(May 31, 2008) Domino Printing Sciences plc is extending its popular K-Series range with the launch of the Domino K150 variable data drop on demand (DOD) printing solution at Drupa 2008. A third generation of Domino’s piezo DOD technology, the versatile K150 ink jet printer uses both low-VOC solvent and UV-curable inks to deliver cost efficient, high resolution print, designed specifically to meet the increasing demands for late stage customisation, predominantly within the mailing and addressing sectors.

The K150 complements the existing products in Domino’s K-Series range, the K100 and K200, also providing high definition print onto a wider range of substrates, including aqueous and high gloss. However, the K150 is specifically suited to mailing applications thanks to its print format and price position. Depending on production requirements, each K150 printer can deliver a print width of 71mm, a resolution of up to 180 x 360 dpi, and print speeds of up to 120m per minute, equating to 20,000 products per hour.

Using microelectronics, all the functionality and intelligence of the K150 has been housed in the printhead itself, eliminating the need for a separate base unit. This has resulted in a reduced footprint, making the K150 even easier to integrate into either a mail base or an existing offset/flexo press line, to provide in-line digital variable data printing of addresses, numbers, graphics and barcodes.

Thanks to a choice of two print head variants, the K150 uses UV or solvent ink, depending on the specific application needs and the substrates used. The UV ink solution provides an outstanding high-gloss, raised finished print appearance that has an immediate impact for promotional direct mail applications. Solvent ink provides for a simplified installation, especially for porous substrates, but is also suitable for a wider range of substrates when used in combination with an infra red (IR) dryer. The solvent ink printed image has no raised profile, but still maintains near letter quality print.

“The K150 is the result of Domino’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of ink jet technology to deliver solutions that add real value to our customers’ businesses,” says Philip Easton, Product Director of Commercial Print at Domino Printing Sciences.

“In terms of a moderate initial investment, low running costs and a high quality of print output, the K150 offers an extremely affordable and flexible high performance product for printers requiring a range of late stage variable data applications in the addressing and mailing sectors. Users also benefit from the K150’s unparalleled flexibility and ease of integration into existing lines,” adds Easton.

The K150 is driven by Domino’s intuitive Editor GT ink jet production line controller allowing for more complex configurations. Based on the Microsoft Windows® XP platform, the Editor GT combines data preparation and management tools for in-line printing of addresses, personalised data, graphics, unique and serialised numbers and codes. In addition, the modular nature of the system allows more advanced functionality to be added, such as production monitoring, vision inspection and validation systems.