A tradition of innovation

As the can industry moves from mass production toward mass customisation, Polytype introduces DigiCan, a purpose-built digital printing platform built on decades of expertise in single-pass, direct-to-shape digital printing.

For more than a century, Polytype has been at the forefront of direct-to-product printing innovation. What began with newspaper printing evolved into advanced dry offset technology, and later into high-resolution digital decoration solutions for cups, tubes, bottles, and now beverage cans.

Why single‑pass?

DigiCan is a modular compact digital inkjet solution designed to print directly onto aluminium beverage cans. Unlike most systems, where cans are printed in groups of two or three and require multiple revolutions beneath the same print stations to build the final image, DigiCan uses a highly efficient single-pass, single-mandrel process in which each can is decorated individually and completes only one rotation beneath each stationary printhead.

As the can rotates, advanced multi-drop inkjet technology precisely deposits small, medium, and large droplets in rapid succession, enabling smooth gradients, sharp details, and exceptional colours. The result is seamless 360-degree wraparound decoration with faster printing speeds, fewer mechanical components, high print resolution and increased production efficiency.

At the heart of DigiCan

The platform supports can diameters from 50 to 66 mm and heights ranging from 90 to 180 mm, providing the flexibility needed for a wide range of beverage formats. The system delivers full-coverage decoration using a colour configuration of White plus CMYK and an overprint varnish that enhances both the visual finish and the durability of the printed decoration.

Depending on the configuration, DigiCan reaches production speeds of up to 120 cans per minute, combining the productivity required for medium-volume manufacturing with the flexibility needed for short runs and customised production. Built on Polytype’s digital architecture, DigiCan integrates seamlessly into existing can production lines. Cans are loaded, oriented, printed, and unloaded in one continuous process flow.

Unleashing creativity

Digital direct-to-can printing unlocks creative possibilities far beyond the limits of dry offset, labels, or sleeves. With no minimum order quantities, brands can produce anything from a single customised can to cost-effective small to large batches. Because no printing plates are required, artwork changes are instantaneous, enabling rapid transitions without production downtime.

Complex graphics, smooth gradients, and photographic-quality details can be printed as efficiently as simple designs, giving designers complete creative freedom. Full-wrap decoration maximises the entire can surface, while variable data capabilities make it possible to personalise every can with unique serial numbers, seasonal campaigns, or limited-edition collaborations.

Applications and markets

DigiCan serves a broad range of markets and applications. In the craft beverage sector, small breweries and artisanal drink brands can produce distinctive short-run cans that stand out on crowded shelves. Limited editions, seasonal releases, and brand collaborations become economically viable, as artwork can be changed instantly and design complexity adds no additional cost.

With DigiCan, the beverage can is no longer just packaging, it becomes a canvas for creativity. Polytype’s single-pass digital printing philosophy combines high print quality, rapid changeovers, and variable data capabilities with industrial production efficiency. Whether launching a craft beverage, producing a limited edition, or personalising packaging at scale, Polytype provides the expertise and technology to make it possible.

Picture 4: Precise printing coverage all the way up the necking section.

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