Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) announces the introduction of a new, compact monochrome inkjet printer, the K300, to the Indian market. First introduced at Labelexpo Americas in September 2024, the K300 has been developed as a compact, flexible solution for converters looking to add variable data printing capabilities to analogue printing lines.

The K300 monochrome inkjet printer will be showcased at Labelexpo India, Hall 9, Booth A22, from 14–17 November 2024. In addition to the K300 monochrome printer showcase, Domino’s Labelexpo India booth will feature demonstrations of the Domino N610i digital label press and K600i monochrome printer alongside automated machine vision from Domino Group Company Lake Image Systems. The show will also see the introduction of a cost-effective hybrid printing system, the Domino N610i-H, which will be demonstrated as part of a UV Graphic Technologies line.

“The industry move to 2D codes at the point of sale has led to an increase in demand for variable data printing, with many brands looking to incorporate complex 2D codes, such as QR codes powered by GS1, into their packaging and label designs,” explains Alex Mountis, senior product manager at Domino. “Packaging and label converters need a versatile, reliable, and compact digital printing solution to respond to these evolving market demands. We have developed the K300 with these variable data and 2D code printing opportunities in mind.”

Building on the success of Domino’s K600i print bar, the K300 monochrome inkjet printer can be incorporated into analogue printing lines to customize printed labels with variable data, such as best before dates, batch codes, serialized numbers, and 2D codes. The compact size of the 600dpi high-resolution printhead – 2.1" / 54mm – offers enhanced flexibility with regards to positioning on the line, including the opportunity to combine two print stations across the web width to enable printing of two independent codes.

Operating at high speeds up to 250m / 820' per minute, the K300 monochrome inkjet printer has been designed to match flexographic printing speeds. This means there is no need to slow down the line when adding variable data. Domino’s industry-leading ink delivery technology, including automatic ink recirculation and degassing, helps to ensure consistent performance and excellent reliability, while reducing downtime due to maintenance. The printer has been designed to be easy to use, with intuitive setup and operation via Domino’s smart user interface.

“The K300 will open up new opportunities for converters. They can support their brand customers with variable data 2D codes, enabling supply chain traceability, anti-counterfeiting, and consumer engagement campaigns,” adds Mountis. “The versatile printer can also print variable data onto labels, cartons, and flatpack packaging as part of an inline or near-line late-stage customization process in a manufacturing facility, lowering inventory costs and reducing waste.”

Code verification is an integral part of any effective variable data printing process. A downstream machine vision inspection system, such as the Lake Image Systems model showcased at the booth, enables converters and brands who add 2D codes and serialization to labels and packaging to validate each code, ensuring reliable scanning by retailers and consumers whilst confirming that every serialized code is unique.

Tony McNulty, chief product officer at Domino, concludes, “We are always looking for ways to do more for our customers, improving efficiency while delivering excellent print consistency. By combining our variable data printing expertise with Lake Image Systems’ experience in code verification, we are well-placed to deliver innovative, integrated solutions to meet converters’ needs.”