Hardware - Wide Format Print

FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori) has developed Acuity LED 1600 (tentative, hereinafter “Acuity LED 1600”), a printer that supports UV-curable ink and features a long-life and low-power-consumption LED light source. It will join a lineup of wide-format inkjet printers for producing large-size posters, in-store POP and window displays. Acuity LED 1600 achieves the best-in-class productivity of 20 square meters per hour*1 while offering exceptional image quality at the same time.

In recent years, large-size posters, in-store POP and window displays are produced increasingly in a smaller print runs, with short delivery time and with increased graphical designs. This has promoted the use of digital printing, with the printing service market based on wide-format inkjet printers expanding at the annual rate of 7%*2. The market is particularly embracing the use of wide-format inkjet printers that support UV-curable ink, which is environmentally friendly with no volatile organic compounds (VOC), fast-drying and suitable for printing on a wide range of materials including PET, acrylic, and polycarbonate substrates. The market segment continues to enjoy double-digit annual growth*2.

The new Acuity LED 1600 is a high-performance wide-format inkjet printer featuring a proprietary-design LED light source, high precision and high speed printhead, and fast curing UV-LED ink. Fujifilm's proprietary Fast Accurate Marking technology*3 enables best-in-class productivity of 20 square meters per hour to address customers' needs for short delivery time. The printer comes standard with eight color inks, namely cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, white and clear. When combined with the Intelligent Curing Control technology*4 for controlling ink curing profile on printing substrates for improved ink-substrate affinity, the printer achieves wide color reproduction and smooth gradation. Enhanced ink adhesion also expands the range of substrates that can be used.

Furthermore, the combined use of color ink and clear ink can produce high-gloss output for premium finish. The ability to apply color and clear inks in a single pass, which is difficult in conventional printers, can dramatically improve output efficiency.

The printer also comes with Spot Color Matching software, which can automatically generate a color comparison chart against the desired output color. This simplifies the process of matching spot colors, e.g. those used in a logo, to reduce the workload of print producers.

For many years, Fujifilm has globally handled the development, production and marketing of a diverse range of pre-press products, such as PS/CTP plates for offset printing, workflow software and plate setters, as the leading company for printing and plate-making equipment. The company is committed to continuing to develop and provide epoch-making products in the ever-growing digital printing field, thereby contributing to the development of the printing industry around the world.

The Acuity LED1600 will be showcased at GRAPHEXPO 2011, to be held in Chicago, IL, U.S.A. on September 11-14, 2011, as well as the international printing equipment exhibition IGAS 2011, scheduled for September 16-21, 2011 at Tokyo Big Sight.

*1 Using a 64-inch or less roll type UV-LED wide format inkjet printer

*2 According to research firm I.T. Strategies on the basis of value including the sales of ink, devices and substrates

*3 Marking system technology that involves moving the printhead from left to right to achieve stable and high-speed ink discharge for accurate drop placement

*4 Technology that combines unique LED light source alignment and light volume adjustment to regulate ink curing speed

1. Product name:

Wide-format UV-curable inkjet printer Acuity LED 1600 (tentative)

2. Main features:

(1) High-performance wide-format inkjet printer that amasses the technologies of the Fujifilm Group
High-performance wide-format inkjet printer that features a proprietary-design LED light source unit, high-precision and high-speed printhead, and high-sensitivity UV-curable ink
The printer is a culmination of Fujifilm Group technologies, including Fine Chemical and Image Processing technologies of Fujifilm, printhead technology of the U.S. FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc. (hereinafter “FDMX”), which is a leading company in industrial-use inkjet printheads, and ink technology of the British FUJIFILM Specialty Ink Systems Ltd., which has the top-class market share in UV-curable ink for industrial inkjet printers.

(2) Best-in-class productivity of 20 square meters per hour
The printer features a newly-developed printhead by FDMX, and uses fast-drying and high-sensitivity ink to enable for immediate processing.
The proprietary Fast Accurate Marking technology achieves the best-in-class productivity of 20 square meters per hour to meet customers' need for short delivery time.

(3) High picture quality and wide substrate support
The printer comes standard with eight color inks, namely cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, white and clear.
The Intelligent Curing Control technology combines unique LED light source alignment and light volume adjustment to regulate ink curing speed. It controls ink curing profile on the substrate surface to enhance ink-substrate affinity.
The use of 8 color inks combined with the Intelligent Curing Control technology achieves wide color reproduction and smooth gradation. Enhanced ink adhesion expands the range of substrates that can be used.

(4) Value-added single-pass printing with clear ink
The combined use of color ink and clear ink can produce high-gloss output for premium finish. Conventional printers apply color ink first, and print again with clear ink after rewinding the substrate. In contrast, Acuity LED 1600 delivers color and clear inks in a single pass, thereby dramatically improving output efficiency.
The printer can handle single-pass application of two-layer application with white and color inks, or even three-layer application with color, white and color inks.

(5) “Spot Color Matching” software for convenience
The printer comes with Spot Color Matching software, which uses advanced image processing technology to automatically generate a color comparison chart against the desired output color. This simplifies the process of matching spot colors, e.g. those used in a logo, to reduce the workload of print producers.

(6) Long-life yet low-power consumption
The printer features a LED light source, which lasts longer yet has lower power consumption than more generally-used metal halide lamps. This reduces the workload associated with light source replacement for enhanced serviceability.

(7) Support for roll-type as well as rigid*5 or sheet-type substrates of up to 13mm thick
The printer supports substrates of up to 13mm in thickness, which includes lightweight boards. It can also handle sheet printing to accommodate additional poster printing.

The printer supports substrates of up to 1,610mm in width.

*5 Thick substrates such as foam boards and card papers

3. Main specifications:

Printing method - Inkjet
Maximum printout width - 1,610mm
Supported substrates - Roll-type, sheet-type and rigid substrates (up to 13mm in thickness)
*A printer table unit is used to print on rigid substrates.
Printout speed - 20m²/hour (600dpi x 400dpi)
Printhead - Q-Class printheads by FDMX
Ink - UV-curable ink
Ink colors - 8 colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, white, clear)
Output resolution - 400dpi-1200dpi
Interface - USB2.0
Power - AC 100-120V, 200-240V, 50/60Hz
External dimensions - (W) 2,620mm (D) 750mm (H) 1,050mm
Weight - 260Kg

A significant upsurge in demand for sign-making and digital printing solutions has led Roland DG to open a new showroom area in Aldershot, Hampshire. Situated on the same site as the company’s long-standing transport providers, Carry Gently, this flexible new facility contains comprehensive demonstration facilities for its latest families of printers, cutters and 3D products, including its recently launched dental machines.

Housing a dedicated showroom alongside the company’s logistics warehouse means that Roland always has stock available for customers to view, even at short notice. As well as a Creative Centre which mirrors the facility at its Clevedon head-quarters, there is a room concentrating on three-dimensional applications such as engraving, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, plus a specialist area set aside for demonstrating the dental mills. This latter facility shows how Roland’s precision technology has moved successfully into areas where digital processes can reduce laboratory costs and time.

Roland’s new south-east showroom, situated in Deadbrook Lane, Aldershot, is larger than its previous facility in Slough. Having outgrown this former site, and needing to handle larger quantities of stocks in order to keep abreast of demand, the company chose the new two-level premises to handle continued product growth, and also simplify warehousing, logistics and deliveries.
Carry Gently has 25 years of experience in handling and distributing capital intensive and, often, fragile specialist systems and equipment. As a result the company has become renowned for transporting laboratory equipment, computerised systems and other delicate items in temperature controlled, secure vans and trucks.

“These days we’re finding increasing numbers of potential customers want to visit a demonstration facility within easy reach of the south-east. The convenience of being based in Aldershot and co-locating with our transport and logistics specialist, Carry Gently, simplifies stock availability even at short notice,” states Peter Kettle, Roland DG’s Head of Business Development. “We’re now positioned perfectly to service new and existing clients who want comprehensive demonstrations of all our product families.”

As well as full showroom suites in the form of Creative Centres at both its Clevedon and Aldershot locations, Roland solutions are also available from its UK and Ireland network of partners. With the emphasis on applications as well as technology, a full range of inspiring ideas covering all design and production techniques can be found.

To book a demonstration at one of Roland’s regional showrooms call 0845 230 90 60 or visit www.rolanddg.co.uk

Consolidated Graphics, Inc. has purchased a variety of new printing equipment from EFI and HP to meet increased demand for wide and super-wide format printing.  The equipment has been installed in several of Consolidated Graphics' owned printing companies across the United States and includes the EFI VUTEk GS5000r and GS3200 printers, as well as the HP Scitex FB500 and Scitex LX800.

According to Ric Davis, Executive Vice President at Consolidated Graphics, "We always thinks of its customers' needs first when investing in new technology.  Our customers have found that grand format printed material is an effective and increasingly popular way to make a big impression and build awareness for their brands at the national, regional and local levels."

He adds, "Very few companies can offer what CGX can in colour consistency at multiple locations across the U.S.  We can print a customer's product simultaneously in multiple locations and can get the product to market faster, while reducing shipping costs."

The new large/grand format technology recently purchased and installed by Consolidated Graphics includes:

• EFI VUTEk GS5000r – True 600 dpi and true 1000 dpi dual resolution capability for HD point-of-purchase and commercial graphics. Features double-sided printing, white and crisp four-point text capabilities.  Co-branded EFI and 3M flexible ink comes standard to increase application range and enable printing on a wider range of substrates.  
• EFI VUTEk GS3200 – Accommodates jobs in a variety of applications: exhibition graphics, photographic reproductions and point-of-purchase displays. Equipped with true 600 dpi and true 1000 dpi dual resolution, eight-colour, white, Fast-5, roll-to-roll and rigid substrate capabilities.
• HP Scitex LX800 – Features latex inks that are environmentally friendly and odourless, which are perfect for sensitive in-door environments. Accommodates high quality production in a variety of applications: point-of-purchase, sports banners, light boxes, bus shelters and customised wallpapers. Colour print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.
• HP Scitex FB500 – Image quality of up to 1200 x 600 optimised dpi, accommodating both rigid and/or flexible substrate. Also features flexible print speed to match for best quality product.  

Currently Consolidated Graphics has nine large/grand format printing installations across the country. These locations share best practices with each other, creating a uniform consistency throughout all large/grand format-printing projects. By having multiple locations across the nation that adhere to strict and consistent quality practices, Consolidated Graphics can meet all customer needs effectively and efficiently, no matter the location.

Consolidated Graphics companies currently equipped with grand format production capabilities:

• Anderson/LA - Los Angeles, CA
• CDS Publications - Medford, OR
• Courier Printing - Smyrna, TN
• Garner Company - Des Moines, IA
• The Hennegan Company - Florence, KY
• McKay Press - Midland, MI
• Orange County Printing - Irvine, CA
• Tursack, Inc. - Morgantown, PA
• Wetzel Brothers - Cudahy, WI

 

Xaar, the world’s leading independent manufacturer of printheads, has celebrated its seven year anniversary in India by holding a special awards ceremony in New Delhi.

In 2004, Xaar was the first printhead manufacturer to set up an operation in India and is the only company today to provide direct in-country support to its partners.  Xaar’s commitment to the region has made it the printhead market leader in India with over 21 million printhead nozzles delivered throughout the continent to date. The company’s newest printhead – the Xaar Proton – features Xaar’s latest ‘chevron’ piezo actuator technology combined with the innovative nozzle processing methods of the revolutionary Xaar 1001 printhead to deliver the ultimate in performance. The Xaar Proton was developed in close association with several of Xaar’s partners in India; this has contributed significantly to the printhead’s success since launch.

The Xaar Awards recognise the expertise and service of its partners in India, their commitment to the development of the Xaar Proton, and their sales and support of the Xaar printhead range which includes the innovative Xaar 1001 and the Xaar Electron. Ten Awards were presented by Bob Bobertz, General Manager of Xaar Asia Pacific, as follows:

• Macart Equipment received the ‘Xaar Ten-Year Partner Award’ in recognition of the company’s long-term service
• Colorjet received the ‘Xaar Partner of the Year Award’ for its commitment to serving Xaar users
• Britomatics joined the exclusive ‘Xaar Million Nozzle Club’ after selling the highest number of nozzles in India
• AT Inks received the ‘Xaar Special Appreciation Award’
• Ess Dee Nutek received the ‘Xaar Electron Partner of the Year Award’
• Siare Technologies received the ‘Xaar Proton Partner of the Year Award’
• Monotech Systems, Turnkey Printing Solutions, Macart Equipment and A Digital all received the ‘Xaar Proton Partner Award’ for their commitment to the development of this printhead.

The Xaar Proton has been well received by Xaar’s distributors and their wide-format customers in India. During MediaExpo recently 11 companies demonstrated Xaar-enabled inkjet printers. Between them Macart, Monotech, Siare and A Digital showcased six Xaar Proton-enabled wide-format inkjet printers, while Ess Dee Nutek, Britomatics, Veekay and A Digital all displayed printers using either Xaar 128 or Xaar Electron printheads.

“We deliver innovative and robust printheads that provide ultimate flexibility to printers producing wide-format graphics throughout India. Our partners here have made this an important market for Xaar and the response to the Xaar Proton which delivers the ultimate in performance is a strong endorsement,” says Bob Bobertz.

LabelExpo Europe (Brussels Expo, 28th September – 1st October 2011) visitors will be able to see numerous digital label printers in action that rely on industrial-strength Xaar inkjet printheads to deliver substantial quality, flexibility and performance advantages.

Xaar’s OEM partners demonstrating a variety of digital label printers, digital packaging printers and hybrid digital/analogue modules at Labelexpo include Durst (9H57); EFI Jetrion (9H55); JF Machines (9G26); Nilpeter (7L60/7L90); Spartanics (9H54) and Stork Prints (6H40).

Xaar is also sponsoring the Labelexpo Europe Digital Print Workshops, where visitors can evaluate different digital printing technologies in detail. Here EFI Jetrion will demonstrate high quality, short-run colour label printing with its Xaar 1001-enabled UV label printer.

The revolutionary design of the piezoelectric drop-on-demand Xaar 1001 printhead has made it popular with many manufacturers developing single-pass, variable data and full-colour inkjet label printers. The Xaar 1001 printhead combines Xaar’s TF Technology with its Hybrid Side Shooter architecture so that ink is re-circulated past the back of the nozzle. This unique arrangement delivers unrivalled reliability and the ability to handle a wide range of fluid viscosities, including white ink and varnishes, printed directly onto standard and custom label stocks.

This greyscale printhead ensures exceptional quality, whilst its XaarDOT (Xaar Drop Optimisation Technology) capability allows users to select the drop size or resolution depending on the application, image quality and substrate.

“Digital inkjet is the fastest-growing label printing technology and is an integral part of the label printing industry today and for the future,” says Mark Alexander, Director of Marketing. “Xaar has been driving this growth for many years and is committed to the continued development of advanced printhead technology for label and packaging applications. The market-leading digital printer manufacturers at Labelexpo Europe using Xaar technology are a significant endorsement of the capabilities of our industrial printheads”.

Xerox has announced the Xerox 7142 Wide Format Multifunction Printer Solution which offers architectural, engineering and construction companies, manufacturing firms and commercial print shops an affordable option for colour technical documents.
 
The compact Xerox 7142 MFP employs high-resolution colour scanning and printing technology to ensure crisp, accurate image quality on jobs such as construction plans, electrical wiring diagrams and mapping. The system scans hard copy documents to electronic files and copies existing prints of all standard sizes – up to 15 metres in length.
 
The large 15-inch touch screen not only provides an easy-to-use interface but also gives a real-time preview of the document as it is scanned. The new “Sure Scan” feature allows the user to view and alter scanning settings, ensuring the best quality before printing or storing the document to archive, while eliminating the need to rescan.
 
“Architects, engineers and commercial printers will appreciate how easy it is to use the new Xerox 7142 Multifunction Printer Solution to produce technical drawings of virtually any size that are rich in detail and in colour. They may also be familiar with the user interface – which is the same one found on Xerox’s mono devices,” said Howard Witt, Wide Format Manager, Xerox Europe. “The 7142 joins an extensive range of Xerox wide format devices that are available from an increasing number of Xerox resellers across Europe.”
 
The Xerox 7142 MFP uses the latest ink-jet head technology, which enables printing on a variety of media, including standard uncoated paper. The solution supports popular CAD and graphic communication file formats and is also powerful enough to support full graphic communications applications.
 
Availability

The Xerox 7142 Multifunction Printer Solution will be available for order and installation from August 2011. As all Xerox wide format solutions are modular, Xerox 7142 customers can upgrade their system to a 7142 Multifunction Printer Solution.