Domino launches N610i-R digital press, secures deals at Labelexpo

Following a four-year hiatus, Domino returned to Labelexpo Europe 2023 to showcase its range of advanced technologies. It launched its N610i-R digital retrofit module, developed for OEMs and converters looking to add digital printing technology into existing flexographic lines for hybrid printing. The new N610i-R provides all the benefits and flexibility of hybrid inkjet printing while helping businesses to save additional capital, waste, and space compared with a designated hybrid press.   

‘The N610i-R digital retrofit module is a simple, cost-effective solution for converters looking to experience the benefits of hybrid printing,’ said Mike Barry, key account and OEM manager for digital printing at Domino. ‘The technology transforms existing presses into fully functional hybrid printing machines for a significantly lower cost than a brand-new hybrid printing press. It also allows for additional cost savings from using existing stocks of tools, such as plates and cylinders, and allows converters with space constraints to add new capabilities without expanding their footprint.’  

The newest addition to Domino’s digital printing portfolio is designed to help converters to expand the capability of their traditional presses and to give a new lease of life to flexo presses that may have been underutilized. With the addition of digital, converters can tap into new market opportunities afforded by short-run print jobs while benefiting from reduced cost and waste, as multiple SKUs can be created with a single make-ready job to print all versions.

‘The N610i-R is the perfect solution for converters looking to expand the capabilities of their existing assets without compromising on quality,’ explained Barry. ‘Hybrid printing with the N610i-R combines the benefits of flexo, such as brand spot colours, laminating, die-cutting, and varnishing, with the speed and flexibility of digital, allowing converters to create multiple SKUs without stopping the line.’

Designed with usability in mind, the N610i-R can be operated without specialised training or expertise, lessening training requirements compared with conventional systems. In addition, Domino’s proven intelligent technology features are fully integrated within the digital retrofit module including Actiflow, CleanCap and StitchLink, designed to reduce manual operator intervention for maintenance, and expand the printheads’ lease of life. 

The N610i-R digital retrofit module is available in four colours (CMYK) and five colours, including double white (WW+CMYK). The five-colour version allows for printing in high opacity digital white (72 percent) – often used as a replacement for silk-screen printing – at 50m/min (164ft/min). Both colour versions are available with Domino-manufactured UV90 and UV95 ink sets for long-lasting durability. The UV95 ink set is suitable for many non-direct contact food packaging applications and is produced in line with Nestlé’s guidance on food packaging, EuPIA guidelines, and the Swiss Ordinance for Food Packaging Inks.  

‘We are thrilled to be launching the new N610i-R digital retrofit module, to offer Domino’s N610i inkjet technology, with over 300 installations globally, in a compact and retrofittable print module design so that even more converters and OEMs can experience the benefits of digital,’ concluded Barry.

The four-day event also resulted in three direct sales on the show floor itself. Domino’s Italian distributor, NTG Digital, was responsible for securing two of these orders, both for versions of Domino’s N610i 600dpi label press – the most proven inkjet solution for printing self-adhesive labels – with a further order from the UK business. 

Eclipse Labels, an existing Domino customer with facilities located in Swindon in the UK, purchased the N730i, Domino’s 1200dpi digital label press built upon its latest Generation 7 inkjet technology platform. Commenting on the purchase, the team at Eclipse Labels said: ‘This will be a great addition to the three digital presses we have. Thanks to Domino printing, let’s get this installed and running at 70m/minute.’

‘We’re delighted to continue our long-lasting partnership with Eclipse Labels by announcing the sale of our Domino N730i press at LabelExpo. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge printing solutions to our valued customers. Their investment in our advanced technology is also a testament to their dedication to growth and excellence. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership and supporting their continued success,’ added Thierry Turel, commercial business manager Benelux, Domino Printing.

‘Labelexpo 2023 was the best exhibition of the last 10 years for NTG Digital!’ concluded Carlo Di Noi, CEO, NTG Digital