or glossy laminated surfaces, plastics, PVC, and coated materials.
• Inkjet Technology: Utilizes MGI's exclusive piezoelectric drop-on-demand print heads for precise coating application, with line widths from 0.5 mm up to full sheet width.
• Variable Coating Thickness: Coating thickness can be digitally varied from 3 microns (traditional flat spot UV) up to 200 microns for tactile 3D effects.
• Digital Advantage: 100% digital workflow allows for quick proofs and short runs with no plate or screen setup, reducing waste and enabling personalized spot UV coatings.
• ARC Registration Technology: Features two onboard cameras for automated, on-the-fly registration correction in X, Y, and skew, ensuring precise coating alignment even on inconsistent print registrations.
• High Capacity Tanks: Equipped with two coating tanks (18 liters and 6 liters) and dual coating circuits for quick changeover without production interruption.
• Integrated UV Curing: On-the-fly UV curing via conveyor belt ensures sheets are dry and ready for immediate handling or finishing.
• Production Speed: Up to 3,000 B2 sheets per hour for flat spot UV coating.
• Environmental Considerations: Closed-circuit varnish system minimizes waste, low noise emissions, reduced energy consumption, and solvent-free UV curing.

Software and Production Management

• WorkStation Manager: Job queue management, job ticket creation, reprint recall, ARC camera adjustments, printhead parameter control, and production data export for MIS integration.
• Spot Varnish Editor: On-the-fly editing of spot UV masks directly on the production floor, reducing dependency on prepress departments.
• Job Cost Calculator: Predicts coating consumption with microliter precision, enabling accurate cost estimation and pricing.

Mechanical and Operational Specifications

• Paper Handling: High capacity feeder and stacker each capable of handling up to 60 cm (approx. 4,000 sheets at 135 gsm), with 100% flat paper path, vacuum and air feed systems, and automatic double sheet detection.
• Registration Accuracy: ±200 microns overall registration tolerance.
• Substrate Thickness Range: 150 to 600 microns (6 to 24 mil) before printing and lamination.
• Operating Environment: Temperature 18–30°C (64–86°F), relative humidity 30–50% without condensation.
• Electrical Requirements: Multiple power inputs including 30 kW at 400 V and 3.7 kW and 2 kW at 220 V.
• Dimensions and Weight: 7.67 m (L) x 2.24 m (W) x 2.16 m (H) with doors open; weight approx. 2,150 kg.

Maintenance and Support

• Daily maintenance under 10 minutes with mostly automated procedures.
• Cold start to production in less than 15 minutes.
• Remote troubleshooting and support via integrated video/web camera (requires high-speed internet).

Optional Features

• Twin Print Engine: Doubles 3D print speed and maximum coating thickness up to 200 microns.
• iFOIL Module: Inline hot foil stamping option available from Q1 2014.

Applications

Ideal for packaging, cosmetics, overwrapping, shopping bags, book covers, luxury packs, labels, and gift boxes, providing visually striking and tactile finishing effects that add value and differentiation.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

• Eliminates waste of electricity, paper, and varnish.
• No plates or screens required, reducing setup time and consumables.
• Solvent-free coating process.
• Low noise and energy consumption.

Summary

The JETvarnish 3D is a versatile, high-speed digital spot UV coater offering precise, variable thickness coatings with integrated UV curing and advanced registration technology. It supports a wide range of substrates and formats, enabling printers to add high-margin, value-added finishing effects with minimal waste and fast job turnaround. Its comprehensive software suite and optional features further enhance productivity and cost control, making it suitable for diverse commercial and packaging applications.