With all the developments in digital printing, the one item that seldom gets much coverage in the press is using add-on inkjet printing heads on existing printing and finishing equipment. This is a technology that has been around for a long time in many areas of product marking and low quality monochrome imprinting, but is relatively new in the graphic arts markets. In this area the only real player for some time has been Kodak with its Versamark DS Series continuous inkjet imprinting print heads, but these have predominantly operated in the monochrome and spot color markets at relatively low resolutions.

In the past overprinting was mainly adding simple text items to provide limited personalization.

What we are now seeing is the availability of a new generation of high-speed inkjet print heads for adding onto both presses and finishing systems for imprinting of variable data alongside offset or flexo printed material. Again Kodak is seen as the leading player in this area with its new Prosper S5, S10 and S20 continuous inkjet print heads. Kodak however is not alone in this market. We have recently seen HP introduce its C400 Color Print Module to compete in this space. In Europe Impika has introduced its range of iEngine modules for this market, and Atlantic Zeiser has its Gamma and Delta print modules. R.R. Donnelley has also developed its own Proteusjet Modular system for enhancing its offset presses.