Crown Labels accelerates digital transition with Domino N730i installation

A strategic upgrade in the UK label market

The trajectory of digital printing in the label sector is no longer just about short runs and quick turnarounds; it is about fundamentally replacing conventional capacity. UK-based self-adhesive label manufacturer Crown Labels has provided a clear example of this shift in 2026 by upgrading its production floor with a new Domino N730i digital UV inkjet press. The move, which sees the new machine replace one of the company’s two older Domino N610i models, highlights a broader industry trend where converters are doubling down on high-resolution digital assets to capture premium market segments.

The numbers behind Crown Labels' evolution tell a compelling story about the current state of the converting industry. When the company installed its first Domino press in 2019, digital printing accounted for just 20% of its total turnover. Today, in 2026, that figure has surged past the 65% mark. This rapid inversion of their production mix underscores how UV inkjet technology has matured from a complementary tool into the primary revenue engine for forward-thinking label manufacturers.

Technical leap: 1200 dpi and 70 meters per minute

The decision to invest in the N730i is rooted in the tangible operational advantages it brings to the pressroom. Built on Domino’s Generation 7 inkjet platform, the press features the Brother BITSTAR 1200 dpi piezo printhead. For a converter like Crown Labels, this means the ability to deliver exceptional print quality, sharper edges, and smoother gradients without sacrificing throughput. The machine operates at speeds of up to 70 meters per minute (230 ft/min), maintaining optimum resolution even when laying down high-opacity whites.

Tom Hardy, director at Crown Labels, pointed out that the decision was driven by clear performance metrics. The combination of higher resolution and faster speeds made the upgrade a logical step to meet growing customer demands and unlock new opportunities in premium label markets. The ability to produce silk-screen-like white opacity—up to 76% with Domino's UV90 ink set—allows the company to compete for high-end beverage, cosmetics, and personal care contracts that previously required complex conventional setups.

Partnership and market implications

Beyond the hardware, the installation reinforces the importance of long-term supplier partnerships in the capital equipment space. Craig Clawson, UK sales manager at Domino Printing Sciences, emphasized that supporting Crown Labels through their digital journey—from the N610i to the N730i—has been a collaborative effort aimed at elevating both quality and capacity. In an era where equipment downtime directly impacts tight margins, reliable service and robust technology ecosystems are just as critical as the press specifications.

This installation also reflects a wider global pattern. As seen with other recent investments, such as Cover Label in Los Angeles adopting the same N730i technology, converters worldwide are recognizing that the gap between flexo and digital has effectively closed in the mid-web space. The focus has shifted toward automation, consistency, and the ability to handle complex, variable data jobs at near-conventional speeds.

The transition at Crown Labels perfectly illustrates the maturity of UV inkjet; it is no longer just a short-run alternative, but the primary production engine for modern converters. As digital presses hit 1200 dpi and 70 meters per minute, how long will traditional flexo hold its ground in the prime label market? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai