Technologies are evolving, and one of these involves direct printing on cylindrical and conical objects using Digital to Shape (DTS) technology:
- To meet new market demands, big companies have recently used direct-to-shape technology to launch limited editions
- many professionals aim to invest in limited editions with high added value, often used as launch campaigns to test a new product or promote a specific event (rather than competing for low-cost printing jobs).
- It can be used on a variety of substrates, including glass, plastic, metal, bottles, cans, etc.
ideal for companies in the beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, packaging and promotional sectors
The SERIE 360 by Ser.tec was developed in response to the needs of certain customers, launching in 2024 with its firstEagle R360, and then be supplemented by other machines to meet different production needs. In this article, we will look at:
What is Direct-to-Shape (DTS) printing?
Direct-to-Shape (DTS)printing represents an innovation in the world of packaging and industrial decoration
. This technology allows you to
print directly onto curved, cylindrical and irregular surfaces without the use of adhesive labels, simplifying production processes and reducing environmental impact
Through advanced customisation and sustainability, DTS printing is establishing itself as a strategic opportunity for companies across various industries.
Why choose Direct-to-Shape printing for packaging and industrial decoration?
DTS printing offers numerous advantages over traditional methods:
- Elimination of adhesive labels, reducing waste and costs;
- Customisation options to stand out in the market;
- Better resistance to external agents compared to traditional labels;
- Flexible production and rapid prototyping, ideal for both limited runs and large-scale production
- It can be integrated into the manufacturing process to decorate products
- Greater sustainability, thanks to the use of eco-friendly materials and less waste;
- Economically sustainable for small print runs and allows for reduced inventory.
The 360 series: Ser.tec solutions for direct-to-shape printing
When it comes to Direct-to-Shape printing, the 360 series
by Ser.Tec is one of the most advanced solutions in the sector. Thanks to its
UV LED technology offers high-resolution printing on a wide range of materials, including:
- Glass
- Plastic
- Metal
- Ceramics
Key features of the 360 series
- UV LED technology for immediate drying and longer print life;
- High resolution and precision in detail for exceptional quality;
- Automated process management for high productivity;
- Maximum customisation with bright colours and defined details;
- Adaptability to uneven surfaces such as bottles, flasks and special containers.
Benefits of DTS printing with the 360 Series
Direct printing on cylindrical and conical objects with the 360 series offers numerous benefits:
- Reduction in costs and production times compared to traditional labels;
- Greater resistance to scratches and abrasions;
- Quick prototyping
- Possibility of producing customised print runs at no additional cost;
- Seamless integration with existing production systems to optimise workflow.
The models in the 360 series
MINI 360
Compact desktop UV printer designed specifically for printing on cylindrical and conical objects (up to 5°) such as thermos flasks, bottles and mugs., and other round containers. It offers high precision, ease of use and advanced features ideal for professional customisation or small production runs.
EAGLE R360
UV LED printer designed for direct printing on cylindrical and conical objects (up to 15°), such as bottles, thermos flasks, cans, cosmetic bottles and glasses:
- Compatibility and adaptability: Supports a wide range of diameters (45–180 mm) up to a taper of 15°
- Operational efficiency: The “Shuttle” system reduces loading and setup times, optimizing daily productivity.
- Shuttle system for quick loading: Reduces setup time and simplifies daily multi-settings.
- Possibility of customisation and integration with automation systems.
EAGLE R360 2P
It is a UV LED printer with two stationsfor direct customization of cylindrical and conical objects, perfect for industrial and promotional applications:
- Direct printing on cylindrical and conical objects (up to 12°): Ideal for bottles, thermos flasks, cans, cosmetic bottles and glasses
- Compatibility and adaptability: Supports a wide range of diameters (45–150 mm) and materials
- Compatibility with different materials: Printing on glass, paper, plastic, metal
- Two printing stations: Increases operational efficiency, allowing you to optimise production times and ensuring a continuous, uninterrupted workflow
- Semi-automatic height adjustment with Laser Gap: Ensures fast and reliable setup, simplifying daily operations and improving overall print quality
- Possibility of customisation and integration with automation systems.
EAGLE R360 2P AUTO – COMING SOON
Eagle R360 2P can be transformed into an automated robotic island thanks to the integration of a robot that automates the loading and unloading phase. It allows you to:
- increase operational efficiency
- optimise production flows
- ensure continuity in industrial processes
We will be presenting a preview shortly
The OVERSIZE model for cylindrical printing
In addition to the 360 series, we cannot fail to mention the EAGLE AUTOMATION 1 model (see dedicated article), the giant of printing on cylindrical objects:
- with different dimensions (length from 30 cm to 150 cm), diameters (from 10 to 23 cm) and weight, such as cylindrical cylinders up to 80 kg
- has improved workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents involving heavy loads for the client’s employees.
Our R&D team has created a workstation that combines:
- Automatic manipulator
- Transfer “slide” system
- Eagle 130 UV LED printer adapted for this printing process
- Island management via tablet and WhiteRIP 8 software
This printing island is ideal for heavy cylindrical objects that are difficult to handle, with the possibility of customisation according to your production needs, such as:
- doubled productivity with the Eagle 130R version (from 2 to 8 Ricoh heads)
- integration of automated loading/unloading systems or robotic cells
- 4.0 integration with other machines and production lines before and/or after printing
- optical image inspection for enhanced quality control
COMPARATIVE TABLE SERIES 360
Below is a series of comparative tables for the 360 series machines
Technical specifications
|
|
MINI 360<br>
|
EAGLE R360
|
EAGLE R360 2P
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Printing Technology
|
UV LED
|
UV LED
|
UV LED
|
|
Print head
|
Epson I3200
|
Ricoh Gen 5
|
Ricoh Gen 5
|
|
Max Resolution
|
1200 dpi
|
2400 dpi
|
14400 dpi
|
|
Colors
|
CYMK + White + Gloss
|
CYMK + White + Gloss
|
CYMK + White + Gloss
|
|
Diameter
|
45-100 mm
|
45-180 mm
|
45-180 mm
|
|
Print on
conical |
Yes, up to <5°
|
Yes, up to 15°
|
Yes, up to 12° with Laser Gap
automatic up to 14% |
|
Production speed
|
40-second cycle
|
22-second cycle
|
15-second cycle
|
|
Automazioni
|
Laser, Anti-collision,
Import 1 Click |
Modular positioning,
tiltable guide |
Double station,
Laser GAP, Continuous cycle |
|
Software
|
WhiteRIP
|
Icaro + Eagle RIP
(3D preview, special effects) |
Icaro + Eagle RIP
(3D preview, special effects) |
|
Ideal for
|
Customisation, small batches
|
Professional media productions
|
Continuous industrial production
|
Material and type of object
|
MATERIALS
|
MINI 360<br>
|
EAGLE R360
|
EAGLE R360 2P
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Steel / Metal
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Glass
|
✔ but less
coverage |
✔ high
coverage |
✔ top
performance |
|
Plastic
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Materials
Dark / Transparent |
✔ (has white)
|
✔✔ (more coverage)
|
✔✔✔ (highest quality)
|
|
OBJECTS
|
MINI 360<br>
|
EAGLE R360
|
EAGLE R360 2P
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thermos flasks, Water bottles,
Steel bottles |
Excellent for standard objects
(average diameter) |
Perfect for bottles
of many sizes (diameter up to 180 mm) |
Ideal for high production
volumes on repetitive formats (beverages, cosmetics) |
|
Cups, Glasses,
Glassware |
Buona su superfici regolari
|
Better white quality
and top colour rendering thanks to Ricoh Gen5 |
Better white quality
and top colour rendering thanks to Ricoh Gen5 |
|
Cosmetic bottles
conical |
Only with low taper
(<5°) |
Manual tilt adjustment
manual |
Automatic Laser Gap:
the most accurate for irregular tapers |
Production requirements
|
|
MINI 360<br>
|
EAGLE 360
|
EAGLE 360 2P
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business model
|
Artisans, small e-commerce businesses,
personalised gadgets |
Graphic design companies, printing companies,
professional services |
Cosmetics industry, beverages,
customised packaging, semi-industrial lines |
|
Production volumes
|
Low volumes
|
Average volumes
|
High volumes
|
Summarizing the DTS printing offers numerous advantages over traditional methods:
- Elimination of adhesive labels, reducing waste and costs;
- Customisation options to stand out in the market;
- Better resistance to external agents compared to traditional labels;
- Flexible production and rapid prototyping, ideal for both limited runs and large-scale production
- It can be integrated into the manufacturing process to decorate products
- Greater sustainability, thanks to the use of eco-friendly materials and less waste;
- Economically sustainable for small print runs and allows for reduced inventory.
