Flexible Tube Printer: 280 Tubes/Hr, Crack-Free UV Print

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Flexible Tube Printer For Squeezable Plastic And Laminate Packaging

The NOVA flexible tube printer is specially engineered to decorate soft, squeezable tubes without distortion. It prints full-color, 1200 dpi UV images at up to 280 tubes per hour, with ink that stretches without cracking. A hand lotion manufacturer in France uses this printer to produce 6,000 flexible tubes daily, eliminating label peeling issues completely. The active white ink system provides excellent opacity on clear and white plastic, while the varnish channel adds a tactile matte finish. The machine's vacuum-assisted, non-contact gripping system ensures the tube shape is maintained during printing. Instant UV LED curing allows immediate handling. With quick-change tooling and a small footprint, the flexible tube printer is the ideal solution for cosmetic, personal care, and food brands using modern squeezable packaging.

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Case Study

Natural Cosmetics Brand In-Houses Tube Printing

A natural cosmetics company in California invested in a NOVA flexible tube printer to decorate their plant-based plastic tubes. Their previous labels often peeled in humid bathroom conditions, a common complaint. The direct UV print solved this, creating a decoration that is completely waterproof and flexible. They now print 4,000 tubes monthly with beautiful, nature-inspired artwork. The ability to print small batches allowed them to launch a successful subscription box with monthly changing designs. Customer satisfaction scores rose 15%, and the brand's eco-friendly packaging narrative was strengthened by eliminating labels.

Food Paste Company Upgrades To Flexible Digital Print

A producer of gourmet food pastes in squeeze tubes replaced their outsourced screen printing with a NOVA flexible tube printer. The digital process eliminated the high costs and long lead times of screens, allowing them to print 2,000 tubes weekly in-house. The flexible UV ink moves with the tube when squeezed, so the design remains perfect. The print's oil and water resistance keeps it looking fresh in the kitchen. The new packaging enhanced the brand's shelf presence, contributing to a 22% increase in sales in natural food stores.

Promotional Products Supplier Adds Custom Tube Service

A promotional products company used a NOVA flexible tube printer to offer custom-printed sunscreen and lotion tubes for corporate events and resorts. The printer handles the flexible PE tubes perfectly, producing full-color logos and personalized guest names. They now fulfill orders of 1,000 tubes in just two days. The variable data capability allows unique printing on each tube, a service that their competitors cannot offer. This niche has become a profitable new revenue stream, generating $120,000 in annual sales.

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DIGITUBE Rotary Tube UV Inkjet Printer
(EPSON I1600 Series)

The trend towards flexible, squeezable packaging demands a printing technology that can move with the material. NOVA Inkjet Technology's flexible tube printer is the answer, using a specialized UV ink that cures into a pliable, elastic film. This ink bonds firmly to PE and laminate tubes, and flexes without cracking when the tube is squeezed. A major personal care brand reported a 90% reduction in consumer complaints about packaging wear after switching to direct flexible printing. The printer's gentle handling system ensures that soft tubes are not crushed or deformed during printing, maintaining perfect registration. NOVA's applications lab tests your specific flexible tubes to optimize the ink and print parameters for maximum durability. With its energy-efficient LED curing and clean operation, the flexible tube printer is a sustainable and profitable addition to any packaging line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the ink crack when I squeeze a flexible tube?

No, our specialized flexible UV ink is formulated to stretch with the tube material. It has been lab-tested to withstand over 10,000 squeeze cycles without any visible cracking.

How does the printer grip soft tubes without deforming them?

It uses a vacuum-assisted mandrel that holds the tube gently from the inside, maintaining its shape perfectly during printing. This ensures high-quality, distortion-free prints.

What types of flexible tubes can be printed?

It prints on PE, PP, and multi-layer laminate tubes commonly used for cosmetics, foods, and personal care products. Our lab provides adhesion testing on your samples.

Is the print waterproof and chemical-resistant?

Yes, the UV-cured print is completely waterproof, oil-resistant, and stands up to common household chemicals, making it ideal for bathroom and kitchen products.

Can I print small test batches economically?

Absolutely. With no screens or plates, digital setup is instant and cost-free. Printing as few as 50 tubes is profitable, enabling market tests and limited editions.

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Customer Testimonials

Camille Petit

Our lotion tubes finally look as good as they feel. The flexible ink is brilliant, no more cracking or peeling. The printer handles our soft tubes perfectly. It's been a fantastic investment.

Thomas Becker

We use this printer for promotional sunscreen tubes. The print quality on flexible plastic is superb, and it's so easy to switch designs. Our clients love the personalized touch.

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Elastic UV Ink Technology

The core innovation of the flexible tube printer is its elastic UV ink. Unlike standard rigid UV inks, this formulation remains pliable after curing, allowing it to stretch and recover with the tube. A yoga mat cleaner brand's tubes are repeatedly squeezed and rolled, and the print remains flawless. This ink technology finally makes direct digital printing viable for the dominant flexible packaging segment.

Gentle Vacuum-Assisted Handling

Printing on a flexible tube without distorting it requires a non-contact or gentle-contact approach. NOVA's printer uses a vacuum mandrel that holds the tube from the inside, perfectly supporting the wall without external pressure. This prevents ovality and ensures the print surface remains perfectly cylindrical for precise ink deposition, a feature critical for consistent quality on soft tubes.

Rapid Prototyping And Short Runs

The digital nature of the flexible tube printer allows brands to prototype new designs in minutes and run small batches economically. A start-up skincare brand used this to test three different label designs in the market simultaneously before committing to a full production run, a level of agility that traditional tube printing cannot offer.