Domino Printing Sciences has introduced the Cx150i, a new piezo inkjet (PIJ) printer designed to handle the growing demand for high-resolution coding on coated, shelf-ready packaging.
As more manufacturers move away from plain cardboard to non-porous materials with stronger shelf presence, reliable coding on these surfaces has become a packaging challenge. The Cx150i addresses this by delivering sharp, durable codes that hold up through handling and logistics.
“With non-porous packaging, code durability can be an issue, particularly where food-contact materials are concerned,” said David Edwards, Product Manager – PIJ at Domino. “Compliant solutions often fall short of expectations regarding legibility and durability and can be wasteful in terms of overall ink and energy usage. We have developed the Cx150i with exactly these considerations in mind.”
Built for secondary and shelf-ready packaging, the printer uses UV-curable inks that resist smudging and scratching. It supports printing of characters as small as 1mm and dense 2D barcodes, including GS1-compliant QR codes. This makes it suitable for multilingual markets and traceability requirements.
Domino offers a variety of ink options for the Cx150i, including formulations that meet international GMP and EuPIA standards for indirect food contact.
The printer minimizes environmental impact through a combination of low-energy LED curing and an innovative ink pouch system that reduces waste. It operates without the need for compressed air or frequent maintenance such as cleaning or purging, which further reduces energy use and downtime.
Compared to traditional contact printing methods or less efficient inkjet models, the Cx150i produces less volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions while maintaining high code density and clarity.
“The Cx150i is a low-impact, compliant solution that provides both great print quality and durability,” said Paul Clarke, Director – Printers & Consumables at Domino. “We recognise the challenges manufacturers have faced regarding printing on coated and non-porous shelf-ready food packaging.”
The printer can be used on its own or integrated with Domino’s coding and vision systems for automatic verification. It supports Industry 4.0 connectivity, allowing integration with ERP systems and packaging lines, as well as remote monitoring through cloud-based services.
For packaging operations looking to improve code quality on coated substrates while reducing waste, the Cx150i offers a practical and durable solution.