The Rho TH Ink, which will be launched at Drupa this month, will be compatible with Durst's digital printing presses.

Durst claims that because the ink is flexible, it can be used on styrene, acrylic and other plastics.

Tests on challenging moulds with 90-degree edges and more than 10cm depth have been successful and it is hoped the ink can be used to print on sports and protective equipment, including cycle helmets.

SunJet, the inkjet division of Sun Chemical, helped develop the ink to satisfy the technical requirements of a product that could stretch and extend during the forming process, after having been cured with exposure to UV energy.

The ink is also environmentally friendly, and will not carry the "N" sign.

Durst chief executive Richard Piock said: "We have worked with SunJet to ensure the new and unusual properties required for the thermo-forming conditions have been achieved, while maintaining the reliability and print quality that our customers are used to seeing from our machines."