Inkjet Printers To Handle 3m VDP Wraps Per Week

Ink jet addressing modules producing high definition graphics and variable messaging are being used to handle up to three million wraps per week at the UK's Priority Newstrade and Mailing.

Priority will be using Five Domino Bitjet+ printers for addressing polythene covers for mail order, charity and news trade customers and they will be used alongside Priority's new Sitma W18 enclosing lines in an investment of GBP1.13 million.

Part of Domino's portfolio of variable data printing (VDP) ink jet technology systems, the Bitjet+ binary printer is designed for in-line high-speed, VDP applications.

Integrated in to production lines, the Bitjet+ is claimed to provide continuous, un-interrupted personalisation.

The Domino Bitjet+ system is said to provide high definition printing up to the full 54mm (2.13") band heights.

Claimed to print at four metres per second, common applications include bindery, folders, wrapping, inserters, rewinders, plastic cards, sheet-feed and web presses, mailing lines and label presses.

In addition to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) ink variants, the Bitjet+ offers a black acetone option.

Using the ink the printer complies with legislation on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a growing number of countries, said Domino.

Additionally, the range of compatible substrates on to which the Bitjet+ can print, is increased using the fast-drying, low VOC acetone option, which include coated paper, plastic and film, such as that used by Priority.

Domino added that it has also introduced a ceramic charge electrode on the Bitjet+ to offer increased reliability and improved print quality through smoother ink break-off and lay-down.

The more robust ceramic charge electrode is claimed to offer greater longevity before replacement and suffers less wear, significantly reducing service costs.

The Bitjet+ also features a temperature control algorithm to reduce the length of start-up and improve efficiency through increased machine uptime.

The function enables the Bitjet+ to reach its optimum temperature more quickly and increases stability by ensuring that it remains within a reduced temperature range, added the company.

Terry Turner, Priority's managing director, said: "Maximum production uptime efficiency is extremely important for us and our customers and we are always looking for ways to make improvements.

We chose Domino's Bitjet+ because of its high standards in terms of reliability, productivity and continuous print-run time achieved, which we are sure will reduce our running costs.

In addition, we are impressed by its quality graphics and versatility for fixed and variable messaging." He added: "This is the first equipment we've purchased from Domino and we are already very comfortable using it.

Following training our employees have quickly become competent in use of the Bitjet+." Turner explained: "Our customers' businesses are constantly changing so we need to offer flexibility and a professional business attitude to change with them.

Our policy of investing in the best technology available, such as the Sitma and the Bitjet+, allows us to develop to meet the increasingly specific needs of customers in the news trade and direct mailing industries.".

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