Cylindrical Inkjet Printers

Inkcups cylindrical inkjet machines, specifically the Helix® series, utilize patented Helical Printing Technology.

• The Difference: Unlike traditional “step-and-repeat” printers that can leave visible “stitching” lines or seams, helical technology prints in a continuous spiral.
• The Result: This allows for higher throughput speeds while maintaining a seamless, 360-degree image wrap on the product.

Yes. Inkcups cylindrical inkjet printers are designed for multi-substrate versatility.

• Ink Integration: By utilizing our specialized UV LED inks and integrated pre-treatment systems (like Flame or Plasma treatment), you can achieve superior adhesion on glass, powder-coated metals, and various plastics.
• Switching: Transitioning between different product types is fast, thanks to Inkcups’ quick-change tooling and programmable settings.

Inkcups software automatically calculates the diameter change across the length of a tapered object during cylindrical printing.

• The Tech: The Helix® software adjusts the firing of the print heads in real-time to prevent image distortion or “stretching” at the wider part of the taper.
• Precision: This ensures that a logo or wrap looks mathematically perfect, whether it’s on a straight-wall cylinder or a complex tapered vessel.

Yes. Cylindrical inkjet prints are engineered for durability, offering dishwasher-safe and scratch-resistant performance.

• Adhesion Testing: When our proprietary inks are paired with the correct pre-treatment process, the finished products pass rigorous industry tests, including ASTM cross-hatch tape tests and high-temp commercial dishwasher cycles.
• Protection: The UV curing process instantly hardens the ink, creating a durable, scratch-resistant finish that is ready for immediate packaging.

Inkcups provide a comprehensive global support network to minimize downtime.

• Remote & On-Site: Every machine purchase includes professional installation and on-site training. We also offer remote diagnostics and a robust library of technical videos.
• Parts & Ink: Inkcups maintain a deep inventory of spare parts and ink centers worldwide to ensure you never run out of the supplies needed to keep production moving.

Cylindrical inkjet printers are designed for maximum versatility across nearly any industry.

• The Materials: Inkcups printers excel on a wide range of surfaces including stainless steel, glass, aluminum, and various plastics (like PET, PP, and HDPE).
• Specialty Items: With the correct ink and pre-treatment, we can even print on challenging substrates like silicone and powder-coated surfaces.
• The Result: This flexibility allows a single machine to serve multiple markets, from promotional drinkware to industrial components.

While both cylindrical and flatbed printing use UV LED technology, they are engineered for different geometric challenges.

• The Mechanics: Flatbed printing is optimized for flat or slightly curved surfaces. Cylindrical printing is purpose-built to rotate the object in sync with the print heads.
• The Application: Use flatbeds for signage or plaques, and cylindrical printers for bottles, cans, and cosmetic tubes.
• The Result: Specialized cylindrical hardware ensures a seamless wrap that flatbed “workarounds” simply cannot achieve.

High-throw technology refers to the ability to fire ink droplets accurately over a greater distance than standard print heads.

• The Tech: This allows the ink to stay in focus even when the surface of the object recedes or curves away from the print head.
• The Advantage: It is essential for printing on handled mugs, stepped drinkware, or recessed areas where a standard print head would be too close to clear the object.
• The Result: You get crisp, sharp graphics on complex shapes that were previously considered “unprintable.”

Cylindrical inkjet printing requires specialized UV Digital Inks that cure instantly under LED lights.

• The Palette: Beyond standard CMYK, we offer White, Varnish, and Light Cyan/Light Magenta to produce vibrant, photo-realistic gradients.
• The Science: Inkcups offers application-specific inks tailored to the substrate. Whether you need high flexibility for a squeeze bottle or high adhesion for a glass growler, there is a dedicated ink formula.
• The Result: This ensures that your output not only looks professional but meets strict abrasion and adhesion standards.

Lateral and helical printing represent two different methods of “stitching” an image onto a rotating object.

• Lateral (Step-and-Repeat): This method prints in organized horizontal sections. It is highly reliable and perfect for smaller logos or partial wraps.
• Helical (Continuous): Utilized by our Helix® series, this prints in a continuous spiral motion.
• The Result: Helical printing eliminates the visible seams or “stitching lines” often found in lateral printing, providing a smoother finish for 360-degree full wraps at much higher speeds.