Executive Summary
Packaging operations face growing demand for lot codes, expiration dates, serialized tracking, QR codes, and regional versioning on every box, bag, and carton — all without sacrificing line speed. Traditional approaches require pre-printed inventory, expensive plate changes, and costly changeover downtime. DPi's corrugated printing and digital packaging printer platform eliminates these bottlenecks by retrofitting industrial-grade digital printheads directly onto your existing production equipment.
Built on the same proven Kyocera printhead architecture used across DPi's mailing and web printing systems, these packaging solutions deliver variable data at full production speed using UV-curable or water-based inks matched to your specific substrate. Whether you're printing traceability codes on corrugated boxes at the wet-end of a BHS corrugator, adding promotional content on flexible film inline with a bag machine, or versioning folding cartons without a plate change, DPi designs a custom mounting and integration package engineered specifically for your line.
Key Advantages
Zero Changeover Downtime: Switch between SKUs, lot codes, or product versions instantly — no plate swaps, no setup time, no production stops.
Fraction of Digital Press Cost: Retrofit existing equipment for a fraction of the cost of a standalone digital press while maintaining full line speed.
UV & Water-Based Ink Flexibility: UV inks cure instantly for non-porous substrates like film and foil; water-based inks handle uncoated kraft and are preferred for food-contact applications.
Full Variable Data Capability: Print unique lot codes, batch numbers, expiration dates, barcodes, QR codes, and serialized data on every single package — driven by DPi's QPress software from standard data files.
Broad Substrate Compatibility: Corrugated board (B, C, E-flute, double/triple wall), flexible films (PE, PP, PET), foil laminates, paper bags, poly bags, and folding cartons.
USA Engineered & Supported: Designed and manufactured in Cresson, Texas with direct access to DPi's engineering team and fast service response — no overseas delays.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you retrofit inkjet onto an existing corrugator or folder-gluer?
Yes. DPi mounts industrial Kyocera printheads on your corrugator, folder-gluer, die-cutter, or bag machine, synced to the line's drive, so you add variable data printing at full production speed without buying a digital press.
What is the best inkjet printer for corrugated boxes?
For inline production, a piezo system like the DPi corrugated retrofit, which prints lot codes, barcodes, logos, and even process color directly on board as it conveys, at speeds up to 1,200 feet per minute.
UV or water-based ink for printing on corrugated?
Water-based for uncoated kraft, paper bags, and food-contact packaging. UV-curable for coated cartons, film, and foil laminates that will not absorb aqueous ink. DPi configures the ink system to your substrate mix, and Mailtech tests your actual boxes first.
How wide can an inline inkjet print on a corrugator?
From 4 inches up to 130 inches by tiling printheads. Start narrow for a single code lane and add heads later; the electronics and QPress software scale with you.
When does inkjet post-print pay off for a corrugated converter?
When short runs, SKU changes, or lot and date codes are eating time on labels and preprint. Retrofit inkjet removes label inventory and plate changes for those jobs; Mailtech will run your boxes and your codes so the payback is based on your line, not an estimate.
