Trick or Print? How Polytype Makes Variable Data Printing Scarily Simple

What if every single can coming off a production line could feature a different design, without slowing down production?

That’s exactly what Variable Data Printing (VDP) makes possible. And Polytype’s latest Halloween cans are a perfect example of just how simple and powerful this technology can be.

Different Monsters, One Production Run

For Halloween, Polytype decided to bring a little creativity to their DigiCan digital printing machine by producing a series of cans featuring different spooky monsters.

Each can has its own unique character and design, yet all of them can be printed in the same production run, without stopping the machine or making any mechanical adjustments.

The process is surprisingly straightforward.

Using their in-house software, different designs can be prepared and organized into a single printing job using a simple PDF file. Once the jobs are ready, the system automatically manages the sequence, sending the right artwork to the machine for each individual can.

No printing plates, no manual changeovers, no interruptions between designs. Just a continuous production process where every product can be different from the previous one.

From Halloween Monsters to Endless Possibilities

While these Halloween cans are a fun demonstration, the possibilities extend far beyond seasonal decorations.

With Polytype, Variable Data Printing opens the door to mass customization, limited editions, personalized packaging, regional campaigns and even millions of unique designs within a single production run.

And the best part? This flexibility doesn't have to come at the expense of productivity.

With DigiCan technology, manufacturers can combine high-quality decoration and customization with high industrial production speeds and consistency.

Making Mass Customization Simple

For Polytype, Variable Data Printing isn't just about printing different designs. It's about making customization an integral part of business models, without adding unnecessary complexity.

Their Halloween cans are just one example of how easily this technology can be applied. From a handful of different designs to millions of unique variations, the principle remains the same: maximum flexibility, minimum complexity and the freedom to produce exactly what the market demands.

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