MAN Roland has teamed up with Cambridge-based ink-jet developer Xaar to develop ink-jet printing systems inside the German manufacturer's presses, while Heidelberg will be offering extra functionality such as personalisation through its deal with Domino, also based in Cambridge.

David Ellen, Domino global director of commercial printing, said that the link up with Heidelberg would bring "more value-added into the finishing area".

"We have had a relationship with Heidelberg for several years. The emphasis now will be on personalisation for marketing purposes," he said.

He reported that the two companies had already sold two Heidelberg ST400 stitchers incorporating Domino On Demand technology, one of which was at Drupa. Both went to German printers.

Ellen added that the two companies had already worked together to produce Heidelberg Flexomailers with Domino technology, which had been sold in Mexico.

Under the agreement, Domino will be responsible for after-sales support once the ink-jet systems have been installed.

The MAN Roland/Xaar collaboration differs in scope as it specifically relates to coating applications, as opposed to personalisation.

Nigel Berry, deputy chief executive of Xaar, said that the collaboration with MAN Roland was still in its "early days".

He said: "We've been talking to MAN Roland for several months and we share the view that digital is becoming more important. We will be exploring ways that we can put digital technology on the back end of the MAN Roland machines.

"It'll be 2005 before any products come out of this. We'll start with coatings because they have a low resolution so require less accuracy, and then move on from there."

Story by Josh Brooks