Domino Introduces Fast-Drying Ink for High-Speed Coding

Domino Printing Sciences, announced that it has launched a new ultra-fast-drying ink for companies that require "item level serialization whilst maintaining line speeds.” The new ink (BK652) takes less than one second to dry and is four times more resistance to fading than typical inks used in retail packaging, stated Domino in its press release.

The ink was developed in response to the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) according to Domino's life sciences manager, Craig Stobie. "Under the legislation pharmaceutical product will be authenticated at the point of dispensation, making long term ink lightfastness and contrast vitally important, even after what could be years in the supply chain."

Alan Mutch, product manager for thermal ink jet at Domino, said that this product was “reformulated in light of the legislative requirements in Europe and US.” Designed for use with Domino’s G-Series thermal ink jets, the ink can print high-definition coding onto various substrates such as cartons, sachets, pouches, labels and blister packs.

The rapid drying means that data and codes can be fixed and bonded without delaying packaging productivity. Operational efficiency can be increased as cartons with data printed using BK652 can be picked up in the second and third operations on the packaging line much quicker. The ink also cuts de-cap time and thereby reduces initial rejects that manufacturers tend to see after the machine has been left idle.