Envelope printing at PFS centers on eliminating the "short-run bottleneck" by providing high-speed, full-color personalization without the setup overhead of traditional offset. We offer three distinct technology paths: Printware iJetColor for high-volume pigment-based production, IntoPrint for specialty white-toner applications, and Afinia for versatile packaging and thick media.
Envelope Technology Comparison
1. Printware iJetColor (High-Volume Pigment Series) The iJetColor 1175 series is engineered as a dedicated high-speed envelope press, utilizing HP PageWide technology to deliver the industry's lowest variable cost.
- Water-Safe Output: Uses pigment-based inks that are naturally fade, scratch, and water-resistant, ensuring addresses do not smear during USPS transit.
- Industrial Throughput: The iJetColor Pro 1175HP produces up to 10,285 #10 envelopes per hour in production mode.
- Full-Bleed Precision: Features a proprietary vacuum conveyor and alignment bar to maintain +/- 1/32" edge accuracy for edge-to-edge branding.
- Color Accuracy: Integrated DFE (Digital Front End) includes PMS color matching to ensure corporate brand consistency across all mailers.
2. IntoPrint SP1360W (Specialty White-Toner Series) The SP1360W is the premier choice for high-margin specialty envelopes, such as wedding invitations or premium corporate stationery.
- White Toner Capability: Enables high-opacity printing on dark or metallic envelopes, a task impossible for standard inkjet systems.
- High-Capacity Feeding: When equipped with the optional high-capacity feeder, the system supports extended runs of up to 2,950 sheets or a specialized stack of up to 600 Com-10 envelopes for unattended operation.
- Toner Durability: Dry toner technology provides an inherently waterproof and lightfast finish that bonds deeply with textured or heavy stocks up to 360 gsm.
3. Afinia CP950 (Versatile Packaging & Thick Media) The CP950 utilizes Memjet Waterfall technology to combine extreme speed with the ability to print on thick, non-standard materials.
- Extreme Media Clearance: Features an adjustable printhead height that accepts materials up to 10mm (0.4") thick, allowing for direct printing on padded mailers and even flattened corrugated boxes.
- High Resolution: Delivers stunning 1600 x 1600 dpi resolution for premium "prime" label and envelope quality.
- Speed Efficiency: Produces up to 8,000–9,000 #10 envelopes per hour with a stationary printhead design that eliminates the "shaking" common in moving-head inkjet printers.
Solving Envelope Production Failure Points
Q: How do I prevent address smearing in rain or high humidity? A: Traditional dye-based inkjet inks can bleed when exposed to moisture. To ensure USPS compliance and professional delivery, utilize the Printware iJetColor (pigment ink) or the IntoPrint SP1360W (dry toner). Both technologies are inherently water-resistant.
Q: Can I print on dark navy or black envelopes? A: Only with the IntoPrint SP1360W. Standard inkjet printers (iJetColor and Afinia) rely on the white of the paper to reflect light; they cannot create visible color on dark substrates. The SP1360W uses white toner to create a base layer, allowing for vibrant full-color printing on any colored stock.
Q: What is the ROI of an automated feeder for short-run envelopes? A: Manual feeding limits speed to roughly 500–800 pieces per hour and increases labor costs. An automated feeder, like those standard on the iJetColor Pro or the optional IntoPrint High-Capacity Feeder, allows a single operator to manage multiple machines, effectively paying for the hardware through a 70-80% reduction in labor hours per 10,000 pieces.
Technical Specification Matrix
|
Feature |
Printware iJet 1175 Pro |
IntoPrint SP1360W |
Afinia CP950 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Max Speed (#10) |
10,285 env/hr |
3,600 env/hr (60 ppm) |
8,000-9,000 env/hr |
|
Ink Technology |
Pigment (Waterproof) |
Dry Toner (White) |
Dye-based / Watershield |
|
Max Thickness |
3/8" (9.5mm) |
360 gsm |
10mm (0.4") |
|
Best For |
High-Volume Direct Mail |
Specialty / Dark Stock |
Padded Mailers / Packaging |
Critical Risk Assessment
The Printware iJetColor provides the best industrial performance but requires consistent volume to maintain the lowest cost-per-piece. The IntoPrint SP1360W is the most versatile for high-margin creative work but is significantly slower than inkjet competitors. While the Afinia CP950 offers the unique ability to print on 10mm thick packaging, users must ensure they use inkjet-receptive media; printing on standard "glossy" offset envelopes without a specialized coating will result in ink drying issues and poor adhesion.
