K600i offers full width high-resolution inkjet printing

Published: 6-Mar-2012

Integrates digital variable data printing within sheet, web-fed presses and finishing lines

Domino Printing Sciences will present the benefits of its single-colour K600i piezo inkjet solution at drupa 2012, which takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany in May.

Integrating digital variable data printing within existing sheet, web-fed presses and finishing lines as well as delivered as a standalone digital press, the K600i produces 600dpi UV curable print at speeds of 50–75m (246ft) a minute, which the firm claims is double the speed of most high resolution digital systems.

Capable of covering the full web with a single digital inkjet module, the variable data functionality of the K600i supports a range of linear, 2D (including QR codes), numbers, graphics, logos and personalised data. This flexibility meets the growing demand for variable data labelling 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 K600i are its i-Tech intelligent technology features, which deliver a number of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) productivity benefits, from flexible integration, minimal operator intervention and maintenance downtime while maximising productivity.

The K600i is configured for print widths from 108mm (4.26in) to 557mm (21.96in), which is achieved by mounting a series of stitched printheads across a bar to cover the full width of the press or finishing line. Printhead 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 printhead cleaning and capping through Domino’s CleanCap technology eliminates daily manual maintenance, which reduces the risk of nozzle blockages. When not in operation, the printhead is automatically moved into the CleanCap where the head is capped, ready for next use.

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

Philip Easton, director of Domino’s Digital Printing Solutions, said: ‘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 personalisation comprising barcodes and 2D codes for security labels, and where there is a traceability requirement to the printing of tickets and tags.

Part-personalisation is cost-effective for long run production as it combines lower cost flexo or offset printing with digital printing for the variable data requirements. For sheetfed operations the solution is 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 K-Series range, which 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.

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