AstroNova®, Inc., a global leader in data visualization technology, today introduced the AstroJet® AJ-1300, an industrial-grade digital inkjet printer for high-resolution, direct-to-package printing on corrugated sheets.
With a 1300 mm feed width and robust automation, the AJ-1300 empowers brands and converters to seamlessly adopt flexible, customized packaging production — no plates, no labels, just vibrant branding applied directly to flat or pre-cut corrugated sheets that can be easily turned into boxes.
“The AJ-1300 is a game-changer for corrugated packaging,” said Padraig Finn, Senior Vice-President of AstroNova Product Identification. “It bridges the gap between traditional pre-printed runs and the growing demand for localized, small-batch, or on-demand packaging. Whether you’re doing seasonal promotions, regional variations, or direct-to-consumer packaging, this printer gives you agility, speed, and cost-efficiency — all with sustainable inks.”
Built for Speed, Flexibility, and Automation
The AJ-1300 delivers production-grade throughput with print speeds up to 27 meters per minute, a maximum feed width of 1300 mm, and print resolution up to 1200 dpi. It supports Industry 4.0 readiness and sustainable printing with water-based pigmented and dye-based inks.
Key features include automated feeder and stacker modules, an extended-width vacuum belt for stable handling of flat corrugated media, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and eco-conscious inks suitable for direct food and retail packaging.
Why It Matters
In today’s market, agility and differentiation are everything. Many packaging operations still rely on pre-printed corrugated stock or externally applied labels — both limit flexibility and incur substantial inventory costs. The AstroJet AJ-1300 flips that model on its head. It enables:
- Reduced inventory — print exactly what you need when you need it, eliminating overstock and obsolescence
- Customization at scale — run multiple SKUs or regional variants in a single shift
- Cost savings — remove label affixing, plate costs, and dependency on third-party printing
- Speed to market — respond to trending designs, promotions, or regulatory changes rapidly
Use-case examples include branded pizza boxes (no minimums), customized packaging for ghost kitchens or micro-fulfillment, co-branded regional messaging for franchises, or localized warning labels on industrial shipping packs. Allowing customers to order with minimums as low as 25 or 50 pieces opens up a huge opportunity to quickly serve independent, entrepreneurial enterprises and improve cash flow for printing operations.