Foil transfer device having a variable guide system

A transfer device for transferring a transfer layer from a transfer foil to a printing material, the transfer device comprising:

• an application unit for applying a layer of glue to areas of the printing material;
• at least one basic module substantially formed by a processing unit selected from the group including a printing unit, a varnishing unit, an embossing unit and a creasing unit of a sheet or web material processing machine, said at least one basic module including a transfer cylinder and an impression cylinder forming a transfer nip therebetween;
• a transfer module structurally separated from said at least one basic module, said transfer module having at least one of a foil supply reel or foil collecting reel for the transfer foil, and at least one of guide elements or timing elements for at least one of guiding or timing the transfer foil, the transfer foil being guided through said transfer nip together with the printing material for transferring the transfer layer to the printing material in the areas of the printing material to which glue has been applied;
• and
• a guide system for guiding the transfer module to different basic modules of at least one of the same or further sheet or web material processing machines.