The press, which features Epson’s Micro Piezo inkjet technology, is being targeted at businesses requiring high-quality labels in short runs and is the commercialisation of a press first shown by Screen at Ipex in 2002.

Based on Epson’s piezo ink-jet technology, the six-colour machine has a variable web width, although Epson is remaining tight-lipped about further data

It can print onto a range of substrates that include semi-gloss, film and matte label stock in thicknesses up to 320 microns.

The press offers production print speeds of around 5m per minute and on stock rolls from 80mm to 330mm wide.

Duncan Ferguson, director of pro-graphics and new business development at Epson Europe, said the digital label press was "a different concept" to other presses on the market.

He said: "We're not going head to head with other manufacturers. We're offering 5m a minute speeds rather than 25m a minute but this is for customers that can't compromise on quality.

"People can print very high-quality short-run labels from an affordable investment."

At Ipex, which runs from 18-25 May, Epson will also showcase its Stylus Pro WT7900 inkjet printer, which was launched late last year.

The printer uses the Epson UltraChrome HDR-White inkset and is targeted at the packaging proofing market. Epson will be at Ipex 2010 in Hall 10 Stand C260.