As converters around the world respond to increasing demands for shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and greater customization, investing in a complete press replacement requires a significant commitment. However, digital retrofit technology offers a practical alternative. The technology enables businesses to integrate digital printing into flexo lines without expanding their footprint.

The Domino N610i-R digital retrofit module is designed to support this approach, helping converters quickly and cost-effectively add digital printing capabilities. Domino recently spoke with two converters who recently adopted this technology. They discussed the impact it has had on their business.

US label converter Great Lakes Label installed the N610i-R as part of a Mark Andy DSiQ-R digital retrofit solution. Great Lakes Label adds digital printing capability to its existing Mark Andy Performance Series P5 flexo press, while UK-based label converter Jenacre Labels integrated the module on one of its Nilpeter presses.

Converter feedback

Tony Cook, founder and CEO of Great Lakes Label, explains, “With growing demand for shorter production runs and variable printing, we knew digital was the next logical step. But we wanted to do it in a way that complemented our existing capabilities without compromising efficiency.”

David Duncan, managing director of Jenacre Labels, observes a similar trend in the UK. He sought a printing solution that would support the effective short-run production of multi-page peel-and-reveal labels, often featuring complex variable data. Duncan says, “Digital printing was the obvious answer, but a standalone digital press that would require additional off-line finishing processes was out of the question – both from a cost and logistics perspective. We wanted an inline solution for our existing Nilpeter presses.”

Great Lakes Label was excited to learn of Domino’s collaboration with Mark Andy on a retrofit solution. Cook says, “It was exactly what we had been hoping for – an innovative hybrid approach that would allow us to maximize our existing press investments while adding digital capabilities. With this new capability, we’re not just keeping up with industry trends – we’re setting them.”

Duncan also found Domino’s N610i-R to be a great fit for his requirements. He says, “Domino’s technology, expertise, and support gave us the confidence to move forward. From initial contact through installation and training, ongoing support has been crucial to the success of this project.”

Strong results

Both converters report strong results from their investment. Duncan explains, “From day one, the ability to efficiently run multiple SKUs has been an asset, and print consistency has been excellent. Being able to do pre- and on-press adjustments without having to remix inks or wait for plates has made a substantial difference, boosting production time, efficiency, and reducing our lead times.”

Great Lakes Label reports that the new technology has freed up about 30% of capacity on their other presses, and Cook highlights the value of early adoption. “We were thrilled to be the first North American label converter to implement this technology,” he states. “This partnership is a game-changer for us, enabling us to better serve our customers with high-quality, high-efficiency digital printing while maintaining all the benefits of flexo production.”

Domino’s reaction

Michael Matthews, product manager – DP Color at Domino Printing Sciences, remarks, “At Domino, we’re proud to support converters in boosting production flexibility, reducing lead times, and streamlining operations. By integrating digital printing capabilities directly into their existing lines, Jenacre Labels and Great Lakes Label have been able to be more responsive to customer demands. Projects like the N610i-R demonstrate our commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions that help our customers stay competitive and future-ready.”

And Great Lakes Label and Jenacre Labels agree: the Domino N610i-R is more than a retrofit – it’s a strategic upgrade that positions them for the future of label printing.