The Marlin platform’s first commercial installation on an insertion line closes the loop on variable CMYK envelope printing, barcode verification, and Kern audit tracking — all running inline, at insertion-line speed, without an offline step.
Toronto, Ontario — April 7, 2026 — Delphax Inkjet, a digital print solution designer and manufacturer, today announced the first commercial installation of its Marlin platform configured for envelope printing on live mailing insertion lines. The installation is at Heeter, a leading Pennsylvania-based marketing solutions and print provider headquartered in Canonsburg, PA, and marks a significant milestone for inline envelope production: full-color variable printing, barcode verification, and closed-loop audit integration — all running without an offline step, at insertion-line speed.
Working in partnership with Kern Inc., Delphax integrated the Marlin platform into the Kern 3200 series insertion line with read-and-print capability, and with support for Kern’s top-tier 3600 series at speeds up to 27,000 insertions per hour. The system prints variable CMYK with full graphics support and integrates directly into the Kern audit tracking system — ensuring every closed envelope leaving the line carries verified, correct artwork matched to its inserted content.
The Marlin platform is a high-speed, single-pass CMYK inkjet solution built on Piezo drop-on-demand technology, delivering resolution up to 1200 × 1200 dpi at production speeds up to 500 ft/min across print widths from 4.5” to 27”. Configurable for AQ or UV inks, and adaptable to envelope, sheet-fed, and roll applications, it is designed to integrate into existing production workflows as either a new build or a retrofit solution.
The Heeter installation also reflects Delphax’s commitment to partnership beyond equipment. As part of the engagement, Delphax applied its color management expertise to help Heeter achieve consistent output across their full equipment portfolio — delivering integrated workflow solutions, not just hardware.
The Marlin installation at Heeter is the second Delphax system in the facility, joining the Elan 170 offline inkjet solution installed in 2023. The Elan 170 has since produced more than 33 million envelopes and remains a core part of Heeter’s production equipment portfolio.
Kirk Schlecker, President, Heeter, said: “Our partnership with Delphax began years ago with the implementation of the Elan 170 offline inkjet solution, which we utilize exclusively for 1/0 and 4/0 envelope printing. The Elan 170 operates daily—and occasionally around the clock—producing tens of millions of envelopes annually. Initially, we had a need without knowing its eventual scope; the Marlin solution ultimately justified the investment of time and collaborative effort from both Heeter and Delphax. Today, we have the advantage of selecting the appropriate Delphax device for short- to medium-run one- and four-color envelope jobs, ensuring excellent quality, highly competitive ink costs, and outstanding uptime. I am pleased our paths crossed at the Inkjet Summit in April 2022.”
Added, Richard Lee, CEO, Delphax Inkjet: “Heeter represents exactly the kind of partner we build for — a professional, high-volume operation that demands reliability, quality, and flexibility. This installation is also a landmark for the industry. The Marlin platform brings high-speed, high-resolution CMYK inkjet — with the substrate versatility and workflow integration that modern mail and print operations require — directly into the insertion-line environment. The Elan 170 proved what Delphax can deliver to the market for mid-to-high volume production; the Marlin platform raises the bar. We are planning additional Marlin solution profiles throughout 2026 and beyond.”
ABOUT DELPHAX INKJET
Delphax Inkjet is a Toronto-based digital inkjet press designer and manufacturer, delivering color presses that produce high-quality output without compromising efficiency or budgets. Delphax is a well-capitalized business unit of holding company Air T, Inc., which has been established since 1980. Air T, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRT) is an industrious American holding company with a networked portfolio of powerful businesses, each of whom operate independently yet interrelatedly. More information can be found at www.delphaxinkjet.com.
ABOUT HEETER INC.
For over 75 years, Heeter has served marketers and other organizations across the United States. It started in commercial printing and has expanded its capabilities over the years to include mailing, fulfillment, and on-line solutions to meet the growing needs of its customers. Imperium™ is our customized web-based customer collaboration suite that simplifies workflows for Heeter clients, enabling them to manage jobs more efficiently. More information about Heeter, Imperium and its state-of-the-art variable print solutions can be found at www.heeter.com.
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