Dutch company OPM Europa has developed a new system for printing directly onto a variety of objects using water-based inkjet.
Its invention, LabelSaver, integrates OPM Europa’s own robotics with the Memjet-powered TrojanLabel print engine and proprietary coatings to create a self-moving printer for label-less production. It can be used to print high-quality colour directly onto objects including metal paint cans, plastic containers and bottles. As an example, LabelSaver can print at a rate of 500 jerry cans per hour in full colour, 360-degrees. The system is also capable of printing on Memjet-receptive coatings for flexible packaging and films.
LabelSaver has been developed in response to the proliferation of SKUs and increased demand for short-run labels, which has driven small manufacturers to look for more economical ways to label their products.
Dursun Acun, founder and European sales director at OPM Europa, was the brains behind the development, developing the robotics then seeking a printing technology that supported his aim for efficient and economic production that also had less of an impact on the environment.
After considering several technologies, Mr Acun chose to work with TrojanLabel and include Memjet’s VersaPass printing technology in his system. The TrojanLabel print engine uses Memjet’s VersaPass technology.
Mr Acun said, ‘VersaPass has the unique combination of features needed to realise my vision of true label-less printing. Not only could VersaPass produce four-colour, high-quality printing from one printhead, its water-based inks make it safe to use in most environments, including food, which is important to us as we look to expand our markets.’
Mr Acun added that the modularity of VersaPass meant he could get his robotic printer to market quickly and economically. ‘The modularity of VersaPass technology, combined with the support of TrojanLabel, meant I could save money on engineering costs and offer this unit at a more affordable price,’ he added.
Russell Boa, senior vice president at Memjet, described LabelSaver as providing, ‘a glimpse into the future of the label printing process.’
Boa continued, ‘This printer shows us how robotics and the right printing technology can work together to improve operational efficiency and be more responsive to their customer’s demands. We envision a future that gives manufacturers a whole new way to approach the production and application of labels.’
