Domino Printing Sciences is presenting the benefits of its single colour K600i piezo ink jet solution on its stand (Hall 4/D121) at Emballage 2012. Designed to integrate digital variable data printing within existing sheet, web-fed presses and finishing lines as well as delivered as a standalone digital press, the K600i delivers 600dpi high resolution UV curable print at speeds of 50 to 75 metres (246ft) per minute, double the speed of most high resolution digital systems.

At Emballage 2012, the K600i will demonstrate its ability to produce high quality, personalised labels of a quality comparable to flexographic printing. The product will be integrated into a roll-to-roll label printing line where it will be adding high resolution, personalised data to pre-printed labels. Visitors to the Domino stand will also see the K600i producing unique, smartphone-scannable 2D codes onto labels and cardboard.

Christophe Dousset, Domino France Business Development Manager, said: "At Emballage Domino will show how the K600i can print high quality codes onto a range of different media and substrates that are commonly used in sectors such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals.

"Visitors will be able to experience for themselves how QR codes can be used with smartphone scanning technology to check whether a product is authentic, along with how coding and marking technology can be used to improve traceability and to prevent black or grey market trade."

Capable of covering the full web with a single digital ink jet module, the variable data functionality of the K600i supports a range of linear, 2D (including QR codes), numbers, graphics, logos and personalised data. This flexibility to deliver high resolution, high speed VDP meets the growing demand for variable data labelling applications, ranging from simple stock control and anti-counterfeit data, to promotional games, tickets, tags, plastic cards and mailing pieces through to the printing of complete products.

Central to the success of the K600i is its wealth of i-Tech intelligent Technology features which deliver a range of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) productivity benefits, ranging from flexible integration, minimal operator intervention and maintenance downtime while maximising productivity.

The K600i is configured for different print widths ranging from 108mm (4.26") to 557mm (21.96") which is achieved by mounting a series of stitched print heads across a bar to cover the full width of the press or finishing line. Print head alignment and image stitching is achieved through Domino's i-Tech StitchLink micro-motor controller technology, which allows for easy and accurate set-up of high quality images.

Automated print head cleaning and capping via its CleanCap technology eliminates daily manual maintenance which reduces the risk of nozzle blockages. When not in operation, the print head is automatically moved into the CleanCap where the head is capped, ready for next use.

Downtime is further minimised by the unique i-Tech ActiFlow ink circulating system, which allows UV curable ink to circulate around the print head even when printing has ceased. This prevents air bubbles becoming lodged within the print head, a common cause of jet-out and print quality degradation.

Philip Easton, Director of Domino's Digital Printing Solutions, said: "Today, printing companies are looking for solutions that offer new revenue streams and competitive advantage within their existing businesses. The K600i with its native 600dpi print resolution, selectable drop size, superior linear speeds and productivity features really sets new standards for integrating variable data print into existing print lines and onto a wide range of substrates."

Typical web applications for the K600i include part personalisation comprising barcodes and 2D codes for security labels, and where there is a traceability requirement to the complete printing of tickets and tags.

Part-personalisation is very cost effective for long run production as it combines lower cost flexo or offset printing with digital printing for the variable data requirements.   For sheet fed operations the solution is ideally suited to sheet-to-sheet game card, direct mail and security printing applications. The K600i is also available as a standalone roll to roll solution.

The K600i is the latest edition to Domino's successful K-Series range, which already accounts for an estimated 30% of worldwide market share in its target sectors. In common with all K-Series models, the K600i has a compact modular design to facilitate integration with a range of host machines.