Edited by Cori Watkins, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating

The Kammann K4 DP (K4 DP) from Koenig & Bauer represents a new generation of dedicated digital direct-to-object printing technology, entirely built from the ground up as a digital-only platform. The K4 DP solely focuses on digital, delivering streamlined efficiency and higher throughput at up to eight parts per minute, all with a smaller footprint.

The K4 DP offers users a highly flexible and efficient solution for digital direct-to-object printing. Its fully automated process – from pretreatment through printing and curing – reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing labor requirements and streamlining production. The compact, linear design allows for rapid changeovers between different container shapes, making it ideal for short runs, multiple SKUs and brands that frequently update their packaging designs. With the included tilt axis, the K4 DP can print on all shapes, including ovals, concave, convex, handles and contoured profiles.

Additionally, the K4 DP supports variable data printing, enabling easy personalization such as numbering limited editions or adding individual customer names directly onto the product. This opens up new marketing opportunities without any additional set-up. The K4 DP also offers premium decoration options, including digital embossing with a high-build varnish that creates a raised, tactile effect – enhancing the container’s look and feel without requiring investment in new molds. By eliminating the need for traditional labels, the K4 DP provides a more sustainable, cost-effective packaging solution while maintaining
high-quality decoration that can differentiate products
on the shelf.

Innovative Inkjet Technology
The K4 DP is built on the proven inkjet technology that Koenig & Bauer Kammann has perfected over more than a decade with the K15 rotary platform. It incorporates advanced features such as continuous ink recirculation and protective shutters that shield the printheads during pinning and final curing processes. These innovations ensure consistent print quality and significantly extend printhead life, delivering reliable, long-term performance with lower maintenance requirements.
In addition, the K4 DP simplifies changeovers between different shapes, reducing downtime and eliminating the extensive tooling requirements with only a single set of captive tooling and loading grippers per article. Its flexible pretreatment options enable it to handle a variety of materials – including plastics, glass, metals and ceramics – giving brands the versatility to expand their packaging offerings without the need for separate equipment. For companies managing a growing number of SKUs or offering customized packaging, the K4 DP makes small-batch and personalized production both economical and efficient, utilizing a single operator for production.

Sustainability Benefits
The K4 DP is designed to take the small-run print shop to the next level. It’s compatible with variable pretreatment options, eco-friendly inks and advanced curing technologies. As sustainability and personalization become more central to packaging, the K4 DP gives brands a competitive edge by offering high-quality, low-waste solutions that meet modern consumer expectations. Plus, the compact footprint and linear layout make it easier to integrate into existing production lines, whether for dedicated products or versatile contract decoration.

The K4 DP’s features include:
Fully automatic printing with automated loading and unloading
Up to eight articles per minute output
Multiple integrated pretreatment solutions
Compatible with many substrates, including plastics, glass, metals and ceramics
Ability to print handled items and complex shapes (ovals, flats, excentric geometries)
Premium decoration options are available
20 mm to 120 mm diameter
40 mm to 395 mm height
280 mm print height

For more information, visit www.koenig-bauer.com.