DCL Print takes world’s first Xerox direct to object printer

IndPrint

When printers invest in new technology, they typically expect to expand their customer base or accelerate turnaround times. But one company is taking its investment in one of Xerox’s latest printing technologies a step further.

DCL Print has invested in the new Xerox direct to object inkjet printer to launch Personaliz, a standalone business offering personalised products. This investment marks a world first and will enable DCL Print to expand its offering to drive new additional revenues.

Personaliz, based in Crawley, will use the new printer to supply customers in the retail, sport and health sectors with on-demand, personalised products such as water bottles for schools or promotional champagne bottles and football helmets. Other applications could include short run branded gifts and label-less object printing.

‘Following a successful demo at drupa 2016, we recognised that the Xerox direct to object inkjet printer would enable us to diversify and create a brand new business to drive new revenue streams,’ said Simon Gardner, sales director, DCL Print. ‘The investment has allowed us to stay ahead of the competition by offering customers the latest technology when it comes to personalisation.’

Following installation of the device, Personaliz has used the new printer to accelerate turnaround time for personalised items – from days to minutes.

The Xerox direct to object inkjet printer includes microscopic print nozzles that shoot droplets of ink up to 5 mm – much farther than the 1 mm range found in traditional inkjet printers. The extended range makes it possible to provide seamless printing across curved or uneven surfaces, including ceramics, glass, metal and plastics and other nonporous substrates.

The new printer can print up to 30 objects per hour at resolutions of 300 to 1200 dpi with the capacity to scale for production where needed. During the next 12 months, this ability will enable DCL Print to expand and focus on three core growth areas to broaden its customer base, including label-less printing, personalising products for cross media campaigns and personalising gifts and stationary. This will enable Personaliz to offer customers a wider variety of memorable merchandise.