Domino launches new thermal inkjet technology for flexible packaging

Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has introduced a new thermal inkjet (TIJ) into TTO technology with the Domino Gx-Series range, tailored specifically for flexible packaging lines, including those used in food applications.

The new TIJ into TTO technology with the Domino Gx-Series range has been developed as an efficient alternative to traditional thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) for flexible packaging lines requiring simple 1-, 2-, or 4-line printed text codes and small-sized 2D codes up to 10 sqmm. 
  
Before launch, the TIJ into TTO technology with the Domino Gx-Series range was subject to enhanced on-site testing from trial sites with simple text code requirements served by existing TTO technologies. Speaking about their experience using the TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range, a spokesperson from a major food and beverage brand, said: ‘Switching to Gx-series printers has meant we have gone from changing consumables twice per shift to once every four days – this has significantly reduced the number of line stoppages for consumable changes, helping to increase overall productivity.’ 
  
Alex Mountis, senior product manager – high-resolution inkjet, Domino Printing Sciences, said: ‘As a global, multi-technology coding and marking provider, Domino is committed to helping our customers identify the ideal coding solution for their specific needs. While TTO has long been considered the preferred option for flexible packaging lines, we recognize that such solutions are not always the optimum solution when it comes to the total cost of ownership. We developed the TIJ into a TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range as an easy-to-use, efficient, and cost-effective solution for manufacturers with simple code requirements who may not be effectively served by existing TTO solutions.’ 
  
For simple printed text codes and small-sized 2D codes, Domino’s new TIJ into TTO technology with the Domino Gx-Series range offers the same code quality afforded by TTO solutions while reportedly delivering significant cost and waste savings, as inefficient ribbon usage in standard TTO printers can drive up overall cost and waste per print. Domino’s TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range also provides benefits in reduced downtime requirements for consumables changes and machine intervention due to ribbon breakages. 
  
In sample cost calculations, Domino’s TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range offered up to 95 percent waste savings and 70 percent cost savings from consumables and downtime compared with standard TTO solutions printing 1- and 2-line text codes, and 4-line text codes using two printheads, according to Domino. These calculations mean that manufacturers opting for Domino’s TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range, over an existing TTO, can expect a return on investment in as little as 12 months, Domino reported. 
  
The TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range has been designed as a direct replacement for existing TTO, using the same bracketry as the most found TTO solutions. This allows for seamless integration within existing production lines without necessitating complex installation changes and adjustments. In addition, where cold temperatures may have previously made ink-based coding an issue, for example, in chilled or frozen food applications, the TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range has been designed with an integrated printhead heater, to maximize performance in these challenging environments.  
  
Domino’s TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range is suitable for a range of plastic and metalized film applications with a range of ink options to suit different application requirements. This includes a broad selection of inks produced to GMP (good manufacturing practices) standards suitable for use on non-direct food contact packaging including snacks, confectionery, and individual portion packs. To ensure that manufacturers are provided with the optimal coding solution for their specific requirements, Domino offers testing and sample lab consultation for code quality, adhesion, and resistance, as well as production line testing to ensure the printer’s suitability within specific manufacturing environments. 
  
Paul Clarke, portfolio director, Domino Printing Sciences, said: ‘At Domino, we pride ourselves on being able to support our customers with the most appropriate coding solution based on their individual needs, regardless of substrate, product, or production line. When it comes to printing on flexible packaging, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every manufacturer. Our TIJ into TTO solution with the Domino Gx-Series range has been developed as a cost-effective solution for manufacturers requiring simple codes on flexible packaging, and we are incredibly proud to bring this solution to the market. 
  
‘For flexible packaging lines with alternative code requirements, including complex text, graphics, and larger-sized 1D and 2D barcodes, we have multiple alternative solutions, including our new Vx-Series TTO printers and UV laser for recyclable plastic films.’