Special effects and embellishments are increasingly vital in the printing industry. As brands strive to enrich customer experiences and boost product revenue, leading printers are integrating value-added offerings into their press operations, creating mutual benefits. This growth is spearheaded by companies like Koenig & Bauer, whose presses enable seamless inline coating, embellishment, and foiling at high speeds.

According to Chris Travis, VP of Print Technology at Koenig & Bauer US, the luxury packaging market initially drove the demand for special effect printing, but it has now expanded across all market segments. This growth is fueled by the development of new consumables and custom press configurations, catering to diverse customer needs and preferences.

Smyth Companies, a prominent printing and packaging provider, emphasizes innovation with their new Koenig & Bauer Rapida press. Scott Fisher, President of Smyth Companies, highlights how this investment provides a competitive edge and widens their decoration options for customers.

The ability to produce special effects inline while maintaining maximum speed has accelerated the growth of specialty printing. Koenig & Bauer's innovative press configurations allow for multiple coating units, enabling various finishing options in a single pass.

Koenig & Bauer's presses offer unparalleled customization, with configurations supporting a myriad of effects such as matte, gloss, special colors, embossing, and cold foil applications. This flexibility has empowered companies like Carlson Print Group to create stunning customized print pieces for global brands.

The latest features of Koenig & Bauer presses facilitate quick changes in anilox rollers and plates, ensuring ultra-fast makeready and precise spot register. TPC Printing & Packaging leverages inline cold foil systems to streamline their workflow and reduce reliance on offline processes.

As the industry continues to evolve, Koenig & Bauer remains at the forefront, driving innovation in special effects printing. Printers can anticipate a steady influx of new technologies and configurations to fuel further growth in this dynamic sector.