Hardware - Industrial Print

Inca Digital has launched the Inca Onset R40i wide-format, flatbed UV printer. The new printer will be demonstrated for the first time worldwide by Fujifilm, Inca’s exclusive global distribution partner, at FESPA Digital 2014 (stand 530).

The Onset R40i is the latest addition to the Inca Onset series and, using Fujifilm Dimatix Spectra printheads, delivers a 14 picolitre (pL) drop size and a genuine 400 sqm/hour productivity. Based on the dynamic Onset Scaleable Architecture platform, the new Onset is available with a variety of colour options (CMYK, Lm, Lc and white), with customers being able to modify their machine from a 4-colour configuration to 5, 6 or 7 colours (up to 8 ink channels – 2 for white ink). As their business grows, customers can adapt other elements of the printer, such as the UV curing lamps, automation, speed modes, electronics and software, to suit their evolving production needs.

A maximum output resolution of 1200dpi can be produced on media up to 3.14m x 1.6m (123.6 inches x 63 inches) and up to 50mm (2in) thick at the rate of up to 80 full-bed sheets per hour. A choice of uni-directional, bi-directional and super high-quality print modes can be selected depending on the specific job requirements. This new Onset also supports Inca’s Print Run Controller software for companies requiring variable data printing capability.

Choice of automation

The Onset R40i is compatible with Inca’s flexible automation system which gives customers the choice to operate manually, or with semi or three-quarter automation. At FESPA Digital visitors will have the opportunity to see the Onset R40i running with a new full automation system, as a result of integration between a Hostert automated feeder and alignment table and Inca’s proprietary material loader and take off system. This combination allows for continuous printing onto a variety of material types and sizes commonly used within the display, POP and sign markets. Thanks to the continuous feed and print, users can reduce labour costs and achieve increased productivity and efficiency.

“The new Inca Onset R40i delivers the ideal combination of speed and quality for companies producing a mix of fast turnaround retail graphics for distance viewing but also wishing to produce high-quality graphics for short-distance viewing,” says Heather Kendle, Inca Digital’s Director of Marketing and Product Management. “The beauty of the Onset Series, which now features a choice of 12 different models and three different handling systems, is that print companies can not only pick exactly the right Onset with the right combination of productivity, quality and ink options for their business, but also evolve their machine to meet their changing needs whenever they wish.”

Agfa Graphics will be showcasing its Anapurna M3200i RTR with dual roll and mesh options (Hall B1, stand 380-390) at FESPA Digital.  The mid- to high-end wide-format Anapurna M3200i RTR is one of the first models in Agfa Graphics’ enhanced Anapurna i-series, offering high productivity and quality at an attractive price point.

Incorporating the latest generation of 6-colour (CMYKLcLm), high-resolution print heads, the sturdy 3.2m wide roll-to-roll UV-curable Anapurna M3200i RTR printer achieves up to 116 m² per hour output in express print mode.  At FESPA Digital, the Anapurna 3200Mi RTR – featuring a new design – will be shown with two additional options:

• The dual roll option makes it possible to simultaneously print jobs on two rolls of the same media type, each up to maximum 60 inch wide. Material loading and handling is convenient and efficient.
• The mesh option makes it possible to print on mesh without liner, thanks to a special gutter underneath the printing area containing an ink absorbing medium. This option broadens the system’s application scope.

Thanks to the ‘thin ink layer technology’, Agfa Graphics’ large gamut of UV-curable inks enable printing on a broad range of flexible materials, including top quality banners, self-adhesive vinyls, and front- and back-lit graphics. These inks deliver the highest quality prints with the lowest ink consumption per square meter in the industry.

All Anapurna's come with Agfa Graphics’ Asanti workflow for the sign and display market, which adds color management and automatic preflighting. This not only provides consistent quality but also minimizes errors, thus increasing productivity and saving time. Asanti is completed by the Asanti StoreFront cloud-based web-to-print system, which comes as an optional low-investment SaaS solution.

The Anapurna M3200i is immediately commercially available.

Matan Digital Printers will showcase its latest super-wide hybrid UV printer, the 5-metre wide Barak 8QW, in Hall A2, stand 140, at FESPA Digital.  The company will also be highlighting its new Vacuum Plate System, which enables the Barak to print on thin media sheets and on rigid media and at an unprecedented quality to a maximum size of 1.5 X 3 metres.

The Barak 8QW was originally launched last October in its 3.5 metre configuration.  The printer offers exceptional value to customers, thanks to its combination of outstanding white printing, Matan’s patented 8-colour PDS technology and an impressive collection of value-added features and options.

“Following our success in SGIA, we are thrilled to officially present the Barak 8QW in Europe,” said Mr. Hanan Yosefi, Matan’s CEO. “We have really raised the bar in terms of versatility and quality. The Barak 8QW allows customers to expand the services they offer, by adding profitable white printing applications.” added Yosefi. “With the new Vacuum Plate, customers can now produce excellent printing quality on just about any substrate, rigid or flexible. We are getting excellent feedback from our customers who are currently producing with the new Barak 8QW."

The Barak 8QW also offers a suite of unique value added features and options, turning the Barak 8QW into an all-in-one end-to-end printing and finishing device. Options include

"More and more customers choose Matan, not only because of the HD white print quality, but also due to the new versatile features that enable production houses to print more applications and to gain more business," adds Yosefi.

Agfa Graphics will launch the Anapurna M2050i at FESPA Digital 2014 (Hall B1 stand 380-390).  Incorporating the latest generation of print heads, the Anapurna M2050i achieves a productivity increase of up to 75% compared to its predecessor, while maintaining its high level of print quality.  It has been designed to meet the need for higher performance and quality in an increasingly professionalised market.

Dual board or borderless printing further boosts productivity and the electromechanical redesign of the system has made it more robust.  In combination with a precision belt transport drive system, the new print heads offer optimised dot positioning for excellent print quality. They guarantee printing of good solids, fine text reproduction of up to 4 pt and an outstanding tonal rendering, producing top quality prints on a wide variety of indoor and outdoor media – both rigids and roll media. White printing is included too.

“The Anapurna M2050 gained recognition as the best-in-segment hybrid printer,” says Willy Van Dromme, Marketing Manager Wide Format Inkjet. “The new i-version with enhanced productivity and quality at an unparalleled price point underlines our commitment to this market. The print quality, features and option set are state-of-the-art and make it a very consistent and reliable production device.”

The Anapurna M2050i uses Agfa Graphics’ large gamut of UV-curable inks which work with a broad range of rigid and flexible media for both indoor and outdoor applications.  Thanks to Agfa’s ‘thin ink layer’ technology, these inks deliver the highest colouring power, as well as the lowest ink consumption per square metre in the industry. This results in better looking prints and saves on ink costs.

In conjunction with Agfa Graphics’ Asanti workflow for the sign and display market, which adds colour management and automatic pre-flighting, users benefit from an integrated production solution. This not only provides consistent quality but also minimises errors, thus increasing productivity and saving time. Asanti is completed by the Asanti StoreFront cloud-based web-to-print system, which comes as an optional low-investment SaaS solution.

The Anapurna M2050i will be fully commercially available in the third quarter of this year.

Graphic Station signed on the dotted line to buy the first Mimaki JFX200-2513 in Europe within minutes of the machine going on display at Sign and Digital UK 2014.

Paul Fox, director of Romford-based Graphic Station, arrived at the NEC in Birmingham before the doors opened in order to buy the brand new Mimaki LED UV machine from exhibitor i-Sub Digital.

Director at i-Sub Digital, Emma Plant, had been working with Graphic Station ahead of the show to find the perfect flat-bed printer to join its existing roll-to-roll Mimaki JV33 printer and accompanying cutting system. The new Mimaki JFX200 ticked all the boxes so Fox agreed to wait until the system's European launch this April, seeing it for the first time at Sign and Digital UK.

The Mimaki JFX200-2513 2.4m x 1.2m LED UV flatbed printer offers white, clear and primer ink options plus CMYK, producing vibrant, high-quality output at speeds of up to 25sqm/hr – yet at a distinctly affordable price point.

Thanks to its ability to print onto a vast range of media up to 50mm thick, Graphic Station is now looking beyond its standard signage, hoardings and high-quality photographic work towards the home décor market: printed wall tiles, wood, kitchen splash backs and skirting boards for kids' bedrooms are all in their sights.

"I'm still buzzing after yesterday's show," said Paul Fox the day after the Mimaki purchase. "Emma was fantastic all the way through – she genuinely listened to what we needed – and we were thoroughly looked after by i-Sub Digital.

"It's an exciting machine and we're really looking forward to trying different things on it. Being able to offer niche, bespoke work that's a little bit different means greater profits and will help us as we grow our business."

Emma Plant from i-Sub Digital comments, "The new Mimaki JFX200 is a perfect solution for the UK and Ireland market and we're really pleased to provide Graphic Station with the first one in Europe.

"Paul and his team produce photographic-quality output and the new Mimaki will meet that demand and more, allowing Graphic Station to diversify into some really interesting markets."

Mike Lewis, Industrial Products specialist at Hybrid adds, “We’re delighted with Graphic Station’s continued investment in Mimaki and the new JFX200 is perfect for them to expand their business into the areas they’ve targeted.”

I-Sub Digital and its sister company i-Sub Ltd gave a flavour of its extensive product line at Sign and Digital UK with a showcase of wide-format, textile and packaging printing equipment, with a further selection on display on the stand of exclusive Mimaki UK&I distributor Hybrid Services across the aisle.

Paul Fox concludes, "We were impressed by all the Mimaki machines on show at Sign UK and will be back to i-Sub Digital soon to look at one of the medium-sized printers."

For further information on the Mimaki JFX200-2513 from i-Sub Digital or to book a demonstration, please email info@i-subdigital.com or call +44 (0)1536 415511.

[Image caption: Paul Fox from Graphic Station and i-Sub Digital's Emma Plant shake on the deal at Sign and Digital UK]

The Jeti Titan HS made its North American debut at the International Sign Association’s Sign Expo last month in Orlando.  It will be showcased later this month at FESPA Digital in Munich, Germany with its newly added primer option which has been developed to improve ink adhesion and extend the durability of prints.

Incorporating the latest generation 1,280-nozzle Ricoh Gen 5 print heads, the Jeti Titan S (speed) and HS (high-speed) combine exceptional print quality and high productivity at a best-in-industry price point. They are ideal for high-value work like POP/POS viewed at close range or for the high-level art, fashion and cosmetics markets.

A new digital primer makes the Jeti Titan S and HS even more versatile. Digital primer is typically used to print outdoor signage and displays on low-cost yet more difficult (in terms of adhesion) materials (e.g. fluted polypropylene) with the objective to extend the durability of the prints.

Agfa Graphics’ digital primer solution can be applied to the entire image or ‘spot-wise’ only. It is subsequently cured by the printer’s UV curing system. Digital primer vastly improves adhesion without sacrificing either the maximum density or the ink colour gamut

More about the Jeti Titan S and HS

The 3x2m (122x79 inch) six colours plus white Jeti Titan S is equipped with one row of print heads and is field-upgradeable to two rows to increase productivity. The Jeti Titan HS comes with two rows of print heads.

Reflecting market demands, the default set-up for both models is six colours plus white (CMYKLcLmWW). White printing supports different modes including overprint, under-print, spot, under-spot, fill and over-spot for rigids and pre-white for roll media.

The “flat-to-roll” option on the Jeti Titan S and HS give users the ability to print flexible media with the same high quality and resolution as rigid materials and this at the full maximum media width (3.2m).

Thin ink layer technology

Thanks to the ‘thin ink layer’ pigment dispersion technology, Agfa Graphics’ large gamut of UV-curable inks enable printing on a broad range of durable indoor and outdoor applications on flexible materials, including top quality banners, self-adhesive vinyls, and front- and back-lit graphics. These inks deliver the highest quality prints with the lowest ink consumption per square metre in the industry.

Agfa Graphics is exhibiting at FESPA Digital 2014 in Munich, 20-23 May 201 – Hall B1 stand 380-390.