Domino launches piezo inkjet technology for coated shelf-ready packaging

Domino Printing Sciences has launched Cx150i, its latest piezo inkjet (PIJ) printer, specifically developed for printing durable, large-area, high-resolution codes onto non-porous surfaces, including shelf-ready and secondary packaging.

Part of Domino's proven Cx-Series range of PIJ printers, the Cx150i has been designed for large-area printing using durable, UV-curable inks for excellent scratch and rub resistance. The high-resolution (up to 600 DPI) system can print exceptionally small characters of just 1 mm, making it suitable for small Asian character sets and dense 2D codes, including QR codes powered by GS1. A range of different inks is available, including options that adhere to international GMP standards and EuPIA compliance for safe use on secondary food packaging.

Compared to alternative printing methods, the Cx150i UV-curable ink set provides excellent quality, density and durability with minimal volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

The printer itself is designed to be as environmentally responsible as possible, with low-energy, LED curing lamps and an innovative ink pouch to minimise the creation of waste material. What’s more, unlike other technologies on the market, there is no need for regular cleaning or ink purging and no factory air requirement, further reducing waste and overall energy usage.

The Cx150i can be installed as a standalone unit or alongside Domino’s automated coding and vision systems as part of a closed-loop printing and verification technology.

The printer is Industry 4.0-ready, offering a broad range of connectivity options, including connection to third-party label creation packages, factory ERP systems, and a wide range of packaging and processing equipment.

An optional connection to Domino’s cloud-based services provides 24/7 visibility of the printer’s performance and utilization.

‘In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, brands are increasingly looking to stand out and increase shelf appeal. This is driving a move away from plain, brown cardboard towards branded non-porous substrates for shelf-ready and display packaging,’ said David Edwards, product manager for PIJ at Domino. ‘With non-porous packaging, code durability can be an issue, particularly where food-contact materials are concerned. Compliant solutions often fall short of expectations regarding legibility and durability and can be wasteful in terms of overall ink and energy usage. We have developed the Cx150i with exactly these considerations in mind.’

‘We are very pleased to be able to present the Cx150i to the market,’ added Paul Clarke, director of printers and consumables at Domino. ‘We recognise the challenges manufacturers have faced regarding printing on coated and non-porous shelf-ready food packaging and are delighted to offer a low-impact, compliant solution that provides both great print quality and durability.’