i-Sub Digital officially launches Digi-Foil system
Print technology specialist i-Sub Digital has officially launched its exclusive Digi-Foil digital foiling system. Using a combination of a Mimaki UJF desktop printer, foil and a heated applicator, packaging manufacturers can produce colour-accurate mock-ups, short runs and one-offs for proofing in just five to ten minutes – a groundbreaking reduction in time. With no need to prepare traditional dies and foil presses, clients are potentially able to see a variety of different options at the very first stage, meaning packaging businesses can receive same-day sign-offs of new designs.
The system significantly cuts waste by allowing foil to be applied only in required areas – as small as 4pt text or a dot size of 0.3mm. Metallic, holographic, multi-coloured, opaque, patterned and foil embossed effects are all possible as a primary design or as an eye-catching accent or even as a security marking.
Representatives from over 30 companies – including several from the packaging, label, personalised and promotional products sectors – attended i-Sub Digital’s official Digi-Foil launch event in October, many making investments in the equipment and materials straightaway.
“We’ve had a great response from visitors,” says director Andy Spreag. “Before Digi-Foil cutting out pieces of coloured vinyl was the only way to achieve a similar effect on a mock-up but it was a time-consuming and inaccurate method. Here we are creating mock-ups that are the exact replica of the finished product which means it’s much easier to choose packaging colours.
“With the suggestion we are coming out of the recession years, luxury is back on the agenda. Metallics are light-catching and eye-catching – regardless of where on a shelf the packaging is – giving products greater impact. We are really proud of developing the Digi-Foil system and what it can do for the packaging and label markets: it can cut days or weeks off the prototyping process. We’ve also heard from visitors who had stopped offering effects such as gold blocking and silver foiling because the amount of scrap they were producing, so are really keen on re-introducing those using Digi-Foil and producing significantly less waste material.’