AB Graphic International, a UK-based supplier of converting and finishing machines, has integrated a Domino K600 i DOD inkjet printer within its bi-directional Flytec 510 rewinder to provide a bespoke line for a manufacturer and distributor of horticultural products in Northern Germany. The system is used as a digital label printing line for webs up to 300 mm wide to meet the demand for short run jobs with frequent design changes.

The Flytec 510 system supplied includes bi-directional winding and is equipped with label, web length and reel diameter rewind counters. All machine functions are controlled through a centralized operator touch screen control. The bi-directional operation of the Flytec system coupled with the Domino K600 enables continuous printing with reduced material waste. Jobs can be printed, UV cured and rewound back to the printer so that the first label of the next run is immediately ready to print. Servo assisted drive permits a wide range of delicate and perforated substrates to be processed including blank labels, PE, PVC and Tyvek.

The new system has replaced two cold laser systems and, according to a statement by AB Graphic, has significantly improved production output and print quality without increasing label costs. The machine is used to produce labels for own brand products, external customers and personalized small print runs. PDF files can be sent from the company’s pre-press department directly to the ink jet printer where a data file is created. This also contains any variable data to be printed. Labels can then be printed immediately, further speeding up production.

Covering 220 mm web width, the Domino K600 prints static and variable data, barcodes, graphics and information at a native print resolution between 600dpi and 1200 dpi with up to four grey scale levels, reaching speeds of up to  150 m / min. The system is equipped with two print heads, UV curing and automatic ink cleaning. The two print heads are connected to permit full flexibility in label layout design. The print heads are covered, when not in use and this together with an integrated automatic cleaning function means the printer is always ready to run. Between 40 and 50 print jobs with various repeat lengths can be run daily.