What is Multi-Drop Single Pass Technology in Digital Printing?

Multi-drop inkjet technology in single-pass digital printing is revolutionizing direct-to-object (DTO) printing on cylindrical, tapered, or shaped containers such as beverage cans, aerosol cans, plastic and metal tubes, plastic bottles, screw caps for wine bottles, and fiber-based cups. Unlike traditional methods, multi-drop inkjet enables full-color, high-resolution decoration with variable data capabilities and high-speed production efficiency.

In single-pass DTO printing, the container makes a single, precise revolution under stationary printheads while being rotated by a servomotor for exact positioning and speed control. During this rotation, the printheads eject ink droplets in small, medium, and large sizes, which can be dropped in rapid succession to create smooth gradients, fine details, and rich color depth. This precise droplet control enhances image sharpness and eliminates visible banding, ensuring seamless, high-quality decoration on curved surfaces.

How Multi-Drop Inkjet Works in Single-Pass DTO Printing

In single-pass DTO printing, stationary inkjet printheads are precisely aligned to apply ink as the container rotates a single time under them. This rotation is controlled by a high-precision servomotor that ensures exact positioning and speed synchronization, which is critical for consistent, high-quality results.

Unlike conventional inkjet methods, multi-drop technology allows printheads to eject ink droplets of varying sizes—small, medium, and large—at rapid intervals. This dynamic droplet control produces smoother gradients, fine details, and enhanced color depth, significantly improving image sharpness and eliminating visible banding. The result is seamless, high-definition graphics applied directly onto curved surfaces with no distortion or registration misalignment.

✔ Seamless 360-degree wraparound graphics – The single revolution ensures uniform ink application without registration issues.
✔ Superior print resolution – Variable droplet sizes enhance sharpness and tonal transitions.
✔ Vibrant, high-opacity colors – Optimized droplet layering boosts brightness and contrast.
✔ Versatile substrate compatibility – Works on aluminum, PET, HDPE, fiber-based cups, and coated materials.
✔ Cost-efficient, on-demand production – No plates or screens required, reducing setup time and waste.

As brands demand customization, short-run flexibility, and sustainability, multi-drop inkjet in single-pass DTO printing is redefining how round containers are decorated—delivering high-quality, high-speed, and fully digital production in a single, servo-controlled revolution.

As brands demand greater customization, short-run flexibility, and eco-friendly solutions, multi-drop inkjet in single-pass DTO printing is rapidly becoming the preferred method for decorating round containers. With its ability to deliver high-quality, high-speed, and fully digital production in a single, servo-controlled revolution, this technology is revolutionizing how packaging is printed. Whether for limited-edition packaging, regional branding, or variable data applications, multi-drop inkjet provides an unmatched combination of precision, efficiency, and scalability in modern direct-to-object printing.