Mike Barry, Domino Digital Printing key Account and OEM Manager, said, "This technology transforms an existing press into a fully functional hybrid press at a much lower cost than a brand new hybrid press." It also allows for additional cost savings by using existing tool inventory and allows processors with limited space to add new features without expanding their footprint."
Domino's new N610i-R digital modelled module is available in four colors (CMYK) or five colors, including Double white (WW+CMYK). The five-color version allows printing in high opacity digital white (72%) (often used as an alternative to screen printing) at a speed of 50m/min.
Developed specifically for original equipment manufacturers and processors who want to add digital printing technology to their existing flexo production lines for hybrid printing, this retrofit module helps processors extend the capabilities of their traditional presses and gives new life to underutilized flexo presses.
Given this, and Domino's existing relationship with McAndy to develop hybrid printing systems, it's perhaps not surprising that the DSiQ-R was added as a retrofit option based on the N610i-R, but the flexo printer manufacturer flagged it as part of its offering. The DSiQ-R is designed to integrate with McAndie's Evolution and Performance series press platforms to create a hybrid single-channel production platform.
The DSiQ-R is one of the many retrofit options available from McAndie, such as the Digital Plus series. Among them, Digital Plus Variable (DPV) is an inkjet module that adds monochrome variable data functionality to new or existing digital/flexo printers or post-press devices with an overall resolution of 600dpi, a processing direction resolution of 300-600dpi, and a speed of up to 150m/min. Digital Plus Screen printing is a wired digital printing module that integrates monochrome UV inkjet printing into high output flexo printing equipment and eliminates the need for rotating screen printing units and their associated setup costs. With this device, tactile effects can be produced at speeds of up to 73m/min.
While the N610i-R module is a new addition, Domino also has a proven portfolio for retrofitting flexo printers and adding digital capabilities. One of the users of this technology is Mercian Labels, which integrated the K600i into the Edale FL3 flexo press.
The same goes for Xpress Labels, which recently upgraded its MPS flexo printer with the Domino K600i inkjet digital printing module, expanding the company's ability to print variable data. After this upgrade, variable data can be printed on the front and back of the label, especially on the adhesive surface and the back of the paper (if needed). This gives the company the flexibility to offer customers new opportunities for personalized and customized labeling solutions.
The Domino K600i operates at line speeds of up to 150m/min in a dual nozzle set configuration and can print on a wide range of media substrates at a resolution of 600dpi. Examples of variable data that can be printed using the system include serial numbers, batch numbers, random numbers or passwords, as well as alphanumeric characters, linear barcodes, QR codes or QR codes, and variable images can also be generated. These are suitable for a variety of applications such as consumer engagement, loyalty and promotional programs, anti-counterfeiting, food safety, track and trace, brand protection, inventory control, and logistics and reverse logistics.
Another printer that has successfully deployed an inkjet makeover is First Tape & Label (FT&L) in Texarkana, Arizona. It uses Colordyne Technologies' 3800 series UV inkjet engines to produce single-channel inkjet labels for its customers.
This is actually FT&L's second Colordyne system, which was purchased in 2020 with a 3600 Series UV makeover. With faster turnaround and cost savings through integrated inkjet technology, FT&L purchased the 3800 Series UV retrofitted in 2021. The latest inkjet engine was installed, which showcased an automatic feeding system and job change software, enabling FT&L to increase the efficiency and speed of daily throughput.
Such systems can be used not only to upgrade modern servo-driven flexo printers, but also to add new features to older machines, such as McAndie's 2200 and 4150 models. This type of configuration has been and will continue to be championed by Industrial inkjet (IIJ), especially in North America, where there is a large number of traditional flexo equipment available and ready for conversion with inkjet. This allows processors to update and reuse existing equipment by retrofitting rather than buying new digital presses directly.
Kodak Prosper Plus systems can be integrated into a variety of analog processes, whether flexo, gravure or offset printing, or even packaging machines. Suitable for corrugated, folding cartons, labels and flexible packaging applications, these systems are capable of delivering high image quality at 600 x 900dpi and high-speed printing at speeds up to 600m/min. The system uses Kodak Stream continuous inkjet technology to achieve precise circular droplet placement.
Randy Vandagliffe, senior vice president of digital printing at Kodak, said this allows package printers to implement hybrid printing in a very flexible and cost-effective manner, and allows high-quality printing on sometimes difficult to handle substrates without compromising the productivity of the entire production line. "Our printing system facilitates the implementation of innovative ideas and changes the way packaging impacts consumers."
Kyocera Nixka Inkjet Systems (KNIS) and Sale have added more systems to the portfolio that can be used to upgrade existing hardware and integrate digital into legacy hardware. Sale's Versatex spray heads enable label and flexible packaging producers to digitally print "white and color with the highest opacity" and add a wide range of capabilities to their existing press, which can handle a wide range of inks and liquids with a printing width of 410mm, a resolution of up to 720dpi, eight gray levels and a printing speed of up to 75m/min. When using this new sprinkler set, it can also provide texture and heavy printing effects, glazing, bronzing and mass personalization.
KNIS has introduced the Genix 1200, a water-based inkjet printing system that operates at speeds of up to 200m/min. The Genix 1200 inkjet printing system is initially offered as a four-color inkjet printing system, but up to 3 colors can be specified according to the customer, but when more colors are needed, the Genix 1200 inkjet printing system can be upgraded in the field. The Genix 1200 can be integrated into a processing line or retrofitted to existing hardware, upgraded with state-of-the-art inkjet solutions to give existing and amortization systems a second life.
Modules and sprinkler sets dedicated to the application of digital finishing are another option open to processors seeking to upgrade their capabilities. Omet's Jet-Bar is an inkjet digital printing device for glazing convex surfaces of different thicknesses. The device can be used in different positions on the company's KFlex or XFlex X6 flexo printers.
Neubertel's polishing inkjet units offer decorative features suitable for the health, personal care and wine and spirits sectors. With a resolution of 360dpi and a speed of up to 60m/min, the device is seen as a unique alternative to local glazing. The unit can be integrated or retrofitted at any time to the Panorama hybrid press or any other Newbot press associated with it.
