TECOM paper s.r.o. have launched the "TIJ 2048C/400", the first high-performance UV-Inkjet digital label printer in the Czech Republic. The TIJ 2048C/400 uses inkjet technology to print labels and similar products on most materials including self-adhesive film and paper. The reel to reel transport system can utilise rolls up to a maximum diameter of 620mm. The speed of printing can be varied depending on the image being used and is adjusted by the transport system, with a typical speed of 20 m/min (max. mechanical speed is 50 m/min).

Maximum media width can be up to 400mm and the machine is equipped with an automatic tension control on both unwind and rewind sides. The unwind side has a built-in automatic web guide.

The printer uses the Konica-Minolta KM1024 printhead, which is the most reliable printhead for single pass label applications. Josef Trs, General Director of TECOM paper, says: "Before we launched our label machine into the market, we conducted a one year test programme, using our prototype inkjet machine to produce labels for real client orders. We found that our inkjet printer produces, in many cases, better colour results than our traditional flexo printing machine. Our clients appreciated the quality of the inkjet printing."

The splice table, with pneumatic clamps on the unwind and rewind sides, makes changing of material very easy and fast. This option is very important for digital printing, where there are short-run orders and it is necessary to change quickly from one material to another. The design of the transport system is quite simple to understand and the small dimensions of the printer are good when floor space is limited.

The drying system uses the latest GEW lamp. The distance of the lamp from the printing head can be very easily adjusted to allow appropriate ink spreading according to different printed materials.

"We believe there are many opportunities in the label market.  The TECOM machine enables us to compare our technology with toner printing technology and demonstrate that inkjet is a cost-effective solution for the label market." said John Corrall, Managing Director of Industrial Inkjet Ltd. "Digital Label printing is a tough market right now, and there are many digital machines available, but we believe the introduction of the TIJ 2048C/400 will be a real success because of its outstanding ease of use and reliability, which fully meet the needs of clients in this market."

The TIJ 2048C/400 can be seen at the Prague office of TECOM  paper s.r.o.