At Labelexpo Europe in Brussels at the end of September Domino displayed two key technologies for offering fast and efficient digital label personalisation and short to medium run printing: the K600i single colour high resolution modular print bar, which can be integrated into an existing press or finishing line or as a standalone roll-to-roll solution; and the next generation N600i four colour 333mm web UV ink jet digital label press. Both systems incorporate the smart features of Domino’s i-tech intelligent Technology and are based on UV curable ink jet technology, printing with 600dpi print resolution at speeds of 50 – 75 metres per minute.
The K600i is the first product Domino has launched that moves away from remotely mounted individual ink jet print heads to a solution covering the full web with a single digital ink jet module. Delivering quality output that is comparable to that of pre-print, the K600i operates at double the speed of most high resolution digital systems.
Key to its appeal is the capability to accommodate different print widths which can be easily achieved by stitching print heads together across the web with the Domino StitchLink micro-motor controller technology, achieving a print width range from 108mm to 780mm with scalability made possible by mounting print modules across a bar.
In addition, the modified print head with Domino’s unique ActiFlow circulating ink system maintains a constant ink temperature and degasses the ink, so providing a higher level of reliability. It prints with UV curable inks at a native resolution of 600dpi with three or four selectable drop sizes at line speeds of 50 – 75 metres per minute, and supports variable data printing, barcodes, 2D codes including QR Codes, numbers, graphics, logos and personalised data in a range of different image sizes.
On display in conjunction with the K600i is the WebEx, a web handling extension for an existing re-winder or in some cases printing press, to facilitate variable in-printing. The WebEx is designed to enable accurate material control essential for the high resolution print capability of the K600i, giving customers the opportunity to combine ink jet personalisation within an existing process.
Domino also exhibited its N600i Digital Label Press using the latest ink jet technology – the only colour digital press to combine the productivity of flexo with the flexibility of digital printing. Operating up to 75 metres per minute and offering both a high 600 dpi native print resolution, as well as four greyscale levels, the N600i utilises one of the smallest drop sizes (6pl) to deliver excellent fine print detail.
Not only does it offer the fast changeover and short run length options traditionally associated with digital technology, but printing up to 1.500 m² per hour also makes long production runs cost-effective. In addition its automated functions such as print head cleaning, capping and alignment helps to maintain the highest levels of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
‘Labelexpo was the first show where we began to roll out product deliverables that reflect the company’s increased commitment to r&d, enabling us to develop leading edge technologies that make valuable contributions to the productivity and profitability of our customer’s businesses,’ said Philip Easton, Director of Domino’s Digital Printing Business.