By Cassandra Balentine
Printing directly to cylindrical objects requires a certain finesse achieved by both dedicated systems or through attachments for flatbed printers.
We discuss the advantages and limitations of these processes in our June print issue. Here we provide highlights of several manufacturers that offer cylindrical printing solutions.
Axiom America
Axiom America’s printer has a removable option that allows users to switch between flatbed printing and rotary, which makes it super functional. It can handle more than one cylinder at a time, and the larger printing field—23.5×35.5 inches—is a major advantage.
“We offer an inexpensive rotary add-on feature, which gives users versatility without the cost of a dedicated cylindrical printer. It’s also compatible with UV direct-to-film printing, which really expands product usage. You can apply decals to mugs with handles, sloped or angled cups, and pretty much any object that accepts a decal,” says Rick Marcelo, technical director, Axiom America.
DPI Laboratory
DPI offers two direct to object (DTO) UV flatbeds in its Catalyst line. Both include rotary systems.
“We differ from our direct UV flatbed competitors in a few ways,” explains Lon Riley, founder and principal collaborator, DPI.
First, he says the company has oriented its flatbeds in a wider configuration so larger objects can fit onto the rotary. On its Aventra model, it has actually printed a full wrap on the barrel of a major league baseball bat.
Secondly, many of the other similar products in the market use the bed motion to drive the rotary mechanism while DPI opted for an electronic drive system. Riley says this gives them more granular control over the step and provides independent alignment configurations—resulting in a more refined print.
DPI also includes the rotary devices with the base price of the machine, rather than offering it as an add-on. “We have found that most customers will want this functionality at some point so we have done our best to make the process inclusive,” adds Riley.
Inkcups
Inkcups launched its first DTO cylindrical printer, Helix, in 2016. This was followed by the Revolution high-speed digital cylindrical printer in 2019, the Double Helix in 2021, the Helix+ in 2022, and most recently the Helix ONE—its first compact cylindrical printer—in 2023.
“Demand has grown non-stop since we first launched the Helix line, and we’re constantly innovating and evolving the technology to respond to customer demand and expand what is possible with our technology,” states Jessica Makrinos, marketing manager, Inkcups.
Innovative Digital Systems (IDS)
IDS offers various UV printers that fit different production needs and push the envelope on new, emerging technologies. That includes a rotary unit, the RevHDL, which is a mug printer capable of printing popular handled objects like powder coated travel mugs, Stanley-style cups, and ceramic mugs.
INX International Ink Co.
INX does not focus on building print systems, it instead primarily provides OEMs and integration partners with inkjet components, technology, integration services, inks, and coatings. “We have focused on DTO printing for many years, and products based on our technology are well known in the industry,” says Paul Edwards, VP of the digital division, INX International Ink Co.
One printing system it does provide directly is the CP800 digital proofing system for cans. This cylindrical printer is designed to provide digital proofs for the metal decoration industry and focuses on delivering accurate color reproduction. INX recently updated the printer with a 2.0 version after learning from many years of experience in the field.
Koenig & Bauer Kammann GmbH
The K4 DP is Koenig & Bauer’s first system that is based entirely on digital printing. The full and semi automatic machine is appropriate for nearly all geometries and shapes due to a tilt arm on glass, plastic, metal and alternative substrates. It prints up to 720 dpi.
LSINC Corporation
LSINC produces the PeriOne, PeriQ360, and Perivallo360m, which are all capable of printing on cylindrical and tapered media. The Perivallo360m adds the ability to print on contoured media. Each model is built using standard industrial controls to maximize up time and durability.
“Excellent image quality and industry leading speed are achieved through patented ink management techniques and proprietary data management that shorten the entire process from art to cured print. LSINC’s Peri Series has been designed from concept to allow the printing of clear and opaque media in the same machine without additional options or having to stuff the media with temporary barriers thus making them excellent choices for users needing to print a single item or thousands,” says James Bullington, PE CTO, LSINC Corporation.
Mimaki USA, Inc.
The Mimaki UJF Series UV-LED flatbed printers deliver on-demand customization for creating unique, high-value applications. Print service providers can select from three bed sizes to customize a wide range of substrates and surfaces.
The Mimaki UJF-3042 MkII e printer is an 11.8×16.5×6-inch model that includes an enclosed print area to reduce dust contamination and UV exposure. The Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e 16x24x6-inch flatbed printer can customize objects and integrates automatic maintenance features for improved workflow. The Mimaki UJF-7151 Plus II is a 28x20x6-inch medium-format flatbed printer that integrates automatic maintenance features for improved workflow.
Mutoh America, Inc.
MUTOH’s XpertJet 661UF, when paired with the optional Rotary Unit, allows for high-quality DTO printing on cylindrical items.
“Its UH21 ink sets us apart from the competition. It is recognized for its exceptional adhesion and vibrant color output. It complies with California Prop 65 and CPSIA standards, making it safe for printing on children’s products, including toys and bottles. The availability of white and varnish inks allows users to achieve stunning prints on dark surfaces while enhancing durability and visual appeal with unique gloss and texture effects,” notes Emilio Rangel, UV product manager, Mutoh.
Roland DGA Corporation
Roland offers several flatbed rotary attachments that make printing on, or even fully around, cylindrical objects possible.
