Keeping in mind the demands of our esteemed readers, this is the SECOND one in the series of articles being planned on the available Roll-To-Roll Digital Inkjet Machines in the market….
Speaking about the inkjet roll-to-roll market, it is one of the fiercest happenings of the printing landscape presently. Apart from the technology and its modern capabilities, let’s explore the latest offerings from the top providers of the technology.
“The inkjet roll-to-roll market has undoubtedly come a long way and established itself as a reliable solution,” states Mr.T.P. Jain, MD, Monotech Systems. When it comes to short and medium run print products, there is no other technology offering the versatility and dependability of Roll-to-Roll Digital Inkjet. “The inkjet technology is perfectly positioned to address the recent trend where while overall print volumes are increasing, the average run lengths are becoming shorter. This adaptability makes it an indispensable option for the evolving demands of the industry,” highlights T.P. Jain.
From its inception, Monotech Systems is a trusted solution provider for the printing and packaging industry. Over time, it diversified into manufacturing, introducing its own line of inkjet printers and presses under the brand ‘Pixeljet®’ for the advertising and signage market. “Pixeljet offers complete range of UV flatbed, Roll to Roll and Hybrid printers targeting industrial printing and leads the market in this segment in India,” informs T.P. Jain. It also offers signage and industrial printing solutions from Mimaki, Japan.
In 2011, Monotech Systems expanded into high-speed security and variable data printing solutions under its brand ‘JETSCI®’. “With continuous input from customers and a commitment to innovate, we consistently added new products and options to our portfolio,” continues T.P. Jain.
Responding to customer requirements and feedback, subsequently it developed the JETSCI® Colornovo—a full-colour Digital Production Press based on Inkjet Technology—followed by the JETSCI® KolorSmart+ press. These advancements were complemented by the embellishment press series, known as the JETSCI® dSpark family.
To cater to the publishing market, Monotech Systems introduced the JETSCI® knowzzleJet – High speed colour and monochrome Inkjet Web Press for print-on-demand book production. “Now, as part of our growth strategy, we are moving beyond narrow-format presses into mid and wide web format solutions, with exciting new products set to launch soon,” reveals T.P. Jain.
Introducing Digital Sheetfed embellishment concept in India in the year 2012 with Scodix from Israel, Monotech Systems wrote a new chapter by being the first to present such inkjet embellishment solution for the postpress market. Then it introduced its own Pixelglow series of inkjet embellishment printers to address the growing bottom of the pyramid market. “We have three products already in the market from Pixelglow family – Lumina, Radiant Pro and Vertex and will be launching next one very soon,” adds T.P. Jain.
Monotech Systems offers a diverse range of digital inkjet presses tailored to different market needs that includes:
- Roll-to-roll full production label printing presses: Designed for efficient and high-quality label printing.
- Roll-to-roll embellishment presses: Perfect for adding creative finishes to printed materials.
- Publishing market solutions: Versatile roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet, and roll-to-fold configurations for complete publishing workflows.
- Hybrid printing solution: Bespoke inkjet print bar on any flexo, web, sheetfed printers or finishing equipment for variable data printing.
- Sheet-fed embellishment presses: Perfect for embossing (tactile effect) and foiling on any offset or digital print.
- UV Roll-to-Roll, Flatbed & Hybrid Printers: Perfect for indoor and outdoor signage, industrial printing e.g. printing on glass, wood, acrylic, leather, foam board, asbestos, PVC doors/profiles etc.
The JETSCI, Pixeljet & Pixelglow digital inkjet presses are designed to deliver exceptional value through standard product line-up and customizable and bespoke solutions, tailored to meet specific application requirements. These bespoke configurations encompass both hardware and software, ensuring complete flexibility and efficiency. “Additionally, they come with the support of a highly experienced and trusted team of engineers, renowned for their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction,” assures T.P. Jain, adding, “Monotech Systems distinguishes itself in the market through several key strengths and unique selling points:
- Highly Experienced R&D Team: Our dedicated research and development team is adept at creating bespoke as well as standard products that cater to specific client requirements.
- Customer Support Excellence: We pride ourselves on a customer-centric approach, with a trusted and experienced support team to ensure seamless implementation and satisfaction.
- Localized Component Integration: We prioritize the localization of components, allowing for efficient and easy-to-integrate solutions
- Versatile Printing Platforms: We work across a wide array of printed platforms and carefully select the most suitable print heads for each application to achieve optimal results.
- Comprehensive End-to-End Solutions: Monotech Systems provides complete solutions where the inks are meticulously matched with the print heads, ensuring exceptional performance and meeting the precise requirements of every project.
These strengths collectively position us as a trusted partner for innovative digital inkjet solutions in a dynamic market for roll-to-roll as well as sheet-fed printing applications.”
Monotech Systems built printers employ both piezoelectric DOD as well as thermal inkjet technology: for Security, Label, Embellishment & Industrial Printing Markets it primarily employs piezoelectric drop-on-demand print heads. “This technology ensures precise and efficient printing, meeting the high standards of security and label printing with optimum consistency and reliability,” enlightens T.P. Jain. While the publishing publishing solutions leverage piezoelectric DOD as well as thermal, delivering exceptional performance and high resolutions of up to 1600 DPI. “This ensures superior print quality, catering to the demanding needs of the publishing industry. By choosing the most suitable technology for each application, Monotech Systems guarantees optimized performance and unparalleled results for every project,” says T.P. Jain.
According to T.P. Jain, the inkjet technology solutions offered by Monotech Systems stand out in the competitive landscape by being tailored solutions in addition to being standardized, off-the-shelf products. “This bespoke approach ensures that we meet the specific project-based requirements of our clients effectively,” he asserts.
“We leverage partnerships with leading print head suppliers, granting us access to a wide range of printheads platform. Our expertise allows us to integrate nearly every print head available in the market, delivering solutions that are on par with, if not superior to, other converters and manufacturers. This makes our solutions offer optimized performance, competitive costs, and high-quality output tailored for specific applications,” further explains T.P. Jain.
Monotech Systems continues to innovate and integrate cutting-edge advancements into its digital inkjet presses which include: enhanced print resolution, advanced ink formulations, versatile configurations and optimized print heads.
“Monotech Systems’ plans for future technology development and innovation are driven by customer requirements and insights gathered through our “Voice of Customer” program. This customer-centric approach ensures that our innovations align with evolving market demands,” says T.P. Jain.
Actively collaborating with leading print head suppliers, currently Monotech Systems is focused on high-resolution medium-format presses for the publishing market. “Notable achievements include offering roll-to-roll systems with print widths of 660 mm and 440 mm, addressing diverse publishing needs,” says T.P. Jain. He hints about introducing more colour options with a hybrid press next. The proposed hybrid system would combine advanced lacquering and coating technologies with a 430 mm print width. Also planned is an 880 mm wide press for publishing and transactional markets.
“We shall be launching very high-speed automated products for industrial printing and a high-speed press for sheet-fed digital embellishment,” affirms T.P. Jain.
All digital inkjet presses by Monotech Systems are manufactured and integrated in India at the company’s state-of-the-art facilities in Gurgaon and Chennai. These advanced production units adhere to the highest quality standards, ensuring the reliability and excellence of every product. “By maintaining in-house inkjet print engines, we remain agile in meeting customer requirements and delivering innovative solutions tailored to diverse market needs,” maintains T.P. Jain.
Monotech Systems ensures the quality and reliability of its products through meticulous attention to detail, utilizing state-of-the-art components, continuous improvement and all this is backed by years of expertise. Every component undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation. “We implement a thorough quality assurance process, ensuring every product meets our high standards before it reaches the customer. All our products comply with ISO quality guidelines and are CE certified, demonstrating our dedication to delivering safety certified equipment, dependable, and high-quality solutions to the market,” says T.P. Jain.
The key components Monotech Systems’ digital inkjet presses incorporate are customized to suit specific applications and customer requirements. These include the Transport Mechanism, Drying systems, Print Unit/Engine, and Web Control – unwinding and rewinding mechanisms etc. “For UV inkjet label printing process, additional options like pre-inkjet flexo or post-inkjet flexo units can be integrated based on customer requirements and print applications. In some cases, converting and finishing solutions are also added to meet specific customer needs. This flexibility ensures our presses deliver superior performance and cater to a wide range of printing and finishing requirements,” elaborates T.P. Jain.
Challenges in manufacturing digital inkjet presses
Manufacturing digital inkjet presses, says T.P. Jain, presents several challenges, like the highly customized nature of customer requirements as each printer often demands a unique configuration that may not always be achievable through a single supplier/single configuration. Taking of new opportunities, he says, “Many label printers and converters are expanding beyond traditional label production into new areas such as flexible packaging and pharmaceutical packaging, including mono carton and aluminium blister foil printing. Furthermore, advancements in security and product authentication solutions have enabled the creation of unique, individualized documents, offering further avenues for innovation and market expansion. This dynamic environment highlights both the challenges and the potential for growth in the digital inkjet press industry.”
Monotech Systems primary customers span several key segments. Giving details, T.P. Jain lists:
- Label Converters: These customers specialize in short to medium print runs and variable data printing. Our roll-to-roll digital presses are designed to meet their specific needs, offering versatility and efficiency.
- Book Printers (Publishing Market): We cater to this segment with our advanced publishing solutions, enabling high-quality and cost-effective production tailored to their requirements.
- Security Printers: We collaborate extensively with security printers across India and internationally, addressing their needs for secure imprinting solutions.
- Offset & Digital Printers: We enable them to differentiate the print with exclusive and precise tactile effect and digital foiling – a great touch and feel effect on the print.
- Signage & Industrial Printers: A diverse range of solution to cater to every need of signage and industrial printing with a wide range of application on many different substrates/media.
The future is undoubtedly inkjet-driven
The emerging markets for digital inkjet presses are primarily short- and medium-run label converters, packaging printers and industrial printers who need quick turnaround time, have medium run jobs and require variable data printing capabilities. This enables them to produce unique, individualized documents efficiently. Additionally, the demand for print-on-demand solutions is growing rapidly, highlighting the industry’s shift toward flexibility and customization to meet evolving market needs.
Monotech Systems’ tagline, “Future is Inkjet,” perfectly encapsulates the trajectory of digital inkjet printing. As technology continues to advance, inkjet is poised to dominate the future of digital printing. With its unparalleled versatility, precision, and ability to cater to evolving market demands—such as variable data printing, customization, and print-on-demand solutions—inkjet technology is setting new benchmarks across industries. The future is undoubtedly inkjet-driven, transforming the way businesses approach printing with efficiency and innovation at its core.
The robust network of Monotech Systems’ channel partners across various countries enables it to effectively reach and serve international customers with localized expertise. In India, it sells directly to customers, ensuring a seamless and personalized sales experience.
The range of advanced post-press solutions
Monotech Systems offers a wide range of advanced post-press solutions to complement its digital inkjet presses. These include:
For Label Segment: embellishment equipment, including digital varnish and cold foiling systems. These solutions add value by enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of printed labels.
For Publishing Segment: roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet, and roll-to-fold configurations, enabling printers and converters to efficiently produce complete book signatures in streamlined process.
Industrial Printing: coating solution based on end application of the print to ensure its durability.
“By catering to the specific needs of the label, publishing and industrial printing markets, our post-press equipment enhances the overall workflow, delivering superior results and unmatched versatility,” says T.P. Jain.
Exceptional customer support and service
“We offer comprehensive assistance throughout the product lifecycle, including installation, training, maintenance, and troubleshooting. We also emphasize a customer-centric approach, tailoring our support to individual client needs. Additionally, we maintain a robust after-sales service network to ensure long-term performance and reliability. With our unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, we strive to build lasting relationships and deliver seamless support at every step,” says T.P. Jain.
Monotech Systems’s comprehensive customer training programs cover every aspect of the press operation, including setup, maintenance, software integration, and troubleshooting. It offers on-site training sessions tailored to specific needs of the customer. “Additionally, we offer ongoing support to address any queries or challenges that may arise during usage,” adds T.P. Jain.
The acquisition cost of Monotech Systems’ digital inkjet presses varies significantly based on the configuration, features, and specific requirements of the customer. As a general guideline, the cost can range from mid-level pricing for standard configurations to higher investments for advanced, customized solutions. “For a more precise estimate tailored to your needs, we recommend reaching out to our sales team or channel partners,” recommends T.P. Jain.
To have an idea of cost efficiency in production by Monotech Systems machines, though per copy (A4) price of printing may vary depending on the application, the metric may not apply to label printing. However, in the case of print-on-demand book printing, the cost is approximately less than 80 paise per copy in colour and less than 5 paise, depending on the ink coverage. “This cost efficiency makes it an attractive option for short-run and customized book production,” says T.P. Jain.
Sustainability
Monotech Systems presses are engineered for energy efficiency and support on-demand printing, minimizing waste and excess inventory, says T.P. Jain.
“We prioritize eco-friendly ink formulations, such as water-based and low-VOC inks, reducing harmful emissions while delivering high-performance results. Additionally, we advocate for UV LED curable inks as a sustainable alternative to Arc lamp-based curing. UV LED technology significantly lowers energy consumption, eliminates mercury use, and extends lamp life—enhancing both environmental and operational efficiency.
Beyond printing technology, we collaborate with responsible suppliers to integrate recyclable and biodegradable materials into our products, reinforcing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable industry.”
Furthermore, we are committed to fostering sustainability in printing by developing environmentally friendly technologies and solutions. By combining customer-centric innovation with a focus on quality and efficiency, Monotech Systems aims to shape the future of digital inkjet printing and redefine industry standards,” asserts T.P. Jain.
Monotech Systems is working on expanding its offerings in the publishing, flexible packaging, and pharmaceutical printing sectors.
“Monotech Systems aspires to lead the digital inkjet press industry through continuous innovation and excellence. We aim to expand our product portfolio to serve emerging markets and applications, including flexible packaging, pharmaceutical printing, and advanced security solutions. Strengthening our global presence is another key ambition, as we strive to reach new regions and establish ourselves as a trusted partner worldwide.
Our proactive approach to innovation and versatility keeps us ahead of the competition and solidifies our position as industry pioneers. Our long-term goals revolve around developing cutting-edge technologies that address evolving market demands and pushing the boundaries of what digital inkjet printing can achieve,” concludes T.P. Jain.
