Hawk 4-Color Variable Inkjet System | 1200 DPI High-Resolution CMYK Printing

Why Choose the Hawk 4C?

Native 1200 DPI Resolution

Most industrial inkjet systems print at 300-600 DPI. The Hawk 4C delivers native 1200 DPI resolution—achieving photographic quality with sharp text, smooth gradients, and fine detail reproduction. This resolution matches or exceeds many digital presses at a fraction of the capital investment.

Lower Cost Per Print

The Hawk 4C achieves significantly lower cost per print compared to toner-based digital presses. UV-curable inks cost less per impression than toner, and the system requires no fuser maintenance, drum replacements, or other consumables that drive up digital press operating costs.

Full CMYK Variable Printing

Print unlimited color combinations with full four-color process capability. Every piece can carry unique full-color graphics, personalized images, or variable color elements—not possible with monochrome or spot-color systems.

Compact Footprint

Despite delivering digital press quality, the Hawk 4C maintains a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained production environments. Integrates inline with existing equipment or operates as a standalone printing station.

Built for Production Environments

Engineered and manufactured by DPi in Texas, the Hawk 4C is designed for continuous production use—not desktop applications. Delivers the reliability, uptime, and support that commercial operations require.

Print Resolution

Native 1200 DPI

• Photographic-quality output

• Sharp text and fine detail reproduction

• Smooth color gradients and transitions

• No interpolation or upsampling

Labels:

• Synthetic labels (polypropylene, polyester, vinyl)

• Coated and uncoated paper labels

• Pressure-sensitive label stock

• Film and foil face stocks

Technical Specifications

Applications for Hawk 4C Variable Color Printing

High-Resolution Product Labels

Promotional & Limited Edition Labels Print full-color promotional graphics that change by campaign, season, or region without plate changes or minimum quantities. Create limited-edition labels with unique artwork for collector series or special releases.

Photo-Personalized Labels Add customer names with decorative color graphics, personalized imagery, or custom messages for gift products, subscription boxes, and direct-to-consumer campaigns.

Variable Color Coding Use color variations to differentiate product lines, dosage levels, or safety ratings without separate print runs. Print blue labels for one SKU, red for another—all in the same production run.

Regional Versioning Print labels with region-specific graphics, language variations, or distributor branding without maintaining separate label inventory.

Why Hawk 4C for Labels:

• No minimum quantities (economical for short runs)

• Instant design changes (no plates to remake)

• Variable imagery per label (each one unique)

• 1200 DPI resolution for shelf-appeal graphics

• UV inks work on synthetic label films

Variable-Color Direct Mail

Personalized Fundraising Appeals Print donor names with full-color personalized imagery—photos of projects funded by that donor, color-coded giving levels, or variable thank-you graphics.

Demographic-Targeted Campaigns Adjust color schemes, imagery, and graphics based on recipient demographics. Print warmer color palettes for one audience segment, cooler tones for another—automatically from database variables.

Versioned Promotional Mailings Create multiple versions of promotional pieces with different color treatments, product photos, or offer graphics—all from one production run without setup changes.

Regional Campaign Variations Print direct mail with region-specific imagery, local landmarks, or geography-appropriate graphics to increase relevance and response rates.

Why Hawk 4C for Direct Mail:

• Full-color personalization beyond just addressing

• Lower cost than digital press for variable imaging

• Production speeds suitable for mail volumes

• Water-based inks for porous mail stocks

Full-Color Plastic Cards

Membership Cards with Photos Print individual member photos, full-color logos, and personalized graphics on gym memberships, club cards, and professional association credentials at 1200 DPI resolution.

Employee ID Badges Add employee headshots, department colors, and security clearance indicators with full CMYK printing—eliminating the need for separate photo equipment.

VIP & Premium Loyalty Cards Create high-end loyalty cards with full-color imagery, metallic-effect graphics, and personalized designs that stand out from standard cards.

Student ID Cards Personalize student IDs with photos, school colors, and grade-level graphics for universities and K-12 institutions.

Why Hawk 4C for Cards:

• Photo-quality resolution for clear headshots

• UV inks dry instantly on plastic substrates

• Lower cost than dye-sublimation for short runs

• No specialized card stock required

• Print positioning flexibility (full or partial coverage)

Packaging Personalization & Versioning

Promotional Packaging Campaigns Print seasonal graphics, limited-edition designs, or promotional messaging on folding cartons and flexible packaging without plate changes or inventory waste.

Product Versioning Run multiple SKUs with different color treatments, product images, or branding elements in a single production run—eliminating the need for separate print jobs.

Regional Market Packaging Print packaging with language variations, distributor logos, or regional branding for different markets without maintaining separate pre-printed inventory.

Test Market Campaigns Produce small quantities of packaging with variable graphics for test marketing or pilot programs—economically impossible with traditional printing.

Why Hawk 4C for Packaging:

• No minimum quantities for new designs

• Instant SKU changes without setup

• Variable graphics for versioning

• UV inks for film and coated board

Is your operation ready for the print-on-demand and personalization shift? →

Benefits of Hawk 4C Variable Color Printing

1. No Minimum Quantities

Print 10 labels or 10,000. Short-run economics make test campaigns, limited editions, and low-volume SKUs financially viable.

2. Instant Design Changes

Update graphics, change colors, or create new versions in minutes. No plates to remake, no setup delays, no obsolete inventory.

3. Variable Imagery Per Piece

Every label, card, or mail piece can carry unique full-color graphics. Not just variable text—variable photos, logos, and imagery.

4. Lower Operating Costs

Ink-only consumables cost less than toner, drums, and fuser maintenance. No service contracts for complex digital press components.

5. Substrate Flexibility

UV inks print on films, plastics, and coated stocks that digital presses struggle with. Water-based option for porous materials.

6. Compact Footprint

Fits in space-constrained facilities. Integrates inline with existing equipment or operates standalone in small footprint.

7. Multi-Application Capability

One system handles labels, cards, packaging, and mail. Justify investment across multiple revenue streams.

8. USA Engineering & Manufacturing

Designed and built in Texas. Fast support response, direct engineering access, no overseas delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the print resolution of the Hawk 4C?

The Hawk 4C delivers native 1200 DPI resolution—photographic quality suitable for detailed graphics, fine text, and high-resolution images. This exceeds most industrial inkjet systems (300-600 DPI typical).

What substrates can the Hawk 4C print on?

With UV inks: synthetic labels, plastic cards, coated stocks, films, foil face materials. With water-based inks: uncoated paper, corrugated board, porous substrates. The system handles both options.

How does the Hawk 4C compare to digital presses?

The Hawk 4C delivers comparable resolution (1200 DPI) at lower cost per print. Best for narrow-format applications (4.25" width) where digital presses are overkill. Lower capital investment, simpler maintenance, broader substrate range.

What's the print width?

Standard configuration is 4.25 inches wide. Multiple printhead configurations available for wider coverage in custom installations.

Can it print variable full-color images?

Yes. Every piece can carry unique CMYK graphics, personalized photos, or variable color elements. Full four-color process capability with database-driven variable content.

What's the cost per print?

Ink costs vary by coverage but typically $0.05-$0.15 per impression for full-color printing. Significantly lower than digital press toner costs. No additional consumables (drums, fusers) to factor.

How fast does it print?

Production speeds vary based on resolution, coverage, and substrate. Suitable for batch personalization and short-to-medium run production. Optimized for quality over maximum speed.

Can it integrate with existing equipment?

Yes. The Hawk 4C integrates inline with label converting equipment, web handling systems, and flexo presses. Also operates as standalone printing station for batch work.

What software drives the Hawk 4C?

QPress variable data software manages job setup, database integration, and print output. Includes barcode generation, sequential numbering, variable graphics, and WYSIWYG layout tools.

Can it print barcodes and QR codes?

Yes. QPress generates all standard barcode formats including Code 39, Code 128, QR codes, Data Matrix, and others. Barcodes print at 1200 DPI for maximum scan reliability.

What ink options are available?

UV-curable inks (instant dry on non-porous substrates) and water-based inks (for porous materials). Food-safe ink options available for food packaging applications.

Is it suitable for photo personalization?

Yes. The 1200 DPI resolution delivers photographic quality suitable for membership cards, employee badges, student IDs, and personalized marketing materials.

What's the typical system cost?

System costs range from $75,000 to $125,000 depending on configuration, integration requirements, and optional features. Contact us for custom quote based on your application.

Where is the Hawk 4C manufactured?

Designed, engineered, and manufactured by DPi in Cresson, Texas, USA. All support, service, and parts are USA-based.

How long does installation take?

Installation typically takes 1-2 days for standalone configuration, 3-5 days for inline integration including custom mounting, training, and workflow setup.

Related Resources

Systems:

• M7 Variable Web System - Monochrome and spot color printing

• M7 Variable Mail System - High-speed addressing

• Variable Packaging Systems - Corrugated and flexible packaging

• QPress Software - Variable data job management

Applications:

• Plastic Card Printing - Card personalization solutions

• Label Printing - Variable label applications

• Variable Data Printing Solutions - All applications overview

Industry Insights:

• View All Industry News