It seems to me that you might want to find a flat bed ink jet printer, perhaps one that uses solvent based ink, such as the
PromoJET Solvent Flatbed Inkjet PrinterIt is designed to print on metal and many other surfaces. I don't know about the price.
See
http://www.inkcups.com/equipment/inkjet-printers/promojet-solvent-ink-printer/Default.aspxThere are a few other flat bed printers, some fairly cheap, but I am not sure about the ink, probably water based.
Most of the ones I have found are pricey, ranging from $6800 to $64,000 on e-bay.
I think trying to use solvent based ink in a water based printer will quickly damage or at least plug the print head.
Bob
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