Domino to Showcase Inkjet VDP Systems and Digital Label Press at drupa 2012

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY—Feb. 28, 2012—Domino Printing Sciences will be presenting the benefits of its single-color K600i piezo inkjet solution, N600i digital label press and L100i thermal inkjet printer on its stand (Hall 13/D89) at drupa 2012.

Designed to integrate digital variable data printing within existing sheetfed, web presses and finishing lines, as well as delivered as a standalone digital press, the K600i delivers 600-dpi UV curable print at speeds of up to 246 fpm, double the speed of most high-resolution digital systems.

Capable of covering the full web with a single digital ink jet module, the variable data functionality of the K600i supports a range of linear, 2D (including QR codes), numbers, graphics, logos and personalized data. This flexibility to deliver high resolution, high speed VDP meets the growing demand for variable data labeling applications, ranging from simple stock control and anti-counterfeit data, to promotional games, tickets, tags, plastic cards and mailing pieces through to the printing of complete products.

Central to the success of the K600i is its wealth of i-Tech intelligent Technology features which deliver a range of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) productivity benefits, ranging from flexible integration, minimal operator intervention and maintenance downtime while maximizing productivity.

The K600i if configured for different print widths ranging from 108mm (4.26”) to 557mm (21.96”) which is achieved by mounting a series of stitched print heads across a bar to cover the full width of the press or finishing line. Print head alignment and image stitching is achieved through Domino’s i-Tech StitchLink micro-motor controller technology, which allows for easy and accurate set-up of high quality images.

Automated print head cleaning and capping via its CleanCap technology eliminates daily manual maintenance which reduces the risk of nozzle blockages. When not in operation, the print head is automatically moved into the CleanCap where the head is capped, ready for next use.

Downtime is further minimized by the unique i-Tech ActiFlow ink circulating system which allows UV curable ink to circulate around the print head even when printing has ceased. This prevents air bubbles becoming lodged within the print head, a common cause of jet-out and print quality degradation.

Comments Philip Easton, Director of Domino’s Digital Printing Solutions, “Today, printing companies are looking for solutions that offer new revenue streams and competitive advantage within their existing businesses. The K600i with its native 600dpi print resolution, selectable drop size, superior linear speeds and productivity features really sets new standards for integrating variable data print into existing print lines and onto a wide range of substrates.”

Typical web applications for the K600i include part personalization comprising barcodes and 2D codes for security labels, and where there is a traceability requirement to the complete printing of tickets and tags.

Part-personalization is very cost effective for long run production as it combines lower cost flexo or offset printing with digital printing for the variable data requirements. For sheet fed operations the solution is ideally suited to sheet-to-sheet game card, direct mail and security printing applications. The K600i is also available as a standalone roll to roll solution.

The K600i is the latest edition to Domino’s successful K-Series range, which already accounts for an estimated 30% of worldwide market share in its target sectors. In common with all K-Series models, the K600i has a compact modular design to facilitate integration with a range of host machines.

Domino Printing Sciences will demonstrate its next generation four color N600i digital ink jet label press with its enhanced package of upgraded i-Tech intelligent Technology smart features to maximize production efficiencies. The N600i digital color press combines print speed approaching that of flexo with the flexibility of digital printing to deliver improved profitability and a reduction in production costs.

The UV curable N600i digital label press offers a native 600dpi print resolution as well as up to four greyscale levels and utilizes one of the smallest drop sizes (6pl) to deliver the highest quality output onto a range of coated paper and plastic label stocks. This makes the N600i particularly suited to variable, localized label applications including language changes, personalization as well as special promotional packaging initiatives.

Operating at speeds up to 75 meters (246ft) per minute, the N600i redefines the range of production work a label printer can consider for printing digitally. In addition to offering fast change-over and short run length options traditionally associated with digital technology, its ability to print up to 1,500m²/hr (16,000ft²/hr) makes long production runs cost effective.

The new N600i digital label press on display at drupa 2012 has been enhanced by a host of i-Tech intelligent Technology smart features giving a superior solution for customers. These unique automated functions have been designed specifically to minimize or even eliminate the need for engineering intervention and make routine operator functions as fast, simple and intuitive as possible, thereby addressing the growing demand for the highest levels of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

“The design of the N600i combines a deep and long established understanding of ink jet technology with the need to address the increasing challenges presented by brand owners,” says Philip Easton, Director of Domino’s Digital Printing Solutions. “Not only do they want to achieve more direct, localized and personalized communication with their customers, they are also looking to achieve efficiency savings, whether through greater production efficiencies or a reduction in stock inventories and waste.”

Integral with the N600i is Domino’s i-Tech CleanCap automated cleaning and capping station which automates print head cleaning and eliminates the need for regular manual intervention. Further reducing maintenance downtime, its ActiFlow ink circulating system ensures that the ink is always circulating around the print head even when not in production, ensuring optimal print quality when production re-commences. In addition, its unique micro-motor StitchLink controller technology allows for precise head alignment resulting in a perfect stitch across the print width.

“The N600i is an excellent fit between the capabilities of digital printing and the underlying requirements of the brand owner, adds Philip Easton.

“Our objectives in the development of our original N-Series technology has been to perfect the flexibility of digital with leading edge productivity and low cost of operation, and our latest generation N600i is the culmination of our commitment to deliver a refined, workable solution to market.”

The N600i is available in a reel-to-reel configuration while its modular frame allows for future scalability. It is integrated with the latest EskoArtwork digital front end for seamless integration into existing customer workflow solutions.

Domino will also be expanding its L-Series range of thermal ink jet (TIJ) printers with the launch of the L100i at drupa 2012. Packaged with a host of new i-Tech intelligent Technology smart features to maximize productivity, and with the added flexibility of its single print head design, the new L100i integrates easily into web presses, mail bases, envelope inserters and folders for simple variable data print applications where high quality print is required. These range from simple back numbering of pharmaceutical labels, catalogues and magazine addressing, 2D code and barcode printing for traceability to applications requiring graphics and targeted personalization.

The single print head modular design of the L100i offers total flexibility for the user, and is fully scalable to enable further print heads to be added to accommodate a host of print positions and applications. The new L100i complements the existing wider print format L400i offering, and also includes a range of new enhancements designed to improve operational efficiency and enable the use of faster drying inks.

Each individual print head provides a print swathe of 12.5mm (0.5”), which can be expanded by adding or stitching up to eight separately controlled print heads. If further width is required, up to 32 print heads can be daisy-chained together. Flexibility of the L100i is further enhanced by the orientation of the individual print heads which can be configured at 90º allowing for different web output directions for more demanding print.

The L100i utilizes the latest thermal ink jet print head technology, generating smaller 24pl. size droplets that result in less obvious ink bleed, therefore producing a sharper, more refined print image. The typically 20% smaller droplet size combined with the reliable bulk ink supply option also significantly reduces consumable costs compared to most other thermal ink jet printer offerings. Furthermore, its i-Tech twin print nozzle DuoJet technology maintains optimum print quality and eliminates downtime. Should a print nozzle become blocked, the unique overlapping of the two nozzles on the DuoJet print head ensures that there is no ‘white line’ and the quality of the printed output remains intact and readable.

The L100i benefits from a range of aqueous inks designed specifically for different applications. These inks, which require no special handling, come in easy recyclable ‘no-touch’ ink cartridges that are quickly interchangeable or supplied from a 400ml bulk ink tank allowing for up to 400 uninterrupted hours of operation for higher volume printing. Where customers require high volumes of general purpose black ink complemented by specialized inks and spot colors, the L100i offers interchangeable disposable and bulk ink cartridges providing ultimate flexibility whilst minimizing operating costs for longer run lengths.

The L100i can be controlled by the Windows-based industry standard FlexMail™ thermal ink jet printer controller, which has a simple user interface and includes database configuration tools to allow for rapid set up. For more advanced applications requiring the management of multiple Domino printers as well as product tracking and verification, the L100i can also be managed by Domino’s mainstay Editor™ GT Windows- based controller.

“This latest edition to the L-Series range continues to underline Domino’s commitment to providing ever more flexible and cost effective solutions for the commercial print and mailing industries. The scalable single print head design of the L100i, combined with the latest smart features and the simplicity of thermal ink jet cartridge technology should be the first choice solution for many VDP requirements,” comments Philip Easton, Director of Domino’s Digital Printing Solutions. “Adding this to our other thermal, continuous, binary and piezo ink jet technology offerings means that Domino not only has the widest range of solutions available, but we also have the best in class product in every technology group ”

Source: Domino.