Dubbed the Integrated Printing System (IPS) 3, RR Donnelley's proprietary press doubles the 600dpi resolution of its predecessor, the IPS 2, which was developed more than a year ago.

The new press, which will be used to serve the financial services sector initially, is 76cm wide and runs at speeds of 2.03m/s for four-colour output, and 4.06m/s for two-colour work.

Although it is an unusual step for a printing company to develop its own presses, RR Donnelley said it had been "quietly developing" printing technologies for more than 30 years.

John Paloian, chief operating officer at RR Donnelley, said: "IPS 3 is the latest in a continuing series of high-speed, high-quality printing systems that RR Donnelley has developed.

"The initial applications that this technology will serve are in the financial services sector, opening the door to even more effective TransPromotional communications."

Earlier this month, RR Donnelley reported a 31% year-on-year rise in profits for the first quarter of the year, from $138.9m (£71.11m) to $182m.

The company was founded more than 140 years ago and prints a wide range of items, from books and magazines, to direct mail and healthcare projects.