Hardware

Mimaki’s exclusive distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd, is pleased to announce the newest addition to its award-winning portfolio of large format printers; the JV34-260. Based on the award winning JV33 series, the new model features a print width of 2.6m and achieves significantly faster speeds resulting in higher productivity while at the same time appealing to cost-conscious print service providers. The JV34-260 is available from April 2011.

Mimaki’s new JV34-260 is not only one of the most productive wide format printers in its class, it also comes at a very competitive price. The JV34-260’s high throughput of up to 30 m2/h alongside a host of further standard features allow print service providers to cost-effectively produce outstanding graphics and images using Mimaki’s proven RIP software that is included in the package.

Suitable for all sign and graphics printing requirements, including banners and flags

The sign and graphics market is characterised by different requirements for indoor-outdoor applications. Mimaki’s new JV34 series covers all of these and more. Be it banners, flags or other substrates, the new super wide inkjet machine enables printers to produce outstanding results with outdoor durable or sublimation inks on a wide variety of materials including polyester – while at the same time streamlining workflows.

The Mimaki JV34-260 incorporates two newly developed print heads in a staggered arrangement, resulting in a print speed of around 30 m2/h (at 540 x 720 dpi). Further productivity improvements are gained through the implementation of a range of Mimaki functionalities that enable largely unattended production, freeing personnel and workload for other tasks. Mimaki’s Automatic Media Feeder provides continuous web tension over the whole width of the substrate enabling impressive image quality, even on long jobs. As standard, the Mimaki AMF supports a maximum roll weight of 100 kg.

The JV34-260 features Mimaki’s UISS (Uninterrupted Ink Supply System) which delivers continuous ink supply for long print jobs. As soon as one ink cartridge is empty, the system automatically detects this and will start supplying ink from another cartridge of the same colour. In combination with the optional MBIS (Mimaki Bulk Ink System), comprising of ink contained within two litre sacks; significant cost savings and environmental benefits can be achieved.

High print quality makes for a sound investment

Three variable dot sizes enable accurate and high quality images with smooth gradations even when printing in four-colour-mode. A three stage intelligent heater before, during and after printing ensures fast drying times, as the pre-heater warms the substrate before printing while the automatic drying fan dries the ink even at high speeds so that the media can be taken up directly after printing. A print head height of 2 to 3 mm can be adjusted easily according to substrate and for prints with sublimation inks, print head height can be adjusted according to the thickness of transfer paper between 3 and 4 mm.

This combination of a feature rich printer at a competitive price is something that Hybrid’s national sales manager, John de la Roche is confident will appeal to print providers looking to increase their capacity. “The Mimaki JV34-260 makes a sound investment,” he says. “The proven platform coupled with Mimaki’s production printing know-how ensures print providers will benefit from the increase in capacity and quality that the JV34 can deliver.”

The versatility of Roland’s latest VersaCAMM combination print-and-cut machines has resulted in an upsurge in end users who benefit from more than its metallic and white ink capabilities. The company reports that recent sales have included growing numbers of customers who want to take advantage of this versatile system’s dual CMYK options as well as the alternative version which accommodates a six-colour palette with the additions of light cyan and light magenta.

Although the VersaCAMM VS series was the first machine designed from the ground up to incorporate metallic and white eco-solvent based inks, Roland decided to include other options for its users who need highly accurate standard CMYK output combined with precision contour cutting. The overall speed of producing fine standards of four-colour work across a broad range of roll-fed materials is complemented by the machine’s ability to cut to exacting tolerances so that even the smallest labels and decals can be manufactured.

Available in a choice of four widths, with the largest size being a generous 1.62m, the new generation print-head incorporated into the VersaCAMM VS family has been designed and configured to generate the finest accurate results. Precision rounded nozzles in this head combine with accurate ink firing, with seven sizes of variable droplet enabling smooth graduations, flawless solid colours and crisp, clear text.

This print accuracy is achievable because of head’s arrangement of colours, with a mirrored array ensuring there is no difference in the firing order of the inks. This nozzle arrangement means that the same sequence of lay-down is accomplished in both directions so that it produces bi-directional output with no trace of banding or striping.

This is particularly evident in the dual CMYK option of the VersaCAMM VS series, with high productivity and excellent output quality resulting from the inks’ configuration within the print-head. Aligned as MYCKKCYM, instead of duplicated CMYK in the same order, bi-directional production is smooth and seamless and, with the magenta and yellow inks being situated on the outside of the head, critical red shades are brighter and more accurate.

Users of the dual CMYK model of the VersaCAMM VS have also reported that they can work in the lowest production mode for most jobs with superlative quality and fast throughput speeds. Choosing print options is quick and easy using the machine’s integrated menu settings, with simple settings for bi-directional set-up able to be stored for quick recall when needed.

Another major benefit which applies to all versions of the VersaCAMM VS lies in its contour cutting capabilities. Vital that precision alignment is maintained, even across the optimum width on long rolls of material, all machines in this series are able to work to the most exacting tolerances on print-and-cut jobs.

This cutting accuracy is essential for all sizes of application, and is particularly relevant for users producing step-and-repeat and nested small items, such as labels, decals and stickers. For these, and other applications where tolerances are critical to the finished job, the VersaCAMM VS’s ability to work to exacting precision is proving to be another major benefit to the machine’s versatility.

Roland’s VersaCAMM VS series incorporates the company’s renowned Eco-Sol Max inks whose durability can be enhanced with over-lamination for additional protection, such as for vehicle wraps, liveries and exterior signs. Easy to set up and operate, this versatile print-and-cut solution is available in four sizes, with the VS-640 sporting a generous width of 1.62m, the VS-540 able to handle materials up to 1.37m wide, the mid-sized VS-420 offering 1.07m and the compact VS-300 measuring 762mm.

 

3M Commercial Graphics introduces Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate 8528. This new overlaminate is specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, ultraviolet rays and acid dew common in Los Angeles and other west coast cities. In regions subject to intense heat, these conditions can lead to spotting and other discoloration in overlaminates.

"Our new overlaminate means longer-lasting graphics that stay vibrant, which helps make the most of our customers' investment and can set them apart from the competition," said Tim Boxeth, business manager for 3M Commercial Graphics. "The glossy finish gives that wet-paint look that customers are demanding."

Scotchcal overlaminate 8528 offers customers peace of mind with the industry's first published warranty for horizontal surfaces – two years for horizontal surfaces and up to seven years for vertical surfaces.

 

Atech has launched a new Bobis affordable flatbed multi-applicator/ laminator. 

All signmaking and graphic display companies that work with self-adhesive vinyl will see huge benefits from using a Bobis Multi Applicator.  By using the Bobis Multi Applicator, you will apply a job in a third of the time it would normally take to do the same job manually.

The Bobis machine is a true workhorse and can be used for all types self-adhesive applications including banners, signs, glass manifestation application, colouring of large areas and application on all kinds of substrates up to six centimetres thick. The large flat bed provides an ergonomic work station that is easy on your knees and back – no more climbing and knee bending when applying to very large signs, thereby helping create a safer and healthier working environment for your creative team.

 

By combining products from leading manufacturers Epson and Mutoh, Colourgen has created a very competitive 55” print and cut bundle.   The solution, which costs approx £18,995 SRP comprises Epson’s 64” Stylus Pro GS6000 eco solvent printer and Mutoh’s 55” Kona 1400 cutter

Melanie Enser, Product Marketing Manager for Colourgen, comments, “With increased demand for low cost, quality print and cut bundles, the Stylus Pro GS6000 and the Kona cutter are a great solution for users wanting to produce high quality window displays, decals, labels, vinyl stickers, car stickers, point of purchase material and packaging elements. The combination of the print quality of the Stylus Pro GS6000 lends itself very well to customised indoor print solutions and along with the Mutoh Kona cutter, will certainly increase the broad range of applications that customers can support.”

The Mutoh Kona cutter has been developed with ease of use and cutting quality and accuracy in mind. It offers speeds that are comparable with cutters at the top end of the market, which match the proven quality of the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000.

The bundle is available immediately from authorised Colourgen resellers.

Fujifilm North America Corporation has announced that commercial printer Excell Color Graphics of Fort Wayne, IN, has installed digital production and wide format solutions as part of its strategy to remain competitive since the turn of the economy, which has spurred the demand for short-run printing. In October 2010, the printer installed a XeroxColor 800 Press to accommodate quick turnaround, short-run jobs that are replacing traditional, high-volume, offset work orders. To compete even more aggressively, Excell Color Graphics has also entered the wide format printing space with the December 2010 installation of a Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS UV flatbed press, enabling the traditionally offset printer to produce posters and signage for customers.

"The shift in the economy prompted us to start implementing digital solutions into our workflow to supplement the loss of offset volume," said Tom Parrot, president, Excell Color Graphics. "Currently, 20 percent of our volume is printed digitally, but 40 percent of the jobs that come through the shop is now printed digitally."

In 2007, Excell Color Graphics began to explore how digital printing could impact business with the installation of a Xerox DocuColor 5000 Digital Press, the first piece of digital equipment the company had ever purchased. It was an entry level way for the offset printer to experiment with digital.

The Xerox Color 800 Press has now replaced the Xerox 5000 system and has integrated seamlessly into the shop's workflow because of its 2,400 x 2,400 dpi, offset-like image quality. It has streamlined production with production speeds of up to 80 pages per minute and has also given Excell Color Graphics more flexibility since the device can print on thicker sheets, perform duplex printing and offers a clear ink option that promotes new and creative techniques for unique, eye-catching output that particularly appeals to the company's advertising agency clientele. The device's primary function in the shop is to fulfill orders for short-run marketing collateral including post cards and proposals as well as four-colour printed envelopes that would normally be printed offset and would need to then be converted.

"A perfect example of how this device is ramping up production for us is that this afternoon I received a call at 1pm to produce 100 28-page photo books by 5pm," said Parrot. "Before installing the Xerox 800, I would not have been able to do this, but now I can offer our customers enhanced services for quick turnaround, short-run fulfillment."

A survey of Parrot's customers also showed a unanimous need for a wide format solution which prompted the printer to install the Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS UV flatbed press, which boasts speeds of up to 430 square feet per hour and helps commercial printers expand their business with high-quality flatbed printing. While Parrot admits they are still experimenting with the capabilities of the device and the substrates it can print on, he is confident that the Acuity is going to open the door to new markets as well as offer his current customer base new printed products not previously possible with offset equipment. Already Parrot has seen immediate results, as the Acuity has increased the quality of the posters Excell Color Graphics can produce for its customers with its photographic print quality, precise registration and edge-to-edge printing. In the past, when the shop received an order for a poster, they would print it offset and mount it to foam core.

"While these are large investments, in today's climate this digital equipment will play a significant role in our strategy to meet the needs of the market," Parrot explained. "If I'm going to stay in business, I better find some cool ways to print, and unique substrates to print on, to keep our customers interested. The digital devices are giving us this competitive advantage, keeping us relevant, and are also putting us on the cutting edge of the industry."

"Traditional offset printers are finding ways to remain competitive in this changing print landscape,' said Todd Zimmerman, vice president of sales and marketing, Graphic Systems Division, Fujifilm North America Corporation. "Those who are adopting digital and wide format solutions to their workflows will flourish because they are adjusting their business strategy to the current needs of the marketplace, which are and will continue to be short-run, fast-turnaround, high-quality printing."

Excell Color Graphics has been in business since 1990 with a focus on colour separations and film production. By 1997, the company's focus widened to include print production. Today, Excell Color Graphics operates out of 27,000 square foot print facility.

"Our goal since opening in 1990 up shop has been to provide outstanding customer service and quality work," said Parrot. "The investments we make support this promise to our customers and we are looking forward to what the future has in store for our business as we start exploring new opportunities that only digital printing can deliver."