The S Series, which was launched earlier this month and consists of three models, has been developed to offer high-resolution, large character printing for secondary packaging applications within the food and beverage industry.

The devices are suitable for printing directly onto cartons, sacks, trays and other porous surfaces. Depending on the model, the machines are capable of printing up to eight lines of text per printhead at speeds of up to 100m/min.

The machines follow the N Series range of continuous inkjet devices for the coding and marking of primary packaging, which were launched earlier this year.

This marked the first time that the Whitchurch, Shropshire-headquartered firm had sold its own brand of printers, based on its own design and ink technology – it has been distributing kit from other manufacturers for around 25 years.

Needham Coding managing director Aled Ellis said: “We had a gap in our portfolio for an own-brand range of drop-on-demand inkjet printers that would complement the Sauven ink business that we purchased a few years ago.

“Following discussions with existing users of Sauven printers it was evident that they required like-for-like inkjet technology.

“As a result, the new S series is a low cost, simple inkjet printing solution backed by our dedicated service and support team and offering access to a wide range of consumables including fast drying solvent-based inks and oil-based inks for use on porous substances like card and paper.”

The S Series printers feature the ability to import font styles and graphics to enhance product image.

The machines have been designed with minimal components to give maximum reliability. There are no pumps, valves or compressed air and the use of a single printed circuit board is said to ensure minimum maintenance requirements.

Three different levels of message programming and editing, from simple and basic to multi-functional, can be selected.

The S-6000 model can be used as a simple standalone printer or integrated into a full production network system.

The S-6000R Plus Remote is available with manual or motorised 17mm printheads and best suited to product coding and best before dates. It can be used with oil ink for absorbent surfaces or solvent ink for non-absorbent surfaces.

The S-6000 Plus is aimed at box coding and available as Standard or Duo options, with the latter capable of printing up to 34mm-high text and barcodes.

The S-1000, meanwhile, is a modular inkjet system which allows the operator to connect up to four units together with an S-1000 controller to suit individual requirements.

Needham Coding UK is part of the 50-staff Needham Group, which also comprises of Needham Coding Ireland - Needham’s former Ireland distribution partner Advanced Coding Solutions, which the group acquired in April this year, Needham Inks, and Needham Coding Distribution.