The UV inkjet press, which scans the dimensions of an object before printing and then curing, was launched in April last year and is targeted at the industrial decoration market beyond Heidelberg's traditional print heartland.

The two printers, both of which are using the device to print onto promotional footballs, are Liechtenstein-based BVD Druck + Verlag and Druckhaus Mainfranken, one of the print partners of German web-to-print firm Flyeralarm.

Both devices were installed in late November/early December last year, according to Heidelberg.

Stephan Plenz, member of the management board responsible for Heidelberg Equipment, said: "The flexibility and creativity of inkjet technology offers our customers huge potential for new business models. Consequently, Heidelberg is working hard with a number of partners on new printing systems and applications for commercial and packaging printing based on this technology.

"The Jetmaster Dimension is the first inkjet printing system of this kind to be launched on the market. This summer, we’ll be starting series production of the Gallus DCS 340 digital press for the label market. And looking ahead to Drupa, we’ll be joining forces with our partner Fujifilm to unveil a new digital press concept."