Inkcups claims world first with new printer launch

The Helix One prints full CMYKW and varnish
The Helix One prints full CMYKW and varnish

Inkcups has bolstered its product range with the launch of what it claims is the world’s first benchtop direct-to-object cylinder printer.

The Helix One prints full CMYKW and varnish onto straight walled and tapered cylindrical objects including plastic bottles, stainless tumblers, powder-coated drinkware, and more.

Designed for fast, high-quality printing, the device features a servo driven fully automatic programmable tooling fixture, with height adjust and high-precision linear drive.

CEO Benjamin Adner said: “The Helix One is a major game-changer. It is the result of listening to our customers and trying to develop a more modular machine that could be run independently as an entry-level printer, in a kiosk or in dedicated work cells for industrial users.

“I envision a Helix One in every shop, next to their laser engraver, screen printer, embroiderer and small-format digital flatbed printer.

“We are bringing a significant number of state-of-the-art features, incredible print quality, and excellent speed into this new, compact piece of machinery. We are proud to introduce the world’s first benchtop direct-to-object cylinder printer and we hope it will be a major success.”

The Helix One will be on display at Fespa Global Print Expo, which is taking place from 23-26 May at Messe Munich, Germany. The machine is available immediately and priced at around $75,000 (£60,000).

Other products in the Helix range include the flagship Helix cylindrical inkjet printer, recently rebranded to the faster Helix 2.0, the Double Helix with two print stations, and the modular Helix+ UV cylinder printer, a “stepping stone” model between the Helix 2.0 and Double Helix that allows users to begin with a single tunnel and upgrade to a double tunnel machine.