Hardware - Wide Format Print

Mimaki has announced that it will launch a new large format flatbed printer model later this month - the Mimaki JFX500-2131.  According to the company, the new model incorporates a 'raft of technological breakthroughs' and 'heralds a new benchmark' in high quality, environmentally advantageous and high volume UV printing.

At printing speeds up to 60 square metres per hour, the JFX500-2131 is 2.5 times faster than conventional JFX printers from Mimaki and brings new efficiency, quality and price/performance to the sign and graphics industry and wide format display marketplace.

The new Mimaki flatbed incorporates a new print head and advanced LED curing to produce an exceptionally high resolution image quality. This innovative, user-friendly flatbed printer offers multiple ink options for the ultimate in production flexibility.

Latest generation LED UV ink

The Mimaki LUS-150 ink is a newly formulated CMYK LED curing ink with high speed curing properties and is flexible up to 150%. This results in increased elasticity on a wide variety of media and substrates without cracking or fracturing the cured ink during handling, cutting or other post-print processing.

The JFX500-2131 also operates with Mimaki’s existing LH-100 CMYK inks.  The printer can also utilise Mimaki’s LF-140 flexible ink which is available in six colours. All these ink formulations also offer white ink. Use of the Mimaki Circulation Technology (MCT) ensures ultra-high performance in white ink printing and this feature regularly circulates white ink, enabling stable output by eliminating settling of white pigment in the ink lines. Additionally, MCT contributes to reduction of ink waste, thereby supporting environmentally and economically friendly applications. Mimaki’s Degassing Module (MDM) also eliminates gas or bubbles inside the ink, reducing nozzle blockage and improving accuracy of ink dot placement. This enables the printer to use Mimaki’s bottled inks instead of conventional degassed ink packs, further reducing ink costs.

Using LED UV curing, the JFX500-2131 delivers high speed UV printing with all of the advantages of LED technology, including long-life, energy savings, lower heat generation, the ability to use thinner, more cost-effective media and printing on heat-sensitive media that cannot be utilised with conventional UV curing systems.

New print engine combines high speed with peerless quality

Equipped with Mimaki’s new print engine (6 print heads in a 3 staggered configuration), the JFX500-2131 achieves print speeds of up to 60 m2/h with CMYK, and 45 m2/h for white ink printing. The printer includes two units of Mimaki's highly-accurate linear scales controlled by an Intelligent Microstepping System (IMS) for fine step accuracy and dot placement. This results in far less banding and the ability to print legible 2 point characters on most media.

Variable drop functionality simultaneously produces three different drop sizes – the minimum drop size is just 4 pico-litres which results in a smooth, natural gradation and Mimaki’s proprietary head control technology delivers unrivalled high definition and high resolution prints. The Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS) further ensures a high print quality with multiple printing passes, using a gradational mask pattern. When this option is selected, UV curing is performed more gradually which diminishes any appearance of banding.

Commenting on the launch of the printer – which is available in the UK and Ireland through Mimaki’s exclusive distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd – its Industrial Products Sales Manager, Mike Lewis said, “The JFX500-2131 is loaded with powerful new features. It’s a highly innovative printer that delivers substantial productivity, typically high Mimaki print quality and some important environmental advantages too.”

Performance coupled with ease of use

Mimaki’s RasterLink6 RIP software is packaged with the printer and features intuitive operation and powerful pre print tools. Conditions can easily be set with related settings consolidated into a single window and the RIP’s colour replacement function enhances the ability to re-create printed images. Selected colours from the RasterLink 6 colour charts can easily be added into Adobe Illustrator swatches and users can simulate printing colours in Illustrator or Photoshop prior to actually printing, saving both time and money in the design and production process.

The RasterLink 6 RIP also simplifies reverse printing – a key requirement for flatbed UV output. By simply selecting the order of over- and under-print with white in the software, the most efficient path is automatically determined without further operator intervention. The RIP also enables simultaneous printing of three layers; made up of colour, white and colour – which is ideal for two way view signage.

The new printer will be available through Hybrid’s network of authorised resellers this autumn.

For more information, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk

Oasis Graphic Co has added a Canon imagePROGRAF iPF9000 large format printer to its line-up.  The new machine produces 1.5m wide graphics using a twin print-head design and the Canon LUCIA 12-colour pigment ink system.  It also has an integrated high-performance cutting device.

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF9000 can print 10 sqm per hour at 2,400 x 1,200 dpi reproduction, producing stable, brightly-coloured images on paper, photographic and sign media and canvas, that are resistant to abrasion and light-fast for 120 years.

Oasis' managing director, Simon Osborne, comments, “We are delighted with the new printer...  It will help us to supply our clients with the best possible output - from proofs through high-quality posters and graphic panels for events through to fine art-quality hangings for installations and exhibitions. We now have three large format printers meaning we are always ready to handle any quantity of work that comes through."

 

 

Roland DG (UK) Ltd. has launched a brand new 64-inch eco-solvent printer - the VersaArt RE-640. 

Priced at £10,999 and offering superb performance and productivity, Roland has once again 'smashed the barriers' to entry to high-speed sign and display production. The price includes a one year RolandCare Silver warranty and an Intermediate Digital Print course at the Roland DG Academy.

“The new VersaArt printer is designed to meet the demands of today’s global marketplace by providing high-speed printing and impressive colour reproduction at an affordable price point,” says Brett Newman, technical director at Roland DG (UK).  “Sign shops and print providers will appreciate the performance features, versatility and outstanding overall value offered by our eco-solvent RE-640. It offers the fast production environment a balance between speed and quality that is unmatched at this price point in the UK.”

Engineered for long, unattended production runs, the new VersaArt features Roland’s latest print head technology for outstanding image quality. The VersaArt’s unique eight-channel print head accurately reproduces the finest details while delivering vibrant high-density colours for flawless photographic reproductions, smooth gradations and superb contrast. A mirrored dual CMYK ink configuration (CMYKKYMC) produces unrivalled colour consistency, even in the fastest print mode of 23.1 m2/hr. In fact, with the new VersaArt, the image quality achieved in high-speed mode equals that of the previous model’s standard mode.  As a result, high-quality prints can be produced much faster. 

VersaArt RE-640 features:

• 64-inch wide-format eco-solvent inkjet printer
  • featuring Eco-Sol Max ink
• Four colours (dual CMYK)
• Roland OnSupport
  • Remotely track production with alerts to your computer or smart phone when ink is low or a job is finished.
• Advanced print head technology for exceptional print quality
  • Variable droplet control produces droplets in seven different sizes to accurately reproduce every detail
  • Mirrored eight-channel ink configuration ensures colour consistency at all print speeds
  • Roland Intelligent Pass Control virtually eliminates banding
• Maximum print speed
  • 23.1m2/hr.
• Easy maintenance and low running costs
  • Automated cleaning function to minimise ink consumption
  • A dual-wiping system effectively removes dust and debris from the print head to reduce maintenance requirements
• Powerful, easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks® RIP software
  • Media profiles that automatically adjust the colour, amount of ink and other factors critical to print quality
  • Easy-to-use interface for quality results from the very first print
• Energy Star and Roland ECO label certified for environmentally-friendly operation and  long-term performance
• Unmatched service and support with Roland DG Care, Academy and Creative Centre

Service and Support Resources

For added value, Roland products are backed by Roland DG Care, providing reliable, world-class service and support for all Roland products over their lifespan.  Roland DG Academy teaches everything from printer basics to advanced production techniques, applications and more.  The Roland DG Creative Centre is an extensive gallery of real-world applications and a great source of inspiration for new creative ideas at the Roland head office near Bristol.

For more information on Roland’s VersaART RE-640 printer, please visit www.rolanddg.co.uk/RE-640 or call 0845 230 90 60.

Océ has announced a new series of eco-solvent printers which offer productivity and image quality improvements over previous models.

The Océ CS9300 Series printers – including the 162.5 cm (64”) Océ CS9360 model and the 137.1 cm (54”) Océ CS9350 model – are next-generation printers based on the Océ CS9160 and Océ CS9050 (respectively) eco-solvent printers. The Océ CS9360 printer was previewed on the Océ stand at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.

“This refreshed line of printers brings more productivity to print service providers that produce outdoor-durable work,” said Attilio Mainoli, CEO of Océ Display Graphics Systems. “There are still many applications that are well served by eco-solvent printers particularly in the growing out-of-home advertising category, which includes items such as posters, transit advertising and convenience store advertising.”

The Océ CS9360 model can print at speeds of up to 29 square meters (312 square feet) per hour, which is 60 percent higher than the speed of the Océ CS9160 printer. The Océ CS9350 model’s top print speed is 27.9 square meters (299.2 square feet) per hour, nearly twice the print speed of the Océ CS9050 printer. A variety of resolution configurations can be selected to suit the job at hand, which can help speed throughput and reduce ink costs. The printers include a standard media take-up system as well as a sheet-off function to accommodate individual shops’ print and finishing workflow. An optional off-board winder unit is available to support volume printing. The Océ CS9360 model can accommodate 440 ml ink cartridges for longer print runs between ink changes.

The Océ CS9300 Series printers include Intelligent Interweaving print technology that reduces or eliminates the typical artifacts inherent in conventional digital inkjet printing such as horizontal banding, step mismatch banding, and the visible effects of missing or misfiring nozzles. The benefit of this technology is predictable and repeatable output quality, giving print service providers confidence that they will be able to print ideal quality images, fit for purpose every time, in the shortest possible time.

The Océ CS9360 and Océ CS9350 are built on the proven Océ CS9050 and Océ CS9160 platforms, each with a robust design and a history of reliability. All four models use the same eco-solvent ink formulation trusted by many Océ customers to deliver durability of up to three years outdoors. Since each model uses only four colour inks and a variable drop technology, print service providers can save on ink usage by using just the drop size necessary, rather than compensating by adding light colour inks.

[picture shows Océ CS9350 model]

Polytype's Virtu quantum series of digital printers has gained customer approval with the company reporting that it has already met its annual sales target in the first half of 2012. Three Virtu quantum 35 engines and two Virtu quantum 25 machines have been sold, with two being installed in Polytype's home country of Switzerland, and a further three going to Germany.

With its unparalleled combination of speed, flexibility, stability and output quality, the Virtu quantum series received plaudits on the show floor at drupa 2012 where it was unveiled to a global audience for the first time. The 2.5m Virtu quantum 25 on the stand impressed with its ten-picolitre print-heads, which allow for high-definition printing onto a wide variety of common and unusual substrates.

"The response to the Virtu quantum series at drupa was fantastic," says Sylvia Muhr, Head of Sales, Digital Printing, Polytype. "We knew there was a gap in the market for an industrial and display printer capable of finely-detailed output, and the reaction from buyers goes to show that we were right to anticipate the demand. We expect sales to carry on growing as more of the industry discovers the Virtu quantum's potential."

It is not just the remarkable production credentials of the Virtu quantum that make it an intelligent choice: its low running and service costs and fast support turnaround time make the machine a shrewd investment in the long-term, too. In addition, ink prices are highly attractive thanks to the Virtu quantum's upgraded software, which ensures exceptionally low ink consumption without compromising on output quality.

In a fantastic endorsement of Polytype's excellence in its field, three Virtu quantum machines went to existing customers who already owned one of the quantum's 30-picolitre siblings, now known as the Virtu abacus series. The buying decisions were made following trials with machines from other manufacturers which convinced the companies concerned that the Virtu quantum was best suited to their needs.

"At Polytype, we have a long-standing reputation for quality and service so for us it's not surprising that our customers come back," Muhr comments. "Even where our competitors can offer a lower price, the personal attention of our sales team and service department to every customer is integral to our ethos and we believe that's why our customer base is so loyal."

"With Polytype we are treated like a VIP customer in every sense, but know from other customers that we are treated the same as every other," states Franz Bussman, managing director of MakroArt. "This is why we continue to invest in Polytype's Virtu range over and over again."

Allied Images has entered into an agreement with Roth & Weber GmbH (ROWE) to distribute Scan 600 large format scanners in UK and Ireland.

The scanner's features include an optical resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi, scan width up to 60” and exceptional productivity.  This is with minimal follow-on costs and exceptional durability.  ROWE Scan 600, manufactured in one of the most modern production plants in the world, is a premium product aimed at those who need the ultimate in scanner performance – quality, made in Germany.

ROWE Scan 600 sets new standards with an optical resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi.  It is available in three widths 44”, 55” and 60” and offers automatic height adjustment for media up to 1.2” (30mm) thick.  With its bi-directional LED lighting system and ROWE Dynamic Stitch, Scan 600 delivers outstanding output quality even when the original document is folded, wavy or extremely thin.  Scan 600 has a number of unique features that include automatic glass damage and dirt detection to warn the operator of a problem and prevent corrupted scans, Safe Drive which reduces soiling and wear of the scan glass and increases glass life by up to 500% and hot-keys that can be used to automate user workflow by storing functions such as size, scale and colour mode on a single button with real productivity gains.

Steve Morin, Allied Images’ Managing Director, says, "ROWE Scan 600 is a premium product aimed at those who need the ultimate in scanner performance.  We expect it will meet their challenging and complex needs.  These scanners offer high standards in quality, productivity and ergonomics and offer an optimal synergy with our existing scanner ranges.  We are confident that with ROWE Scan 600 we will expand and gain market share in the near future."

For more information on Allied Images, please visit www.allied-images.com