Hardware - Wide Format Print

Seiko I Infotech Inc. (SIIT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Instruments Inc., announced today that it will add the new ColorPainter W series wide-format mild-solvent inkjet printers specially designed for the signage and digital printing market to its ColorPainter product line.

The ColorPainter W series will be available in two sizes, the W-64s 64 inches wide, and the W-54s 54 inches wide.  There are also two colour configurations for both sizes, the 4 colour type for lower running costs and 6 colour type for better image quality. The combination of 6 new high speed print heads, two types of ink and several new innovative printing functions will increase the printer’s performance and widens the printer’s application range for the signage and digital printing market.

Jeff Biggs, Managing Director of Colourgen, the exclusive UK distributor for SIIT products, says, "We are very excited about this new product from Seiko.  It features a lot of the technology currently available in the H-Series ColorPainters with the addition of new print heads which offer resolutions up to an astounding 900dpi as well as triple-drop technology for 4-step greyscale.  Added to that, Seiko is including a 2-year manufacturers warranty making the new ColorPainter the sensible choice for anyone entering the sign market or looking to extend their services with confidence."

The ColorPainter W-64s was previewed at Sign & Digital UK recently and received a lot of interest.  It will next be shown at FESPA in Hamburg, Germany from May 24 to 27. The W-64s is scheduled to start shipping worldwide at the end of April 2011.
 
Features

• New high-speed on-demand piezo print heads  the new ColorPainter W series offers unmatched flexibility for speed and image quality with excellent colour density up to 17.8 m²/h*, and has a maximum imaging resolution of 900x900 dpi.
• Dynamic Dot Printing (DDP) Technology: The new print heads offer the ability to jet three different drop sizes per print pass, each ink droplet volume is 12, 24 or 36pl,.which enables the printer to print at high speeds without density loss. It was developed specifically for outdoor graphics at high speed, indoor graphics with excellent image quality and vivid and high density backlit graphics.
• Smart Nozzle Mapping: This new feature allows the operator to re-map print head nozzles in the event of a clogged nozzle. This extremely useful feature can remap up to 10 print head nozzles per print head＊2 without any speed or quality loss, theoretically reducing print head replacements by up to 10x.
• Smart Pass Technology: The new generation of the Smart Pass Technology offers a more sophisticated interleaving technology to improve print quality to the highest level yet.
• New HAPs Free IX ink and re-loadable cartridge holder design: The IX ink is the first low-solvent, low odour ink without HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants). This revolutionary new “green” ink and the re-loadable cartridge holder design are provided for preserving the environment by eliminating HAPs and environmental waste.
• Established EG-Outdoor GX inks (GX inks): The GX inks give excellent density and outdoor durability using Seiko’s standard, high-pigment loaded inks with extremely low usage and running costs.
• CP Manager: CP Manager printer control software comes free with printer, which enables the operator to see printer’s status and to perform print adjustments from directly from a PC.
• Warranty: The new ColorPainter W-Series will come with 2 years manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

*1 Printing speed for W-64s
*2 Maximum number of re-mapping nozzle per print head depends on clogging conditions
 
Pricing

Pricing is anticipated to start around £14,500 to £15,000 for W-54s 4 colour model and up to  £17,000 to £17,500 for the W-64s 6 colour model.  The ColorPainter W-64S is now in Colourgen’s showroom in Maidenhead.  For more information, please visit: : http://tiny.cc/71vi9 

 

Roland DGA Corp. today introduced the 64-inch VersaUV LEJ-640 UV-LED wide-format hybrid inkjet printer. Based on award-winning VersaUV technology, the LEJ-640 prints CMYK, white and clear on virtually any substrate from roll media to half-inch thick board stocks for premium custom graphics with unique special effects and finishes. 

"As our newest addition to the VersaUV line, the LEJ-640 takes package prototyping and specialty printing to the next level with support for thick media, including corrugated cardboard, foam board  and other rigid substrates," said Hiroshi Ono, group product manager for Roland DGA Corp. "The LEJ-640 also prints and simulates embossing on virtually any flexible packaging media, as well as on a wide variety of materials used for press proofs, membrane panels, wide-format signage, POP, window displays and interior décor items."

For optimum versatility, the LEJ-640 accommodates both roll-fed and flat media substrates and comes equipped with a built-in sensor that ensures proper print head positioning. These advanced media handling systems enable flawless results on papers, films, vinyl, PET, leathers, plastics, polycarbonates and a wide range of board stocks.  Safe-to-use UV-LED lamps are energy efficient and require no warm up time. The LEJ-640 features a high-quality, artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) for images that rival offset and flexographic print quality.

The LEJ-640 is offered in three ink configurations: the standard CMYK + White + Clear configuration, CMYK + White + White for high-opacity white printing on transparent films, and CMYK + Clear + Clear for thick dimensional effects such as embossing. Clear ink can be layered to produce both gloss and matte finishes, including 72 ready-to-apply patterns from the Roland Texture Library that is part of  Roland's VersaWorks RIP software.

To ensure the ultimate in reliability, the LEJ-640 is backed by the Roland OnSupport system, which allows remote monitoring of production activities.  When a job is completed or ink runs low, an email notification is sent to any designated smart phone or computer.  Unattended operation and easy maintenance are further supported by an Automated Ink Circulation System that prevents pigments in the white ink from settling, thereby minimising waste and ensuring continuous uninterrupted printing. A built-in take-up system is also included, supporting media rolls up to 88 pounds. 

The VersaUV series also includes the 54-inch LEC-540 and 30-inch LEC-330 UV-LED inkjet printer/cutters. VersaUV technology was introduced in 2008 and has since been recognised with prestigious DPI, EDP and Label Industry Global awards for outstanding innovation.

 

Mutoh announces the release of its newest additions to the ValueJet line-up, the ValueJet 1324-54" and ValueJet 1624-64" inkjet printers. 
 
The new ValueJets offer exciting innovative technology with upgraded features. The printers will replace the previous ValueJet 1304-54" and ValueJet 1614-64" models.
 
New ValueJet 1324-54" printer features include:

• New print head
• Improved print speeds (prints up to 300 sqft/h)
• Added service door for easy maintenance accessibility
• Equipped with automatic sheet off function
• Mutoh's Spectrovue-VM10, colour measurement tool, can be equipped at user's option

New ValueJet 1624-64" printer features include:

• New print head
• Improved print speeds (prints up to 313 sqft/h)
• Moveable ink cartridge holder that accommodates both 220ml and 440ml cartridges
• Equipped with automatic sheet off function
• Mutoh's Spectrovue-VM10, colour measurement tool, can be equipped at user's option

Same great ValueJet features:

• Equipped with i²: Intelligent Interweave print technique virtually eliminating horizontal banding
• Affordable prices
• Eco-solvent Ink produces vivid prints with exceptional 3 year outdoor durability
• Low maintenance
• Easy to install and operate
• Three heater design for fast drying
• Two year on-site warranty

Mutoh will showcase the new ValueJet 1324-54" and ValueJet 1624-64" at the International Sign Expo (ISA) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The trade show will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from April 28th-30th.

Millharbour Digital, based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire has seen production times fall by over 50% after installing an Acuity Advance HD 2545W with white option from Fujifilm. The digital print supplier, which provides graphics for well-known blue-chip companies, augmented its roll-to-roll plant by installing the flatbed machine in early January to offer an increased variety of print solutions.

“We have steadily invested in digital as the technology evolves so that we can offer our clients the best quality print,” says Nick Jacobs, managing director at Millharbour Digital. “Some of our customers specified that they prefer graphics to be printed directly onto rigid media, while some specified jobs that required the ability to print white – something we haven’t been able to offer before. We decided to invest in a printer that could do both while retaining the high quality of our existing roll-to-roll machines. The result is that we can now offer the flexibility and versatility without compromising on quality.

“After looking at what the market could offer, it became clear that the Acuity Advance with white option would fulfil our brief perfectly. In our opinion, it’s the most sophisticated printer of its kind on the market, offering us the high standard of quality print we demand in a consistent, reliable way.

“Although early days, the results have been remarkable, with the company seeing productivity savings of 50%: “For example, printing 60 metres of commercial hoarding on our roll-to-roll machines would have taken one week to produce due to the finishing process - on the Acuity it has taken just two days. This installation helps us make real savings, particularly in terms of labour and time.”

The Acuity Advance HD 2545 incorporates greyscale print head technology to produce near-photographic quality print - unrivalled in the market today. It prints at a speed of 22m2/hr in production mode and 15m2/hr in high quality mode with an additional white ink option complementing the CMYK colour set.

“We chose the Acuity Advance because we knew it would be a reliable technology, particularly because it isn’t in its infancy,” continues Nick. “The installation was first-class and we haven’t had to call for assistance. Our experience of buying the Acuity was very pleasant and Fujifilm made the whole process so painless. They were very accommodating and we are thankful to them for helping us make the right choice for our business.”

At Sign & Digital UK, InkTec announced it has made its first UK sale of the Jetrix 2513FRQ UV-curable flatbed printer to Oxfordshire-based Senecio, a digital printing and imaging solutions provider for fine art applications.

The InkTec Jetrix is the perfect solution for indoor & outdoor applications and industrial applications.  UK Sales Manager, Ben Woodruff states “We believe the build and print quality of Jetrix 2513FRQ is unique and therefore aim for it to be acknowledged as the best-in-class UV flat-bed printer by the end of 2011.”

Agfa Graphics is focusing on its new M1600 at Sign and Digital UK 2011.  The M1600 is the latest model in the popular :Anapurna range for the wide-format market. This new UV -curable printer both delivers the productivity of the :Anapurna M2050 engines in a 1.6 metre width at a maximum speed up to 46m²/h, and :Anapurna M1600 users benefit from white ink printing and the company's flexible G2 inks. :Anapurna M1600 is designed for applications on the latest rigid substrates including mirrors or plexi-glass and roll to roll substrates that demand more flexibility including banners and exhibition graphics.

Agfa also announced the first sale of its new M1600 printer to F1 Graphics at the show.

Reliable white printing

The new :Anapurna M1600 answers customer demands for the white ink printing capabilities already proven in the competitive :Anapurna Mw and :Anapurna M2050 whilst producing the additional speed associated with the :Anapurna M2050 and :Anapurna M2. The white ink function offers print service providers new possibilities for printing on transparent material and offers an ideal solution for backlit or combined front and backlit applications. Digital white can even be used as a spot colour to focus on certain parts of an image. And to ensure maximum reliability while printing with white, the :Anapurna M1600 has a dedicated white ink mixing and circulation system .

Efficient Production

Designed as a robust production unit, :Anapurna M1600 combines quality output with ease of use for all types of applications up to a width of 1.58m and 4.5 cm thickness on rigid media. Flexible media handling and a two-zone vacuum table, give additional strength for dealing with a wide range of substrates varying in size and thickness.
Built on the proven :Anapurna M2050 platform, it offers the same consistent high output quality for applications where detailed rendering, graduated tints and sharp text are essential.

":Anapurna M1600 is a production workhorse designed to guarantee consistent high quality output even under peak workloads," said Willy Van Dromme, Marketing Manager for Wide Format Inkjet at Agfa Graphics. "This system gives the best-fit printing mode because every application requires a particular balance between speed and quality. We also made the :Anapurna M1600 it easy to use. Media loading and changing from rigid to flexible materials is fast and straightforward, and the system features a very intuitive operator interface. In fact we integrated all the best features from the :Anapurna M2050."

The :Anapurna M1600's four-colour (CMYK) plus white capability and its 12 picolitre print-heads produce high quality solids and tonal rendering at up to 720 x 1440 dpi with vibrant colours and a wide colour gamut typical for UV curable inks. White is printed in-line with the other colours, so printing pre-white, post-white or spot white is carried out in the same printing pass.
The :Anapurna M1600 welcome addition to Agfa Graphics' wide-format portfolio is indicative of the company's continuing investment and commitment to the digital print market which now includes solutions for all applications and budgets.