The 6-color Helix® Hi-Fi photorealistic digital rotary printer manufactured by Inkcups has earned a 2019 SGIA Product of the Year award in the non-flatbed, Direct-to-Shape Printers category.
Ideal for promotional and retail markets, the Helix® Hi-Fi prints multi-color graphics and photos on straight-walled cylinders, tapers, and objects with limited wall curvatures.
The Helix® Hi-Fi uses UV LED ink and prints 360 degrees with a maximum resolution of 1200 dpi. The machine’s printable area is 8.6 inches; the system can print on items up to 12 inches in length with a diameter ranging from 2-5 inches.
The new Hi-Fi version of the Helix printer adds light cyan and light magenta inks to the CMYK and white inks on the standard model.
The two light inks enables the printer to produce realistic skin tones on cylindrical objects that will be personalized with facial images.
While the standard Helix® already delivers the best image quality in the industry, the addition of the light colors brings output quality to a new level. The benefits are most dramatic in printing skin tones where true photorealistic images are generated with smoother tone transitions, less graininess, and higher resolution edge effects.
Helix® Hi-Fi can import a series of unique image files and produce high-resolution photo gifts, such as glass candle holders and drinkware such as stemless wine glasses, stainless steel tumblers, and pint glasses.
A built-in programmable tilt system reduces product change-over time and eliminates the need to optimize print recipes for each SKU change.
The Helix® Hi-Fi is delivered as a turnkey package that includes software to integrate with web-based production solutions as well as warranty and service coverage.
The company offers multiple pre-treatment options, inks and other supplies, along with application testing and sample prints upon request.
Metals, glass, plastics, and ceramics are all validated for image durability from handling and washing.
“The Helix® Hi-Fi is unmatched in price and performance,” said Ben Adner, CEO of Inkcups. “The addition of these two inks are a game changer for customers looking to achieve high-quality personalized results. Inkcups has always had a strong business with promotional printing, and we are pleased to lead the industry in the personalization category.”
The Helix® Hi-Fi is engineered and manufactured in the U.S. It will be displayed at the 2019 Printing United show, Oct. 23-25, in Dallas, TX.
About Inkcups
Inkcups manufactures inkjet printing equipment, pad printing equipment, laser plate-makers and corresponding supplies. Their equipment is used in companies that serve the apparel, drinkware, promotional, electronics, medical, sporting goods and automotive markets.