(May 31, 2008)  Domino Printing Sciences Plc is using Drupa 2008 for the global launch of version 4.5 of its Bitjet+ high speed, versatile in line ink jet printing system. The Bitjet+ version 4.5 sets new industry standards of print quality and uninterrupted personalisation at extremely high speeds. Version 4.5 comprises a host of innovative design and product developments to deliver even greater print speeds, significant increases in print quality, resolution and stability, as well as a number of operational benefits.

The latest generation of Domino’s globally successful solvent-based binary ink jet technology, the Bitjet+ version 4.5 can be easily integrated into existing production lines. This is one of Domino’s most versatile solutions which, with text, barcode and graphics printing capability, combined with very fast drying inks, is suitable for almost all substrates. A wide print head-to-substrate throw distance also enables integration on a variety of print and print finishing equipment.

A number of new features have been designed to make a step improvement in print quality. These include a new print head, which can be rotated to an angle to produce increased print resolutions of up to 180dpi. This is a unique development for a high speed binary printer, setting a new standard for a versatile solvent-based solution.

Print quality and resolution is also enhanced by a new ‘automated crosstalk compensation mode’, which regulates drop placement during printing. Version 4.5 of the Bitjet+ automatically optimises crosstalk compensation to regulate the droplet settings in relation to the given speed of operation. Also, through increasing the jet velocity, each ink droplet becomes more resistant to external factors influencing its trajectory. A new optional print head cover is also available for web applications, enabling closer print head-to-substrate proximity and increased drop placement accuracy and print quality.

Already high print speeds have been improved upon in version 4.5 by extending the capability to potentially print every ink droplet generated. Where previous Bitjet models could only print a maximum of every other droplet, each of the 256 nozzles within the Bitjet+ version 4.5 can now be programmed to use any or all of its 64,000 droplets of ink produced, every second. For high speed web applications, customers can now select to print at much higher speeds - up to 15 metres per second for maximum productivity - or in other cases choose a lower speed, where print quality may be optimised through increased crosstalk compensation.

Adding to production efficiencies and machine uptime, version 4.5 of the Bitjet+ has been redesigned and enhanced to provide rapid set-up and easier fault diagnostics. This includes a new ‘Automated Back Flush’ function, which can be used to flush out blocked or skewed print heads with cleaning solvent for quicker recovery with minimal manual intervention.

Philip Easton, Product Director of Commercial Print at Domino Printing Sciences plc, says, “Over the years, Domino products have clearly differentiated themselves and gained the competitive edge within the market by offering print head cleaning and diagnostics that are either fully automatic or require only very low levels of manual intervention. This leading edge technology has now been added to version 4.5 of the Bitjet+, giving this product further reliability and production efficiencies.”

To reduce the start-up time and improve efficiency through increased machine uptime, the Bitjet+ version 4.5 features a new, larger and more powerful ink system heater. In ambient conditions (21?C) the printer start time has been reduced from 15 to 10 minutes, while in colder environments start up time has been halved. A temperature control algorithm enables it to reach its optimum temperature more quickly and increases stability by ensuring that it remains within certain temperature parameters.

For simple data file printing, commonly required for rewinder and web applications, version 4.5 of the Bitjet+ offers local database support without the need for a separate controller. For more complex variable applications, however, it can be driven by Domino’s advanced Editor GT Windows® XP based controller, using TCP/IP protocol. The Editor GT combines data preparation and management tools for in-line printing of addresses, personalised data, graphics, unique and serialised numbers and codes. If required, a number of Domino printers can be managed by the same controller.

Version 4.5 also contains a new extended linear barcode and 2D code library, allows for the printing of Asian language characters and supports Adobe fonts commonly used in page design, eliminating the need to define equivalent fonts prior to job set up and printing. In addition, Domino’s innovative ripping solution now includes the capability to print Bitmap images in real time or on-the-fly.

Philip Easton concludes, “The key benefits of the new version 4.5 of the Bitjet+ come from its ability to deliver increased print quality, together with the option for extremely high print speeds and improvements in operational efficiency. This latest version allows applications such as in line late stage personalisation of newspapers, with the latest sports or election results, plus in-line promotion gaming to become a reality.”