The packaging industry's shift toward shorter runs, faster turnaround, and variable data has accelerated the adoption of single pass digital inkjet systems. Unlike traditional multi-pass scanning printers that move the print head back and forth, a single pass printer prints an entire image in a single movement of the substrate, delivering speeds of 10–40 meters per minute or more, depending on configuration. This capability is becoming essential for corrugated packaging, flexible materials, labels, and specialty items.

The Problem with Traditional Packaging Printing

Conventional analog printing methods—flexography, offset, and screen printing—require lengthy plate-making processes and high minimum order quantities to be cost-effective. For brands and converters needing print-on-demand, versioning, or variable data like QR codes and serial numbers, traditional technology introduces waste, storage costs, and inflexibility. The corrugated box printer-slotter market alone sees billions of square meters annually, yet many producers struggle to respond to just-in-time requests without re-plating.

FocusInc: A Dedicated Single Pass Printer Manufacturer

Shanghai Focus Industrial Co., Ltd. (FocusInc) is a global industrial digital printing solutions provider specializing in high-speed single-pass inkjet technology for sustainable packaging and industrial applications. Founded in 2008 and certified as a national high-tech enterprise since 2022, the company operates a 35,000 m² factory with an annual output of 800 units. FocusInc’s product matrix spans from Multi-Pass scanning printers to high-speed Single Pass printers, serving markets across the EU, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the UK.

FocusInc’s single pass printer lineup includes the Cobra series (Cobra-691S, Cobra-691S Max, Cobra-1209S, Cobra-1815S) for corrugated and packaging board, the Falcon-491S and Falcon-491S Pro for desktop paper bag and cup printing, the Viper-391S for roll-to-roll labels, and the Viper-391S Pro for high-speed label production. These machines employ HP PageWide thermal bubble-jet or piezo inkjet technologies, with print resolutions up to 1200×1200 dpi and nozzle counts reaching 59,136 per head.

How Single Pass Technology Works

Single pass printers use a fixed array of printheads that span the full width of the material. The substrate moves beneath the heads at a constant speed, receiving ink in one continuous pass. FocusInc’s Cobra models, for instance, use HP Pagewide Bubble-Jet Print Technology with 42,240 nozzles per A4 head and can be configured in 1- or 2-head arrays for print widths up to 420 mm. Resolution is selectable from 300 dpi to 1200 dpi, and paper thickness up to 250 mm can be accommodated. The main frame is built from thickened welded carbon steel, while the print beam uses high-strength extruded aluminum alloy for rigidity.

Ink supply systems support aqueous, dye, pigment, and edible inks, with refillable tanks ranging from 250 ml to 1500 ml per color. For non-absorbent materials, UV-curable ink is available in the Acaleph-891S series, which uses Micro Piezo printheads from Seiko, Ricoh, or Epson and instant LED UV curing.

Real-World Application Scenarios

FocusInc single pass printers are deployed across multiple industries:

• Corrugated cardboard & honeycomb board printing (Cobra-1209S, Cobra-1815S): automatic stack feeding, single-pass color printing, and stacking output for logistics and outer packaging.
• Paper bag & food packaging printing (Falcon-491S, Falcon-491S Pro): print-on-demand for kraft bags, coffee bags, pizza boxes, and napkins with no plate-making and instant design changes.
• Roll-to-roll label printing (Viper-391S, Vesa-830A): high-speed variable data labels on BOPP, PET, and vinyl, with options for die-cutting, lamination, and waste removal.
• Book edge & notebook side printing (Cobra-691S AS B): water-based inkjet printing for personalized book edge decoration, adjustable to different book thicknesses.
• Container side printing (Acaleph-891S Side Printer): vertical side printing on paper cups, plastic containers, and bottles with food-grade UV ink, supporting 100% variable data.

Market Trends and Industry Data

The global digital printing for packaging market was valued at USD 31.64 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 75.55 billion by 2032 (Zion Market Research). Inkjet digital printers held the largest share (42.5%) of the digital printer market in 2025 (Straits Research). In China alone, more than 88 billion square meters of corrugated board were produced in 2024, creating strong demand for efficient single-pass printing equipment. FocusInc’s annual production capacity of 800 units positions it to serve this growing need, with 95% of output exported.

Comparison with Traditional Methods

Compared with analog flexo or offset printing, single-pass digital eliminates plate costs and setup time, enabling minimum order quantities of one. It also allows variable data printing such as unique serial numbers or QR codes without slowing production. However, ink cost per square meter can be higher for very long runs, making hybrid workflows (digital for short runs, flexo for long runs) a common strategy in larger plants.

Future Outlook

As brand owners demand more customization and shorter lead times, single pass inkjet technology will continue to displace analog processes. FocusInc is investing in advanced printheads (Epson S3200, HP PageWide), PID ink circulation systems, and integrated inline finishing modules (die-cutting, lamination, slitting) to offer turnkey solutions. The company’s Cobra-1815S, with a 1.8-meter-wide feeding capacity, already targets industrial corrugated board production, while the NEXUS-350J combines printing, die-cutting, and lamination in one integrated system.

Frequently Asked Questions