High-volume production inkjet is still relatively new to the corrugated printing industry. However, the choices are already plentiful. Several types of page-wide inkjet printers are on offer for corrugated and the closely related POS/display graphics market.
In producing corrugated packaging, the corrugated medium (fluting) is glued between an inner and outer liner to provide a rigid and cushioned media. The corrugated print production process are defined by whether the printing happens before (pre) or after (post) the corrugation process.
Preprint corrugated presses print on the liner of a corrugated box before the corrugating and converting process. The most widely used production process for corrugated packaging printing is post-print, where the press prints directly onto the corrugated board. Post-print is the focus for this Inkjet Shopping Guide.
Post-print, or direct corrugated printing
Post-print is typically done by flexo presses today. For higher quality graphics, litho-printed sheets can be produced which are then laminated on top of a board. Both processes remain efficient for long runs.
For short runs, inkjet is emerging as an alternative. Inkjet comes in different flavours of productivity and automation, with high-end automated presses and less automated entry or mid-level presses. The maximum sheet size supported can be a differentiator as well. Both UV and aqueous inks are available and, while UV ink presses have the largest market share, the more recently launched presses tend to use aqueous inks. Most presses use vendor-supplied inks, while the Barberan and Kento models certify inks, which are then purchased by the press users.
Most presses only reach the maximum speed at lower than their highest potential resolution. It pays to check how, and how much, resolution changes with the speed. Across the devices on the market, there are a wide range of resolutions offered. It should be kept in mind that not all corrugated print requires the highest resolution and some may not even allow for higher resolution. Printers with lower resolution in terms of DPI tend to compensate with multi-gray level imaging, which improves the quality of images.
The typical run lengths of the printers ranges from a few hundred sheets to 10,000 or 20,000. Exceptions are the Konica Minolta PKG-1300, which is slower and has a simpler build to target a lower volume band. The other exception is the Kento Hybrid, which combines inkjet and flexo imaging. This allows for a higher break-even as a smaller amount of the more expensive inkjet ink is used. On the other hand, changing the flexo plate does incur change-over costs.
Display graphics and corrugated are closely related markets, however not all devices suitable for corrugated also excel in display graphics. The latter can require printing on smooth, coated, or synthetic surfaces. The Nozomi 18000+ LED is the first single-pass inkjet printer optimised for display graphics but other devices can be used for display graphics as well.
Corrugated post-print inkjet presses
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Barberan Jetmaster  |
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Max width: up to 1.84m UV inks: CMYK + 2 colours Resolution: 600 dpi Speed: 80 or 120 m/min |
Barberan originally introduced the Jetmaster series in 2007. Jetmaster models can print on multiple substrates in décor, panel and packaging print. About 70 installations of the Jetmaster series have been made so far. With the 1260, 1750 and 1890, there are three Jetmaster models available especially for corrugated - all vary in print width. The latest models introduced in 2021 feature a higher imaging resolution, a self-calibrating inspection system and a higher speed of up to 120 m/min. Barberan has an open ink model, with users buying inks directly from four approved ink manufacturers. The presses are available globally and are targeted for corrugated and display graphics. |
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Domino X630i  |
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Max sheet size: 1.6 x 3m Aqueous inks: CMYK Resolution: 600 dpi Speed: up to 75 m/min |
The X630i is Domino’s first venture into corrugated print after providing inkjet solutions for a range of markets. The device features Domino’s generation 6 inkjet platform and the AQ95 aqueous ink set which are food packaging compliant. The X630i has a relatively compact design. Since launch Domino improved the drying capacity, coating and stacker options. Announced in 2020, there are more than 5 units installed already. The press is fully available in the main regions. |
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EFI Nozomi C18000 Plus  |
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Max sheet size: 1.8 x 3m UV inks: CMYK + white and Orange/Violet Resolution: 360 x 720dpi Speed: up to 75 m/min |
With close to 40 installations the Nozomi C18000 line proved to be one of the best-selling inkjet corrugated printers since its launch in 2016. As all Nozomi models, the printers can accommodate up to seven colours, including white ink and use UV inks. As a well-rounded device it can print corrugated and display graphics The plus version launched in 2022 has transport and image quality upgrades over the original Nozomi C18000 model. It is available globally. |
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EFI Nozomi C14000 LED  |
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Max sheet size: 1.4 x 2.4m UV inks: CMYK + white and Orange/Violet Resolution: 360 x 720 dpi Speed: up to 100 m/min |
Although a more compact model, the C14000 can reach 100 m/min throughput in ECO mode for uncoated liners. The speed for board remains at up to 75 m/min. While launched in 2022 there are already about 5 installations and the press is available globally. The C14000 is targeting corrugated markets. As the maximum sheet size is smaller than the C18000, the press requires less floor space and has a more attractive price point |
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EFI Nozomi 18000+ LED  |
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Max sheet size: 1.8 x 3m UV inks: CMYK + white and Orange/Violet Resolution: 360 x 720 dpi Speed: up to 65 m/min |
The 18000+ is a version of the Nozomi C18000 optimised for display graphics with special support for smooth substrates. It includes a primer and an optional overprint varnish. With 3 installs the press is entering now global availability. |
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Hanway Glory 1606  |
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Max sheet size: 1.6 x 2.8m Aqueous inks: CMYK +2 colours Resolution: up to 600x1,200 dpi Speed: Up to 150 m/min |
The Hanglory Group is major manufacturer of inkjet presses in China and Hanway the subsidy for corrugated inkjet presses. The Hanway Glory 1606 is an upgrade of the 1604 and features 2 extra colour channels. The press uses Kyocera heads and can, depending on the resolution, reach up to 150 m/min. Target markets are corrugated and display graphics. Hanglory relies on local dealers in most countries outside China and is in the process of building up a network. About 30 units have been installed globally already. Hanway also offers multi-pass printers for corrugated. See previous coverage of Hanglory presses. |
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Hanway Glory 2504  |
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Max sheet size: 2 x 2.5m Aqueous inks: CMYK Resolution: up to 600x600 dpi Speed: Up to 180 m/min |
The Glory 2504 is a larger sheet model from Hanway, especially for corrugated board and boxes. As the 1606 the 2504 features Kyocera inkjet heads and aqueous inks but prints in CMYK only. A linear speed of 180 m/min can be reached at reduced imaging resolution. The latest addition to the model is the option for a rotary die-cutter for fully integrated box production. According to Hanway there are about 30 installations in the field. |
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HP PageWideC550  |
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Max sheet size: 1.3 x 2.5m Aqueous inks: CMYK + 2 colours Resolution: 1,200 dpi Speed: 90 m/min |
HP announced the C500 in 2016 and started shipping in 2018. HP has close to 20 installations worldwide, making the press a proven sheet-fed water-based printer for corrugated. Announced in February 2023 the C550 is replacing the C500 and will become fully available later in 2023. The new press sports a 20% higher speed of 90 m/min (without the need to slow down) and has a variety of usability and productivity enhancements. Also, a flute thickness up to 8mm is now supported (up from 7mm). The high resolution of 1,200 dpi and use of HP’s thermal inkjet heads is unchanged. |
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Kento Hybrid  |
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Max sheet size: 2.1 x 1.3m UV inks: CMYK Resolution: 360 dpi Speed: up to 80 m/min |
The Kento Hybrid is unique, as it combines inkjet imaging with flexo print stations (several are possible). The concept is to offload coverage-heavy image portions (solids) to the flexo unit(s) and only print the graphics image portion in inkjet. This saves on pricey inkjet ink. Kento is a start-up company cooperating with established flexo press manufacturer Celmacch on the sheet transport and flexo units. Kento provides the imaging unit using Seíko heads. Users buy UV inks directly from a list of approved ink makers. The system includes a primer (for coated substrates) and has an option for an overprint varnish. Adding in-line finishing is planned for the future. The first system is already in operation in Spain and the first US installation is in progress. See recent coverage of Kento Hybrid. |
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Konica Minolta PKG-1300  |
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Max sheet size: 1.3 x 1.6m Aqueous inks: CMYK Resolution: up to 1,200 dpi Speed: up to 27 m/min |
Being launched now, the PKG-1300 is replacing the PKG675i launched in 2021, which has about 30 installations in Europe already. The PKG-1300 features a higher level of automation, including an automatic feeder and stacker. Moreover, HP inkjet heads are used now. Still, the device is very compact and has a noticeably lower entry cost than the other devices. However, sheet size and speed are limited, making this device more suitable for low-volume users, even for companies starting to move into corrugated printing. The PKG-1300 is already available in Europe and will soon be in North America. |
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König & Bauer Durst Delta SPC130  |
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Max sheet size: 1.3 x 2.8m Aqueous inks: CMYK + 2 colours Resolution: up to 800 x 600 dpi Speed: up to 120 m/min |
The Delta SPC-130 was originally developed by Durst starting field testing in 2016. It is now managed and further improved by the Koenig & Bauer / Durst joint venture. With joint know-how and feedback from the first customers already further press developments were made. This led also to a lower-priced, less automated SPC 130 ECO+ version. Also, a “standard” and a full blown SPC 130 Automatic Line are available. The models are upgradeable when volumes rise. Furthermore, 2 additional colour channels and a digital primer can be added. The presses can be integrated into the Koenig & Bauer logistics solutions. About 10 SPC presses have been shipped so far and the press is available globally. |
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König & Bauer Durst CorruJET 170  |
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Max sheet size: 1.3 x 1.7m Aqueous inks: CMYK Resolution: 1,200 x 600 dpi Speed: 120 m/min |
The second corrugated press sold by the Koenig & Bauer / Durst joint venture is the CorruJET 170, which was originally developed by Koenig & Bauer. The CorruJET 170 can reach a high resolution of 600 x 1,200 dpi which makes the press suitable for corrugated and display work. The press is designed for 3-shift operations and high volumes. Again, the press benefits from the existing Koenig & Bauer know-how in corrugated. A CorruCUT rotary die cutter is an inline option via a sheet bridge. A first user is operating the CorruJET in Germany and the press is available globally. With the CorruJET 170X a concept exists for a larger format press for 1.7 x 2.8m sheets. |
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Xeikon Idera  |
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Max sheet size: 1.6 x 2.8m Aqueous inks: CMYK Resolution: up to 1,200 x 600 dpi Speed: up to 120 m/min on uncoated, 60 m/min on coated |
The Idera is the first venture of Xeikon to serve the corrugated and display graphics markets. The aim of the Idera is to convert existing short-run flexo jobs, complemented by high-value jobs Supported by parent company Flint Group, Xeikon is developing its own fluids, including ink, primer and varnish for the best performance. There is one user site active in the US with the Idera press, which Xeikon used to fine-tune and optimise the fluids. The press is now commercially available globally. |
This shopping guide is intended to give a high-level overview of the corrugated post-print devices available. More details on the products can be found in the Inkjet Insight Device Finder and in previous coverage of some models. Check out the next post in the series covering the much shorter list of pre-print corrugated presses on the market.
