Chromas Technologies, a subsidiary of Didde, has developed a digital printing system that can be retrofitted on to most conventional web presses. The Argio 75SS is a UV ink jet printer which the company claims will enable label converters to output variable data in the colour of their choice on almost any substrate.

The system is currently undergoing trials at four beta sites, one of which is in Europe, and according to Chromas marketing director Jason Oliver the Argio 75SS is ideally suited for jobs where variable batch numbers or barcodes are required, such as on some pharmaceutical products.

The system has a print width of 19cm and can operate at up to 30 metres a minute with films, foils, coated papers and board. The Argio 75SS will be formally unveiled at Labelexpo in September.