Inkcups to Spotlight Latest Direct-to-Object UV and Pad Printing Innovations at PRINTING United Expo

Global leader in direct-to-object printing technology Inkcups will present key solutions from its growing product portfolio at PRINTING United Expo 2025, taking place October 22 - 24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Exhibiting in Booth 1530 under the theme ‘Printing Beyond Boundaries’, Inkcups will showcase innovations that push the limits of direct-to-object printing, including updates to the Helix ONE®, the recently launched X5-T High Throw, Nano Pin Curing technology on the flagship Helix®, and pad printing and laser plate making solutions.

The new direct-to-object printing innovations on show at PRINTING United Expo will include:

Updates to the Helix ONE
Visitors to the Inkcups booth will see demonstrations of the recently announced updates to the Helix ONE® including Auto File, an automation tool designed to make print on demand workflows possible, as well as barcode scanning capability, a new jettable primer to promote adhesion on powder-coated, metal and plastic products, and smaller diameter capability that expands the machine’s diameter range to 1.3 inches - 4.6 inches (33 mm - 116 mm). At PRINTING United Expo, the Helix ONE® upgrades will be on full display showcasing its print on demand solution for metal shot glasses.

X5-T High Throw Technology
First unveiled earlier this year, the X5-T High Throw technology will see its US debut at PRINTING United Expo and will be demonstrated printing on mini sports balls and handled mugs. The High Throw enhancement to the X5-T flatbed digital printer significantly increases the ink throw distance between the printhead and the substrate, enabling high-quality, accurate prints on contoured, rounded, slightly curved, and irregularly shaped objects, such as mugs with handles, tiered drinkware, and sporting equipment.
While the X5-T is already known for its ability to print on tall items (up to 19.7 inches (500 mm)) with the addition of a drop table, High Throw enhances its performance and affirms it as an ideal solution for complex applications in many different markets.

Nano Pin Curing Technology and the Helix
Also on show at the Inkcups booth will be its award-winning Nano Pin Curing (NPC) technology for the Helix® range of cylindrical direct-to-object UV printers, which was awarded a PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award in 2024 and became commercially available to Inkcups customers in 2025. The patented technology enables printing onto transparent cylindrical vessels such as glassware, clear plastic bottles, wine and spirit bottles, candle holders, and assorted drinkware without the need to first fill the vessel with a UV-blocking substance or stuffing agent, reducing production time and maintaining the sterile environment on the inside of the bottle. The Helix® equipped with NPC will digitally decorate clear Tritan water bottles during the show.

Cobalt Edge plate maker
The recently launched Cobalt Edge, Inkcups’ latest addition to its range of laser plate making machines, will also make its show debut. This plate maker combines efficiency and precision to perfectly etch plates for pad printing applications ranging from promotional products to apparel and more.

Completing the equipment line-up in the Inkcups booth will be:

● The B100 high-speed, one-color tabletop pad printing machine that remains one of Inkcups’ most popular solutions for one-color printing of plastic parts, medical and electronic devices, and tagless apparel label printing
● The 2200PS, a two-color pad printing machine with pad slide that ensures flawless second color registration for hard goods, as well as tagless apparel label printing

Bill Keating, CEO, Inkcups, comments: “We are thrilled to debut a range of new and enhanced solutions for direct-to-object printing at PRINTING United Expo this year. Exhibiting under the theme ‘Printing Beyond Boundaries’, we are showcasing technologies that expand application possibilities and push the limits of what is achievable for our customers. These new capabilities demonstrate our commitment to driving the next level of direct-to-object printing innovation and continuing to enable our customers to unlock new growth opportunities. Visitors to our booth might just get a first look at something brand new as well!”