betaJET HRX GS05/GS10 Drop On Demand (DOD) Thermal Inkjet Printer

DOD (Drop-on-Demand) printers offer a combination of high print quality, efficiency and flexibility, making them a popular choice for industrial coding and marking applications.

One of the main advantages is their ability to produce sharp, high-resolution text, barcodes, QR codes and graphics with exceptional accuracy. Because ink is only deposited when required, DOD technology also helps minimise ink consumption and reduce operating costs.

DOD printers are highly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of packaging materials and product surfaces. They can easily adapt to changing production requirements, allowing manufacturers to print variable data, logos and codes without interrupting workflow.

In addition to their performance benefits, DOD systems are designed for reliability and low maintenance. With fewer consumables than many traditional marking methods, they help simplify production processes while supporting continuous operation in demanding industrial environments.

From a sustainability perspective, DOD printing can reduce waste by eliminating the need for labels and thermal transfer ribbons. Combined with efficient ink usage and low energy consumption, this makes DOD technology a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for modern manufacturing.

One of the key advantages of DOD (Drop-on-Demand) inkjet technology is its versatility. DOD printers can mark and code a wide range of materials, making them suitable for use across multiple industries and production environments.

Depending on the ink and system configuration, DOD printers can print on porous and non-porous surfaces, including cardboard, paper, wood, plastics, films, coated packaging materials, and many other substrates. This flexibility allows manufacturers to apply high-quality text, barcodes, QR codes, graphics and logos directly onto products and packaging without the need for labels.

Modern DOD systems are also capable of maintaining excellent print quality on both primary and secondary packaging, even in demanding production environments. Combined with high-resolution printing and flexible print heights, they can adapt to a variety of coding and marking requirements across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, logistics and industrial applications.

Yes. Compared to many traditional coding and marking methods, DOD (Drop-on-Demand) technology can significantly reduce waste and resource consumption.

Because ink droplets are only generated when required, DOD systems use ink more efficiently and minimise unnecessary consumption. Advanced features such as Contrast Per Element (CPE) technology can further reduce ink usage by applying higher contrast only where it is needed, such as on barcodes, while using less ink for text and graphics.

DOD printing also eliminates the need for labels and thermal transfer ribbons, reducing material waste and the environmental impact associated with producing, transporting and disposing of consumables. Direct-to-packaging printing can help manufacturers simplify their coding process while reducing packaging components.

In addition, Koenig & Bauer Coding’s HRX system uses mineral-oil-free inks and are designed for low consumption, minimal waste and low energy usage, contributing to a more sustainable production environment.

While the overall environmental impact will always depend on the specific application and production setup, DOD technology offers a practical way for manufacturers to reduce waste, lower consumable usage and improve sustainability without compromising print quality.

Yes. DOD printers are designed to produce high-resolution variable data, including QR codes, Data Matrix codes, barcodes, serial numbers, product information and logos. Their high print quality helps ensure reliable code readability and compliance with modern traceability requirements.

Absolutely. Modern DOD systems are designed for seamless integration into existing production environments. Smart interfaces and compatibility with commonly used coding software make it easy to incorporate the printer into automated production and packaging lines with minimal disruption.

Our Machinery Experts can offer guidance, advice and assistance with your plans to add a DOD printer to your existing production line. We’ll even install the machine for you, and provide regular servicing and consumables.

Grayscale printing enables the use of multiple shades within a single print image, creating sharper details and improved visual quality. This technology is particularly useful for logos, graphics and complex codes, helping manufacturers achieve premium-looking print results while optimising ink consumption through intelligent contrast management.

GS1 compatibility helps ensure that your product codes meet globally recognised standards for identification, traceability and supply chain management. As more retailers, manufacturers and regulatory bodies adopt GS1 standards, the ability to print compliant barcodes and 2D codes has become increasingly important.

The betaJET HRX GS05 and GS10 support a wide range of barcode formats, including GS1 codes, allowing businesses to print high-quality, scannable codes directly onto products and packaging. This helps improve supply chain visibility, supports inventory management and reduces the risk of coding errors.

GS1 compatibility also helps future-proof your coding operations. With the growing adoption of GS1 Digital Link and 2D barcodes that can store more information than traditional linear barcodes, manufacturers can prepare for evolving retail and regulatory requirements while providing enhanced product information and traceability. The betaJET’s high-resolution thermal inkjet technology ensures these codes remain clear, accurate and easy to scan, even at high production speeds.