Atlantic Zeiser launches variable data inkjet system

Atlantic Zeiser, supplier of personalization and encoding systems, has introduced the Omega 36/36i, a digital inkjet printing system for the print, labeling and packaging industry. Based on drop-on-demand array technology, this printer enables variable data to be printed on a wide variety of substrates, ranging from paper and carton to aluminum, polymer foils and plastics. Thanks to its compact design, this printing system enables an easy integration into most existing equipment.

With a print resolution of 360 dpi, the Omega 36/36i ensures accurate reproduction of barcodes and font sizes down to 4 points as well as optimum legibility of bar codes, graphics and textual information. The high print quality on a print width of 36mm facilitates personalization of pre-printed offset media. On first glance it is near impossible to tell that imprints have been applied at a later stage to the product, says the company. In addition, the Omega inkjet printing system makes it practical, as well as profitable, to generate short runs for subsequent individualization.

The Omega 36/36i achieves the quality of flexo printing with the significant advantage of printing variable data. This versatile inkjet system prints variable data on all types of plastic cards and packaging, and can also be adapted for high quality mailings, personalizing ID cards in security print and printing labels, particularly those with special coatings. Because the Omega printing system is designed for use in either web or sheet-fed processes there are virtually no limits to its field of application. The OMEGA will enable print service providers to take on cost-effective short-run jobs previously reserved for flexo and silk-screen printing, — all with a high level of quality in a fraction of the time.

The Piezo printheads of the Omega 36/36i are designed for use with UV-cured or solvent-based inks that are specially formulated to suit specific requirements and applications and optimized to deliver maximum print quality and performance. A highlight of this system is a fast-curing special ink developed by Atlantic Zeiser, adapted to low-thermal UV- dryers and equipped with optimum values to ensure superior adhesion, economical consumption, superior print quality, accurate contrast and high density.

The Omega printing system is available in two versions: the Omega 36 serves as an economical entry-level model with a print speed of 30m/min, whereas the Omega 36i version offers twice the print speed, running at an impressive 60m/min.

‘As a full service system integrator, we are offering the Omega 36/36i printing system as a customized combination of printers, inks, dryers, controllers (also developed by Atlantic Zeiser), personalization software, transport systems and camera-based monitoring systems that can be tailored to customer’s individual requirements,’ explained Oliver Mehler, president and CEO at Atlantic Zeiser. ‘Our goal is to provide our customers with an end-to-end solution for their applications from a single source.’