Tonejet, the only manufacturer of advanced electro-static drop-on-demand digital print engines, today announces a collaboration with Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information. The collaboration will see a demonstration 2-piece direct to shape Can Decorator at interpack 2017 in Dusseldorf (4-10 May). Tonejet will demonstrate how its Digital 2-piece Can Decorator, complete with the Rockwell Automation iTRAK® system, enables efficient and profitable printing directly onto cans. 

This production machine unites Tonejet’s unique digital print engine with the innovative iTRAK intelligent transport system created by Rockwell Automation. Combining linear and rotary motion, iTRAK delivers a flexible, fully integrated solution that helps machine designers achieve a new paradigm in packaging and handling efficiency and throughput. Tonejet’s Can Decorator utilises this system to accurately transport the cans during the print process and ensure a high-quality finish.

“Direct to shape printing technologies are gaining considerable industry attention and rightly so,” comments Marvin Foreman, Sales Manager, Tonejet. “Consumer habits have changed considerably, and run lengths are lower than ever, with various product offerings on the shelf at any one time. Converters are looking to adapt existing workflows to meet new customer demands while maintaining profitability. The Tonejet with iTRAK system addresses these issues, providing a digital workflow with the flexibility required for small batch can production.”

The Tonejet Digital 2-Piece Can Decorator, with integrated Rockwell Automation iTRAK transport system, will be on show throughout interpack 2017 in Hall 6, demonstrating the many advantages of direct to shape digital beverage can printing. 

The Tonejet digital printer allows beverage packaging producers to respond quickly to customer demand by enabling images to be printed continuously onto subsequent cans, without stopping production to change plates or inks. Efficient production techniques give beverage packaging virtually limitless personalisation opportunities and beverage producers can respond quickly to seasonal or regional trends with varied product offerings.

Tonejet is a member of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ program as an OEM Program Participant, Partner Level. Members of the Rockwell Automation OEM Program demonstrate a commitment to offer high-quality, innovative machines and equipment that help manufacturers improve business agility, optimize automation and motion infrastructure, as well as effective interoperability with the safety system, other automation assets within the line and the enterprise solution at the plant.