Domino Printing Sciences has helped to deliver a new high-speed variable data printing (VDP) solution to Bulgaria’s largest producer of instant lottery games, Demax DPI AD. The specialized solution, combining Domino’s high-resolution monochrome digital printing press, the K600i, and a quick-drying, water-based ink, has helped to reduce production time of lottery scratch cards from three weeks to just two days whilst providing additional printing capacity to support Demax’s expansion outside Bulgaria.
Demax manages the entire production process for Bulgaria’s lottery cards – from electronic data processing to printing and packaging – with production licensed and supervised by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Finance. For over 20 years, Domino has worked with Demax via its distributor, Arcon. Demax approached Arcon in search of a quick-drying, water-based solution for printing on lottery cards, having found its current solution was not drying in line with required production speeds and was hindering overall production capacity.
“In industries requiring high-speed digital printing, UV-curable inks may be favored for their fast-drying properties – but this is not an option for printing on instant-win lottery cards, as UV inks can leave a slightly raised mark, which may reveal a prize underneath the scratch mark,” says James Orford at Domino. “Our newest, hybrid solvent, water-based ink, AQ97BK, was created to offer companies an alternative to UV printing – and proved to be an ideal solution for Demax’s printing needs.”
Domino’s K600i monochrome printer, combined with AQ97BK, easily met Demax’s requirements for fast-drying, high-quality printing at exceptional printing speeds, achieving consistent print results at speeds of up to 60m/min. Demax is currently running five K600i units, printing over 100 million lottery cards per year, and is planning to roll out the solution to other parts of its production line shortly, in line with current expansion plans.
“Working with Domino and Arcon has been an ideal relationship,” says Ivan Nestorov, technical director, Demax. “Their support, consultancy, and advice are outstanding. Domino’s water-based ink with a quick drying time is ideal for our requirements, reinforcing their reputation for high quality. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.”