Hardware - Wide Format Print

Inca Digital Printers and Fujifilm have announced the introduction of the Inca Onset S20i wide-format UV flatbed inkjet printer, which now offers a range of new productivity and convenience features. The launch of the Onset S20i follows the recent launch of the Onset S40i announced in May. Both machines are supplied by Fujifilm, Inca’s exclusive global distribution partner and the S20i is commercially available from October 2012.

The Inca Onset range addresses the needs of specialist display print companies requiring high quality, high-speed throughput on a variety of both flexible and rigid support materials up to 3.14m x 1.6m (123.6in x 63in) and 50mm (0.59in) thick. The Onset S20i retains the characteristic full-width printhead array with 26 individual Fujifilm Dimatix printheads per colour, giving users production speeds up to 310m2/hr (3,340ft2/hr), equivalent to 62 full beds per hour.

New feature highlights of the Inca Onset S20i include:

• Multi-zone vacuum table: A new 15-zone vacuum table reduces bed masking requirements for substrates less than 3mm thick, reducing setup times and increasing flexibility.
• Innovative UV sensor system: A new auto-sensor system constantly monitors the UV dose and informs the operator when to initiate the Onset S20i’s automated cleaning procedure.
• Sophisticated substrate height detector: Sensitive mechanical substrate height detectors deliver more consistent accuracy and reliability.

The Onset S20i is also available with Inca Digital’s optional flexible automation system, giving users the choice to operate the machine manually or with semi or three-quarter automation from the same configuration. For those requiring the ability to incorporate variable data printing as simply as possible, the Onset S20i also supports Inca’s Print Run Controller (PRC) software module.

Complementing the Inca Onset S20i, an enhanced range of Fujifilm Uvijet inks have been developed to provide improved adhesion, stability and finishing properties. The result is even better print results from 600dpi up to 1000dpi using up to six ink colours (including white ink) and variable finish effects (matt, satin, high gloss) to address a wide range of applications such as display Point-Of-Sale, exhibition graphics, backlit/frontlit displays and outdoor graphics.

”The new features on the S40i have been very well received, so we look forward to being able to take them into this machine as well,” says Tudor Morgan, Systems Marketing Manager, Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems.

“The new Inca Onset S20i integrates the enhancements first seen in the Onset S40i to deliver increased productivity and print consistency,” says Heather Kendle, Director of Marketing at Inca Digital. “We develop and introduce software and hardware enhancements and options to improve the functionality of the Onset models. Features added to the new Onset S20i provide users with increased flexibility and help to ensure the fastest possible ROI.”

Inca offers a range of digital UV inkjet flatbed printers in a choice of formats, speeds and colours.

For more information, please visit www.incadigital.com

Wye Media in Monmouth has bought a Mutoh ValueJet 1304 wide format printer from Colourgen reseller, Design Supply.

Monmouth-based Wye Media has been providing high quality printed solutions for almost all areas of printing and graphic design for over 15 years. Prior to investing in the Mutoh ValueJet 1304, its focus was on short and long run digital print and design.  However, the company’s strategy to extend its services led it to consider the various wide format printer options available on the market.

Chris McGowan of Wye Media explains, “We were taking on a lot of wide format work, but didn’t have a suitable printer for the job – we had to outsource everything.  This meant that we weren’t in control of the process or costs and as the volumes increased we decided to invest in a device so that we could bring the work in-house. The diverse range of work drove the need for a printer that was above all both cost-effective and flexible.”

He continues, “We obviously looked around for the best price within the range of target printers suitable for our applications.  As part of the process, Design Supply presented the eco-solvent Mutoh ValueJet 1304 to us and the decision was made.  This printer not only offered us great value in terms of a low capital investment, but also the flexibility and quality we needed.

“We now have full control of the process and output quality. This printer has given us an extra revenue stream and we are very happy with its performance and running costs.  We can also take on different jobs now and offer point of sale poster printing, roller banners, outdoor signage and vinyl graphics and we plan to offer much more to our customers using the Mutoh in 2013.”

The Mutoh ValueJet 1304 eco-solvent printer has a media width of 54" (1371.5mm) and print width of 53.36" (1355.5mm).  This printer is ideal for current users of water-based printers who want to branch out in to durable indoor and outdoor signage, but also for those more experienced users who want extra capacity and are limited on space.

For more information on Design Supply, please visit www.designsupply.co.uk.

For more information on Wye Media, please visit www.wyemedia.co.uk

Mutoh Belgium nv will exhibit at this year’s Viscom Italia show (Hall 3 - Booth D01/E08) - Fiera Milano, Italy, October 4–6.  In close cooperation with its authorised distributors for Italy – MM Electronic and Reis Elettronica – Mutoh Belgium will display the latest models of its popular ValueJet printer family and its print-to-cut workflow solutions.

At the event, Mutoh will present the all new 64” wide ValueJet 1638 high speed Eco Ultra printer and the 64” wide ValueJet 1638W dye sublimation printer.  Mutoh will also première the ValueJet 2638 printer, the first 2.6 m wide ValueJet printer.

The new ValueJet 1638 (64”/165 cm) model, offering sellable production quality speeds up to 36 m²/h at 720 x 720 dpi, is targeted at the sign and display market.  The printer utilises Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks and will address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution.

The ValueJet 1638W (64”/165 cm) model was designed specifically for the sublimation transfer market.  Printing on the thinnest available transfer papers and using Mutoh water-based direct disperse inks, this new Mutoh printer model will deliver production speeds up to 65 m²/h.

The new dual head ValueJet 1638 printer models incorporate Mutoh’s award-winning Intelligent Interweaving print technology which guarantees predictable and repeatable output quality.  The printers also feature a high level of operator comfort and print production efficiency, thanks to a newly designed keyboard, an automatic sheet off system and a tiltable ink cassette holder which saves space and enables loading of different ink volumes.

More information on the ValueJet 1638 high speed sign printer can be found at http://www.mutoh.be/page.aspx/6305
More information on the ValueJet 1638W dye sublimation printer can be found at http://www.mutoh.be/page.aspx/6336

Mutoh’s new 2.6 m ValueJet 2638 model will address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution whilst requiring media compatibility with media rolls up to a width of 2.6 m.

The 4-colour high speed printer features a staggered dual head setup with latest generation 1440 nozzle 8 channel piezo heads, offering improved productivity.  Using Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks, the VJ-2638 prints directly onto a wide range of uncoated and coated substrates.

Suitable for indoor & outdoor graphics, the new 104” wide printer will deliver both high quality and high speed.

 

HP has unveiled the industry’s first web-connected, entry-level printing solutions for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) students and professionals, making in-house, large-format printing accessible to more users.

Delivering large-format printing through the cloud from virtually anywhere, the new HP Designjet T120 and T520 ePrinter series provide on-the-go professionals with simple and affordable printing solutions. The compact, 24-inch HP Designjet T120 ePrinter series is ideal for students and freelancers, while the 24- and 36-inch HP Designjet T520 ePrinter series is designed for small AEC teams in need of fast, professional printing.

HP also announced the second generation of its free web service for AEC professionals, HP Designjet ePrint & Share, which makes it easy to access and print large-format documents using an iOS or Android tablet or smartphone, a laptop or ePrinter touch screen.

“The economic environment has increased the number of freelancers and small studios, shortened project turnaround times and required AEC workers to be highly mobile, spending more than 50 per cent of their time out of the office,” said Santiago Morera, vice president and general manager, Large-format Printing Business, HP. “The expanded HP Designjet portfolio helps our customers stay connected where the job takes them and allows first-time, large-format buyers to easily and affordably bring their printing needs in house.”

The smallest printer in its class, with a footprint of only 38.9 inches (987 mm), the HP Designjet T120 ePrinter offers the benefits of two printers in one with a built-in B+/A3 tray and convenient front-loading roll. The printer’s intuitive, full-colour touch screen simplifies in-house printing and navigation for those new to large format. HP inks produce high-quality output with rich colours and sharp lines reaching 0.0016 inch (0.04 mm) minimum line width.

Available in 24- or 36-inch models, the HP Designjet T520 ePrinter improves processing power and offers twice the speed and resolution of its predecessor.(3) With 1 GB RAM and HP-GL/2 technology, the HP Designjet T520 ePrinter operates at up to 35 seconds per D/A1 print. Original HP inks and long-life printheads achieve accurate lines reaching 0.0008 inch (0.02 mm) minimum line width and sharp details with up to 2,400 dpi resolution for fast, professional results in house.

The HP Designjet T120 and T520 ePrinters are the only large-format printers available with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, so users can install the printer where it is most convenient. True print previews from the new HP Designjet driver ensure accurate prints on the first try, resulting in time and cost savings when printing from a computer.

“The new HP Designjet printing technology gives us confidence that when we need to produce high-quality drawings in time for a meeting, we can handle the job—it takes a lot of stress out of my work schedule,” said Peter Zellner, principal at ZELLNERPLUS, an HP Designjet T520 ePrinter beta customer. “Now that I’ve seen how much the HP Designjet T520 ePrinter improves our daily design and build process, I can’t imagine working without it.”

The HP Designjet ePrinter portfolio features mobile access and printing of large-format plans using HP Designjet ePrint & Share. Available through a desktop web browser, mobile application or the touch screen of web-connected HP Designjet printers, the latest version of HP Designjet ePrint & Share offers:

• The ability to email projects to an HP Designjet ePrinter for printing. Users simply attach a PDF or other print-ready file to an email and send it to the ePrinter’s dedicated address.
• Automatic, secure online print history through the new HP Designjet driver. With the online print history, users have access to their latest drawings and the ability to zoom in and reprint an exact copy in just few clicks.
• Convenient file sharing using an automatically generated hyperlink for one-click access to any file in the print history.
• Access to all FTP sites in one place. Users can access multiple FTP sites in one interface with one login, making it easy to view and print files when and where needed.

“The nature of our business requires staff to be out of town or at other locations, working off tablets to get instant feedback from customers,” said Ma Wenjie, designer at E+D International, an HP Designjet T520 ePrinter beta customer. “Through the use of HP Designjet ePrint & Share, we can review these changes and make timely modifications with the client, while our remote workers can send their comments to our in-house printer, greatly improving efficiency.”

Pricing and availability

• The HP Designjet T120 ePrinter series is expected to be available worldwide on 1st November 1012 for an estimated retail price of € 848,00.
• The HP Designjet T520 ePrinter series, available in 24- and 36-inch models, is expected to be available worldwide on 1st November 1012 for estimated prices of € 1,294 and € 2,075, respectively.
• HP Designjet ePrint & Share is available at no additional cost for HP Designjet customers by creating an account at www.hp.com/go/eprintandshare. The mobile application is available through Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

[photo shows the HP Designjet T520 ePrinter which includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity]

 

Roland DG Corporation has announced the launch of the SolJet Pro4 XR-640, the industry’s most advanced printer/cutter to date.

At 64 inches wide, the SolJet Pro4 XR-640 combines accelerated print speeds with Roland’s renowned integrated print/cut technology, an innovative new print head design, both seven- and eight-colour configurations, and new Eco-Sol Max2 inks in nine colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK), plus light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), white (Wh), metallic silver (Mt) and new light black (Lk).

“As the industry’s first printer/cutter to offer this much power and versatility, the XR-640 is designed to maximise profitability in a production environment,” says Brett Newman, technical director at Roland DG (UK). “The new high-density ink including white and metallic allows creatives’ to open up new profitable applications. The new light black ink and expanded colour gamut delivers the ultimate in print quality and colour reproduction.”   

The XR-640 is purpose built for production printing with a dual inline print head configuration that yields outstanding image quality at a maximum print speed of 49.1 m2/h (528.1 sqft./hr).  The XR-640 fires droplets of seven different sizes for exceptionally smooth gradations and flawless solid colours.  Integrated contour cutting produces graphics of any shape in one seamless workflow.

The Pro4 XR-640 features Eco-Sol Max2, a new generation of Roland’s award-winning eco-solvent ink, in four configurations: CMYKLcLmWhMt, CMYKLcLmLkWh, CMYKLcLmLkMt and CMYKLcLmLk.  Eco-Sol Max2 dries fast and offers outstanding long-term outdoor durability, scratch and chemical resistance, broad media support and a wide gamut.  Fully optimised for the XR-640’s new print head design, Eco-Sol Max2 is ideal for popular applications, including banners, signage, POP, decals, labels, vehicle graphics, backlit displays, building wraps, package prototypes and photographic reproductions. 

Eco-Sol Max2 adds value and impact to graphics with three specialty inks. New light black ink ensures a neutral grey for smooth grey scale gradations, natural skin tones and precise photographic images. An improved reformulated white ink offers even greater opacity for exceptionally bright white text, graphics and floods.  Metallic silver, also improved for brighter colour, can be printed as a pure spot colour or combined with CMYK to create hundreds of shimmering metallic colours and effects.

SolJet Pro4 XR-640 Features:

The industry’s most advanced print head technology for stable production, outstanding image quality and high productivity

• Innovative new dual print head design fires droplets of seven different sizes, with settings that can be adjusted for specific media and print resolutions
• Ink configurations are mirrored through seven colours to ensure consistent imaging throughout bi-directional printing
• Production speeds of up to 49.1m2/h (528.1 sqft./hr) for both banner and vinyl media in high speed print modes
• Roland Intelligent Pass Control® precisely controls dot placement between passes for high quality images that are virtually free of banding

New Eco-Sol Max2 ink

• Highly durable, scratch resistant and virtually odourless
• Support for a range of coated and uncoated media
• Fast, consistent drying across images for even colours and sharp images and text
• Environmentally friendly with no nickel compounds

The latest print control technology

• Maximises the performance of new dual print heads and Eco-Sol Max2 ink
• Delivers high-density coverage for vibrant, expressive colours even at high speeds

New Eco-Sol Max2 light black(Lk) ink

• Achieves accurate grey colour reproduction and seamless gradations
• Enhances the quality of subtle colours and skin tones which contain neutral colours

New white and metallic silver inks

• Higher-density White Eco-Sol Max2 ink expedites production while delivering brighter, more opaque white text and graphics
• Metallic Silver Eco-Sol Max2 pigments are more reflective for maximum brightness

Roland Print & Cut technology for versatility

• Prints and then automatically contour cuts images into any shape
• Ideal for custom applications such as POP, floor signage, stickers, vehicle decals and apparel heat transfers

New version of Roland VersaWorks®

• Features a built-in PANTONE® spot colour library to streamline the conversion process from PANTONE® to CMYK colours
• Predictive ink calculator estimates the amount of ink needed for each job for flawless unattended printing
• Spot colour replacement feature

Roland OnSupport

• Sends you a text or email message when a print job is completed or ink is running low

 

Canon has launched five new large format printers for the graphic arts markets. The new 24” to 60”, 8-colour and 12-colour devices have been equipped with a host of new features to deliver superior image quality, productivity and usability.

All the new models use LUCIA EX inks, making Canon the only company to use a singular ink set across an entire large format range, and ‘hot swap’ technology. The ink set provides a wider colour gamut, more expressive blacks, better scratch resistance and a more stable colour for optimum image quality to ensure absolute consistency between devices. The ‘hot swap’ technology gives the ability to replace ink whilst printing, providing uninterrupted production and reduced down time.

The 12-colour, 24” imagePROGRAF iPF6400 and iPF6450 are replacing the iPF6300 and iPF6350 models. The new optional spectrophotometer with the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 enables precise, highly stable and consistent colour that has a switchable UV filter to give users much greater flexibility with their range of media.

Calibration Link allows the spectrophotometer to provide a unified solution to all the 12-colour large format printers launched by Canon in 2012. Needing only to be installed on the iPF6450 at one location, users can centrally control the colour management of multiple imagePROGRAF units installed in other sites, optimising output and ensuring uniformity of colour.

The imagePROGRAF range is further enhanced by the 44” imagePROGRAF iPF8400, a 12-colour printer, which replaces the iPF8300 that comes with an increased internal HDD of 250GB and a faster throughput. Also launching are the 60” imagePROGRAF iPF9400 and the imagePF9400S models, 12-colour and 8-colour respectively. Overall image quality is improved by using LUCIA-EX inks which provide approximately 20% wider colour gamut and the fast printing speed will appeal to the photographic, fine arts and in-house signage markets.

The iPF9400S’s improved internal technology means less passes are needed when printing for fast production (approximately 1.5 times faster than the previous iPF9000S). The iPF9400S comes with bright colour reproduction and an updated print head ink sequence, to enable the printer to increase speed while printing - making it ideal for poster production.

Canon has also developed the Photoshop Plug-In to include a layout function with automated size adjustment, ideal for gallery wraps. In addition, the accounting, media configuration and calibration software, which is bundled with the new models, has been upgraded to give users the flexibility and usability to create, monitor and deliver all of their printing jobs to exact specifications.

A selection of these new printers are being exhibited on the Canon stand (Hall 3.2) at photokina 2012 (18-23 September 2012).

For more information, please visit www.canon-europe.com

[photo shows Canon's 60” imagePROGRAF iPF9400 printer]