At Labelexpo Europe 2023, Domino announced the launch of the N610i-R digital retrofit module for hybrid printing.  The N610i-R was developed for OEMs and converters looking to add digital printing technology into existing flexographic lines. The new N610i-R provides all the benefits and flexibility of hybrid inkjet printing while helping businesses to save additional capital, waste, and space compared with a designated hybrid press.

L&NW sat down with Mike Barry, Domino Digital Printing North America sales manager, to learn more about this latest offering.

L&NW: Can you tell us about the new Domino N610i-R? 
MB: The N610i-R digital retrofit module is a simple, cost-effective solution for converters looking to experience the benefits of hybrid printing. The technology transforms existing flexo presses into fully functional hybrid printing machines for a significantly lower cost than a brand-new hybrid printing press. It also allows for additional cost savings from using existing stocks of tools, such as plates and cylinders, and allows converters with space constraints to add new capabilities without expanding their footprint.

L&NW: This sounds like a great way for converters to add digital printing to complement their flexo work.
MB: The N610i-R is the perfect solution for converters looking to expand the capabilities of their existing assets without compromising on quality. Hybrid printing with the N610i-R combines the benefits of flexo, such as brand spot colors, laminating, diecutting, and varnishing, with the speed and flexibility of digital, allowing converters to create multiple SKUs without stopping
the line.

In addition, the N610i-R is designed to help converters expand the capability of their traditional presses and to give a new lease on life to flexo presses that may have been underutilized. With the addition of digital, converters can tap into new market opportunities afforded by short-run print jobs while benefiting from reduced cost and waste, as multiple SKUs can be created with a single make-ready job to print all versions.

L&NW: Can you describe the ink set within the Domino N610i-R?
MB: The N610i-R digital retrofit module is available in four colors (CMYK) or five colors, including double white (WW+CMYK). The five-color version allows for printing in high opacity digital white (72% opacity) – often used as a replacement for silkscreen printing – at 50 m/m (164 fpm). Both color versions are available with Domino-manufactured UV90 and UV95 ink sets for long-lasting durability. The UV95 ink set is suitable for many non-direct contact food packaging applications and is produced in line with Nestlé’s guidance on food packaging, EuPIA guidelines, and the Swiss Ordinance for Food Packaging Inks.

L&NW: How does this build on the global success of the Domino N610i?
MB: With over 300 installations globally of our industry-leading, tried-and-true N610i inkjet technology, we are thrilled to be launching the new N610i-R digital retrofit module in a compact design so that even more converters and OEMs can experience the benefits of digital.