Trident, a leading designer and manufacturer of ink jet printheads, has launched its SolidJet printing system, designed for printing on primary packaging for food and beverage.
Available throughout North America, Europe and Asia, the SolidJet system consists of a Trident-powered SolidJet printhead and SolidMark ink.
"The SolidJet system helps brand owners ensure that their product will not be compromised by ink that rubs off packaging," said Steve Liker, Trident's director of marketing. "SolidMark ink is specially formulated to provide durable adhesive print on a large variety of different packaging materials."
SolidMark ink incorporates a crayon-like wax-based, solid ink. According to the company this ink is melted into a liquid state in the heated ink jet reservoir and then jetted onto packaging by the SolidJet printhead. The ink resolidifies in less than one second on the packaging as durable, solid print safe for use on food and drink applications. The printhead and ink were specifically designed to work seamlessly together to produce clear, dark images.
The printhead is capable of printing barcodes and up to four lines of alphanumeric text for applications such as the printing of date and lot codes directly onto primary packaging.
The new Trident-powered printing system combines what the company claims is high quality printing capability with sturdy industrial design. The printhead features stainless steel construction that is designed to performs well in rigorous industrial environments. A patented compliance chamber provides significant shock resistance which aims to achieve high print quality and product reliability.
The printhead also features a long throw distance. The company says that this characteristic reduces the potential for damage caused by packages inadvertently brushing against the printhead and minimises the need for operator intervention.
"The SolidJet printing system provides customers with a comprehensive printing system capable of providing high quality print performance in even the most rugged of industrial environments and safe for food, pharmaceutical and personal care packaging," said Liker.
Based in the US, Trident invented high-resolution carton marking and coding 15 years ago. Currently it is a leading provider of piezoelectric impulse inkjet printheads and inks to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The company's products are used in a variety of applications that require high-quality, high-speed, rugged printing equipment coupled with the ability to change the text, graphics or bar code information easily and frequently.