Linoprint Modular Drop-on-Demand System Debuts at Interpack

Published: June 25, 2008

HEIDELBERG, Germany | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG has introduced Linoprint, a new Drop-on-Demand technology for the individual decorating and marking of folding boxes, labels, and blister packs. The Linoprint system, launched at interpack 2008, operates at a resolution of up to 720 dpi. Its major benefits of the digital printing system are claimed its flexibility and ease of use. The modular Linoprint systems can be integrated, says the company, just as easily into existing lines as into new lines, and are designed for packaging firms and suppliers of packaging lines.

The Drop-on-Demand systems are aimed at a different market segment than the sheetfed offset printing solutions from Heidelberg, but the digital systems were developed on the basis of the control technology that Heidelberg uses to build its computer-to-plate image-setter. This has been developed into a modular, high-performance Drop-on-Demand system that can be integrated into any standard packaging line. The Linoprint system processes variable data, enabling the print motifs to be modified without any interruption to the production process. Different language versions or production-related data—such as sell-by dates, serial and batch numbers, barcodes or data matrix codes—can be imprinted in top quality, inline, and just-in-time, the company reports.

Linoprint technology paves the way for the individual printing of as little as one unit. With its specially optimized inks, the process can be applied on a very wide range of substrates. By activating multiple printing modules in sequence or in parallel, the printing width, speed and even resolution reportedly can be adapted to meet a wide variety of requirements. The printing system also can be integrated anywhere in the production line, if desired even after the packaging has been filled.

Linoprint systems comprise two elements: the printing unit and the control software, which is adapted to meet individual requirements. The printing unit consists of the print head, cleaning unit and dryer. ‘Linospot’, the version for single-color printing, is nearing readiness for the blister film printing segment. The company reprots, it will soon be possible to imprint labels and folding boxes. Specially optimized screen technology allows any gray tone to be generated, while special colors are also feasible. The Linoprint developers are also already working on Linocolor, a four-color printing unit. For more information, visit: www.linoprint.de.