Nick Macfarlane Talks Helix®, NPC, and the Evolution of Cylindrical Printing

We recently had the chance to sit down virtually with Nick Macfarlane, a member of our Inkcups sales team based in the UK. With nearly 20 years of experience in digital printing, Nick shared his perspective on direct-to-object cylindrical printing and the latest technology in the field. His insights into the Helix® inkjet printer line and Nano Pin Curing (NPC) provide helpful context for businesses exploring these solutions.

Q. Can you introduce yourself and your role at Inkcups?

Nick: Certainly. I’m Nick Macfarlane, and I’ve been with Inkcups for the past two years. I have nearly 20 years of experience in the digital printing industry, with a strong understanding of evolving technologies and customer needs in the UK and Ireland. Before joining Inkcups, I held key roles at Kornit Digital and Ricoh UK, where I built a solid foundation in digital print solutions and market dynamics.

Q. What first drew you to the direct-to-object printing industry, and how has your journey evolved?

Nick: Print is absolutely in my blood, and my career has offered a front-row seat to its constant evolution. Shifting my focus to Direct-to-Object (DTO) printing was incredibly exciting, as I quickly realised the immense, almost boundless potential this technology unlocks. Who wouldn’t want a front-row seat for this incredible journey?

Q. For those unfamiliar, what makes the Helix® printer unique in the cylindrical printing market?

Nick: This is one of my favorite questions. Inkcups pioneered direct-to-drinkware digital printing back in 2009, and since then, our R&D and engineering teams have continued to push the boundaries to maintain our leadership in this space. The Helix® stands out for its innovation, reliability, and ability to deliver high-quality, full-color prints directly onto cylindrical objects with unmatched precision.

The Helix® is unlike competitive cylindrical inkjet printers for its superior components, local service and support, as well as backed by meticulous documentation. One of the greatest benefits of investing in an Inkcups Helix® is knowing that you can call or email Inkcups support, and get in touch with an Inkcups employee, in your native language, quickly.  On average, 94% of digital printing machine service cases get resolved same day.  We understand that down time on a machine can impact your operations greatly, we make every effort to minimize that time as best we can.

Q. How has the Helix® evolved over the years to meet changing customer needs?

Nick: The Inkcups flagship, the Helix® cylindrical inkjet printer was launched in 2017, the first of its kind. A few years later we introduced the Double Helix® to meet the production needs of our customers that were out producing the single Helix®, and after that the Helix®+, a cylindrical inkjet printer that can grow with a company, from a single to a double tunnel unit.

In 2022 the Helix® line underwent significant upgrades and enhanced features, complete with a new look and the addition of new machine the Helix®+. Two of the major updates to the system were two new optional safety features: the operator-protected light curtain and the updated curing location. Additional feedback resulted in an updated appearance with a wider frame and illuminated interior for easier access and maintenance.

Most recently Inkcups has released Nano Pin Curing for the Helix® line of cylindrical inkjet printers.

Q. In your opinion, what types of businesses benefit most from using the Helix®?

Nick: Inkcups have deep roots supporting promotional product decorators, trade printers, and print-on-demand companies. These demanding sectors require the highest standards and rapid turnaround times, which is precisely where our solutions excel. With the introduction of the Helix ONE® in 2023, we’ve also significantly expanded our offering to empower smaller print businesses.

Q. What is Nano Pin Curing, and why is it such a significant innovation?

Nick: Nano Pin Curing (NPC) technology enables printing on transparent cylindrical vessels such as glassware, clear plastic bottles, wine and spirit bottles, candle holders, and assorted drinkware without the need to first fill the vessel with a UV-blocking substance or stuffing agent. The removal of this process reduces production time and maintains the sterile environment on the inside of the bottle.

Q. Could you walk us through the challenges of printing on transparent cylindrical objects before NPC?

Nick: Before Nano Pin Curing, printing on transparent cylindrical objects was a labor-intensive process. Operators had to insert a foxtail or funnel in pellets to block UV light from reflecting inside the vessel—an especially tricky task when dealing with narrow-neck bottles like wine, spirits, or beer containers. This approach wasn’t just time-consuming; it also raised concerns around contamination, since the vessel had to be thoroughly cleaned before being filled and shipped. With NPC, that extra step is eliminated. The technology allows for direct printing while preserving the sterile interior of the container, streamlining production and improving efficiency.

Q. How does NPC solve the problem of preserving printheads and maintaining efficiency?

Nick: When printing on clear or transparent objects without Nano Pin Curing, there’s a risk that UV light can reflect back onto the printhead during the curing process, potentially causing damage. NPC eliminates the need for blocking agents by controlling UV exposure more precisely. This not only protects the printhead but also extends its lifespan, ensuring more consistent performance and reducing downtime.

Q. What feedback have you received from early adopters of NPC, particularly in the UK market?

Nick: The feedback for Nano Pin Curing (NPC) has been nothing short of amazing, and its introduction has been enthusiastically welcomed by early adopters. When you introduce a technology that not only simplifies operations but also unlocks new revenue streams and boosts profitability, such excitement is exactly what we anticipated.

 Q. What are some of the most exciting applications you’ve seen with Helix® and NPC in use—especially in the UK?

Nick: The Inkcups Helix® has long been renowned for producing exceptional prints on cylindrical items like water bottles. However, the introduction of Nano Pin Curing (NPC) has truly revolutionised its capabilities, opening up a world of new possibilities for our customers.

Take, for instance, alcohol bottles with small necks. In the past, these bottles required a time-consuming “stuffing” process (inserting a UV-blocking agent) before printing. Now, with NPC, that step is completely eliminated. You simply place the bottle in the machine and print directly. What’s more, bottles can even be pre-filled with liquid, further streamlining production and maintaining product integrity. This advancement significantly enhances efficiency and broadens the range of products our customers can tackle with ease. Now this is exciting.

 Q. How do you see this technology influencing production trends in drinkware, cosmetics, or other key markets?

Nick: Nano Pin Curing is a game changer for brands looking to decorate clear or pre-filled vessels. Whether it’s a wine bottle, a cosmetic container, or any transparent packaging that has already been filled, NPC allows for high-quality digital decoration without putting the printhead at risk from UV exposure. This opens up entirely new possibilities for streamlined production and late-stage customization.

The candle market in particular stands to benefit significantly. Digital UV Inkjet printing not only allows for elevated branding with vibrant, digitally printed designs directly on candle holders, but NPC makes it possible extend those designs seamlessly on the sham, the thick base portion of glassware, which was previously a major challenge due to issues with light reflection.

Q. What advice would you give to a company considering investing in the Helix® with NPC today?

Nick: The Inkcups Helix® with Nano Pin Curing (NPC) is a significant innovation in direct-to-object UV printing. NPC is a revolutionary technology that specifically addresses the challenges of printing on transparent cylindrical vessels (like glass bottles, clear plastic drinkware, candle holders, etc.) With this technology there is no longer a need to stuff the items meaning you can not only increase your output per day but can run a seamless operation from less operators.

Q. How can interested readers reach out to you for more information or to arrange a demo?

Nick: There are a few ways to get in touch with me- feel free to give me a ring at +49 2734 4782050, send off an email to [email protected], or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting and sharing my knowledge.