By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Grand format devices allow print service providers to offer superwide graphics for applications like billboards, floors, trade shows, and vehicles. Grand format printing equipment offers several features that attract print service providers including bulk ink tanks, large roll capacity, and increased ease of use.
Digital Output considers grand format printers anything over 95 inches in width.
Grand Format Devices
The Agfa Graphics Jeti Tauro H2500 LED was released in May 2017. With a 100-inch printing width, it prints up to 2,960 square feet per hour (sf/h) and utilizes UV LED technology. The Jeti Tauro H2500 includes 32 Ricoh inkjet printheads, each with four nozzle rows for two colors per printhead. “Gloss and satin modes offer a larger color gamut and enhanced spot color reproduction without the loss of image quality or extra ink usage,” says Todd Murphy, digital imaging specialist, Agfa. The device is powered by Asanti workflow software and can be integrated with cloud service PrintSphere.
The CET Color 5000 UV RTR was released in January 2018 with a maximum print width of 16 feet. It prints up to 2,000 sf/h and uses Kyocera dual-channel printheads with LED-cured UV ink. The 5000 UV prints onto media up to two millimeters thick and is compatible with Caldera or ONYX RIP software. According to Javier Mahmoud, VP of sales and marketing, CET Color, the device is available for $249,995.
Durst Image Technology US LLC recently announced a new printing platform, the P5 series, a scanning inkjet printer that utilizes Samba printheads. “With a five picoliter droplet and higher density printheads, we can offer new levels of quality and a unique price and speed combination,” says Larry D’Amico, director of sales, large format, Durst. The P5 features a new vacuum system with 16 zones for improved media handling. The P5 250 HS is targeted towards high-volume industrial applications and prints up to 2,583 sf/h.
Released in October 2015, the Fujifilm North America Corporation Inca Onset X Series features a 128.8-inch maximum width and prints up to 12,400 sf/h. It includes iNozzle auto nozzle mapping technology for consistent quality and a 25-zoned vacuum print bed for minimal operator intervention. The Onset X Series includes IncaConnect software that provides costing data and machine information. “By designing Onset with the ability to adapt ink tanks, printheads, UV lamps, automation, speed modes, electronics, and software, Inca set a new versatility standard in high-end flatbed printing,” explains Becky McConnell, product marketing manager, graphic systems division, Fujifilm.
The Gandy Digital Domin8tor UV Flatbed was released in 2012. It features a print size of 6.5×10 feet and prints just under 30, 4×8-foot boards per hour. It includes features like auto printhead height, linear motion, and six picoliter sharp images. Printhead cleaning and wiping are completed automatically to avoid manually wiping delicate printheads. According to Hary Gandy, president, Gandy Digital, the Domin8tor is priced competitively at $225,000 for a four-color model. It includes extras like white, varnish, primer, and ten-foot wide roll options.
The Mimaki USA, Inc. UJV55-320 was released in April 2016 and handles a maximum print width of 126 inches. It prints up to 1,184 sf/h. The device features a UV LED curing unit, Mimaki Proofing Panel, dual roll capability, nozzle check unit, and nozzle recovery system. It uses the Mimaki Advance Pass System and includes Waveform Control Technology. Michael Maxwell, senior manager, Mimaki, says the UJV55-320 is available for $78,995.
Released in 2016, the Mutoh America, Inc. ValueJet 2638X prints up to 1,168 sf/h with a maximum print width of 104 inches. It is a dye-sublimation or eco-solvent ink compatible device with automatic sheet off function. The ValueJet 2638X uses Smart Technology and Intelligence Interweave to eliminate banding. DropMaster ink placement technology allows for more accurate printing. It prints with 220 ml, 440 ml, or one-liter ink bags with optional adapters. According to Mark A. Rugen, director of product marketing and education, Mutoh, the device is available for $49,995.
Paradigm Imaging Group released the PIXis ES eco-solvent printer in 2017. It has a maximum print width of 126 inches and prints up to 430 sf/h. It features a user-friendly design, bulk ink supply system, and automatic cleaning and capping system. Marilu Lopez, marketing manager, Paradigm Imaging, says the device is available for $28,500 with inks costing $75 per liter. She offers, “the new PIXis 126-inch printer meets the need of the market segment targeted to users who require affordable and reliable printers of that size without paying the high cost of other competitive and more expensive brands.”
The swissQprint Nyala LED was released in 2017. It has a 126-inch maximum print width and operates up to 2,217 sf/h. It includes nine freely configurable color channels and flatbed with a roll-to-roll and board option. It runs with UV LED technology and features Crash Sensor Technology to prevent damage and rejects. Mike Kyritsi, president, swissQprint, says the device stands out from the competition with features like a modular design, versatility, Swiss quality, reliability, and longevity.
Superwide
Grand format printers allow print shops to offer superwide graphics at fast speeds and competitive prices. A variety of grand format devices are available and designed to meet superwide graphic needs.
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May2018, Digital Output
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