Hot Segments for Direct-to-Object Technology

Craig Reid

Introducing himself as an “inkjet evangelist,” Craig Reid of CTR Resources covered a variety of market segments and options that are now available for both packaging and industrial applications in his presentation yesterday, “Inkjet Direct-To-Object Technology.”
Although the terms direct-to-object (DTO) and direct-to-shape (DTS) printing are often used interchangeably, the main difference is that DTS is jetting directly to a shape in a 3-dimensional way, instead of to a single plane as with DTO.
Thanks to the advantages offered by inkjet, several “hot segments” stand out, like packaging – both flexible and containers. There’s a “huge space for inkjet growth,” according to Reid.
Promotional products is currently “a good space,” he said, noting the use of inkjet personalization on giveaway items, drinkware, tools, lighters and even sporting goods, like soccer balls.
But before jumping onto these opportunities, printers should examine the components of an inkjet system. He detailed the many factors that affect a purchase decision, such as ink chemistry, printheads, drive electronics, ink delivery system, among others.
Inkjet inks have different substrate, performance and safety requirements, depending on the type of ink used. A beverage container, for example, with a UV-cured ink on its lip needs clear coating to be safe.
Drive electronics and ink delivery systems are critical items “that get overlooked a lot,” Reid said, when looking at an inkjet system. Compared to the past equipment, today’s heads can fire ink over different and longer distances with more accuracy, but still need the right software.
Reid presented videos and still images to illustrate the large number of options — from entry-level to high-end — available for substrate handling. A big factor in selecting the right solution is your volume and speed requirements. In some cases, a common template may make the choice easier.
Inkjet printing on objects with different shape or height requirements — despite the lack of changeover needed with other printing methods — still means deciding if an off-the-shelf solution will get the job done, or have to be built from the ground up.