DANVERS, Mass. — Inkcups has announced the launch of the Helix High Throw UV Cylindrical Printer, extending the company’s High Throw technology to its Helix family of direct-to-object inkjet printers. The new system is designed to print seamless, full-color 360-degree graphics on cylindrical and conical products with challenging shapes, including vessels with handle attachment posts, stepped drinkware and tapered surfaces.
Originally introduced on the X5-T High Throw platform in 2025, Inkcups’ High Throw technology increases the distance between the printhead and substrate, allowing ink to be accurately placed on uneven or irregular surfaces. The Helix High Throw brings that capability to cylindrical printing applications, expanding decorating opportunities beyond traditional drinkware and bottles.
Expanding the Possibilities of Cylindrical Printing
The Helix High Throw accommodates products ranging from 2.55 inches (65 mm) to 7.1 inches (180 mm) in diameter and can handle height variations of up to 15 mm. According to Inkcups, the printer is suitable for decorating products such as wine bottles, tumblers, large-diameter jugs, mini kegs, planters, pet bowls, footballs and rugby balls.
Key features include:
- Support for height variations up to 15 mm
- Advanced product scanning for precise print placement
- Automatic programmable tilt and height adjustment for conical products
- Seamless 360-degree direct-to-object printing from a single workstation
- Multiple ink configurations, including six-color printing with light cyan and light magenta for enhanced gradients and photorealistic output
- Spot varnish capabilities for specialty effects and texture enhancements
- Built for Complex Product Decoration
The Helix High Throw can print vibrant, seamless graphics on complex drinkware shapes, including handled tumblers, stepped vessels and products with varying diameters. Photo courtesy of Inkcups
According to Derek LaChance, digital product manager at Inkcups, the new system addresses long-standing limitations in cylindrical inkjet printing.
“Until now, there were always some products that traditional cylindrical inkjet printers just couldn’t accommodate,” LaChance said. “The launch of the Helix High Throw completely changes that, expanding the capabilities of the Helix range far beyond drinkware.”
Sarah Hall, program manager for cylinder printers at Inkcups, said the technology opens new opportunities for decorators looking to diversify their product offerings.
“What’s especially exciting is the ability to decorate larger, uniquely shaped items such as plant pots and footballs, opening the door to entirely new application possibilities,” Hall said.
Availability
The Helix High Throw UV Cylindrical Printer is available in global markets now, with commercial availability in Europe planned for later in 2026.
For more information, visit Inkcups.com.
