On display at Inkcups’ stand (H27, A5), the X5-T with brand-new ‘High Throw’ technology is demonstrating its ability to print at high quality even on contoured, rounded or irregularly-shaped objects like mugs with handles or sports equipment by firing the ink accurately even at longer print distances.
Commercially available now, the High Throw tech will be available only on new machines, rather than being a field upgrade – but will allow printers to take on a far greater variety of objects in their print portfolio, according to Inkcups.
Presented to the public for the first time at Fespa this week, the technology will be joined by another Fespa debut, the firm’s ‘High Speed White’ upgrade to its XJet Switch bag printer.
Designed to print onto drawstring sports bags in PVC or polyester, canvas tote bags, or non-woven glossy plastic bags, the XJet Switch has a total print area of 350x650mm. The latest update allows the three-up machine to handle the printing of a 178x86mm logo on three bags in 12.5 seconds over two passes, or 15.5 seconds for four passes. The speed upgrade is available now as a retrofit to existing machines, or as an option for new XJet Switch models.
Another innovation on display at the show is the new barcode scanning capabilities for the firm’s Helix One benchtop cylindrical printer, developed in collaboration with software firm Antigro Designer, designed for print-on-demand applications. Visitors to Inkcups’ booth will be able to personalise their own takeaway cup, previewing a 3D render in real time before having their design printed.
Finally, the firm will show off its nano-pin curing tech for the Helix digital cylinder printer for the first time in Europe following its US show debut in September 2024. Available in Europe since February, the retrofittable technology gives the machine the ability to print on transparent glass or plastic bottles without the operator first having to stuff them with UV-blocking material.
“We are very much looking forward to being back in Berlin,” Hendrik Koemans, Inkcups Europe’s sales director told Printweek.
“Even in the three years since the show was last here, digital direct-to-object solutions from Inkcups have come a long way, with the Helix One benchtop cylindrical printer and the XJet Switch direct-to-bag flatbed printer new to the portfolio since then.
“Upgrades and new capabilities such as High Speed White, High Throw, nano-pin curing and barcode scanning technology Auto-File show that we are consistently listening to our customer base and staying in tune with the market’s requirements, and continuing to evolve not just our technology portfolio, but what that technology can do.
“Fespa is always a great opportunity to speak directly to our customers and find out more about their businesses’ wants and needs.”
