Heidelberg will provide "substantial" investment to cover the research and development costs.

It showed a prototype page-wide ink-jet array for monochrome personalisation based on Spectra technology on a QM46 at Drupa 2000.

"There will be multiple product offerings, but what and when remains to be seen," said Spectra vice president of marketing and sales, Per Frost. "The implementation shown at Drupa is one option."

The firms are working on the development of systems capable of monochrome, spot colour and process colour covering a range of speeds and press widths.

"Small offset to web offset are all legitimate if you look at Heidelbergs product range," said Frost.

"We have a range of options, but an offset complement is the priority in the first implementation."

Heidelberg digital chief executive Wolfgang Pfizenmaier said: "As feedback [from Drupa] was positive we are glad to extend the relationship with Spectra to continue the partnership.

"In the long term there is more to come with ink-jet applications for commercial printers and Spectra suits us best with its technology and as a partner."

Ironically, Spectras core piezo ink-jet technology was developed in Xerox labs, but was transferred to the firm when it was established in 1984. It no longer has any involvement with Xerox.

Spectra uses a piezo technology similar to Xaars, although it claims it has strong patents covering its own products, which should prevent any problems.

Existing customers include wide-format specialists Vutek and Durst and coding printer firm Markem.

Story by Barney Cox