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
What does "retrofit" actually mean here?
Rather than buying a standalone digital press, DPi mounts industrial Kyocera printheads directly onto your existing corrugator, folder-gluer, die-cutter, or bag machine. The printheads are integrated with your line's drive system and triggered to print at full production speed. You keep your existing equipment and add variable data printing capability to it — typically at a fraction of the cost of a separate digital press.
UV-curable vs. water-based ink — which one for my application?
UV-curable inks cure instantly under a UV lamp and adhere to non-porous substrates like flexible film, foil laminates, and coated cartons — ideal when the surface won't absorb a water-based ink. Water-based inks are preferred for uncoated kraft corrugated, paper bags, and food-contact applications where UV cure isn't appropriate. DPi configures the ink system based on your specific substrate mix.
How wide can the system print?
From 4" up to 130" by tiling multiple Kyocera printheads. Start with a narrow configuration for a single SKU code application, then expand head count later as needs grow — the QPress software and electronics scale with you, so the initial install isn't a permanent ceiling.
Can you inkjet print directly on corrugated boxes?
Yes — high-resolution piezo inkjet prints logos, lot codes, barcodes, and even process color directly onto corrugated as it conveys, eliminating labels and preprinted stock for many applications. Ink chemistry matters: porous kraft takes aqueous ink well, while coated stocks need UV. We’ll test your actual boxes before you buy.
What is a lot code printer?
A lot code printer marks date codes, batch numbers, and traceability data on products or cases as they move down the line. In corrugated applications an inkjet lot coder replaces messy roller-coders and labels with crisp, database-driven codes — and the same printhead can carry barcodes and graphics.
