DIGITAL Flatbed Printers
Spoilt for choice
A few years ago, there were only a few manufacturers in the flatbed market providing image quality and high print speeds. Now there is a massive choice, with something for every budget
I
nca Digital was the first company to design and manufacture a moving table flatbed printer for the printing industry back in 2001 with the Eagle 44. Since then the company has produced another eleven machines. Inca’s latest enhancement has been to the high- performance, wide-format Inca Onset S20 UV inkjet flatbed printer.
Equipment now features an expanded gamut capability using Uvijet Ultratone ink to increase quality perception as well as 28 picolitre drop print heads. This means the machine boasts smooth colour transitions, reducing the graininess of light colours and producing smooth skin tones, which is critical for closely-viewed point of sale advertising, particularly for high value cosmetic and fashion products.
Since its launch last year, the Inca Onset S20 has enabled companies to offer print volumes on a variety of materials with shorter turnaround times at competitive prices. Today Inca Onset S20s are in operation around Europe and are now starting to ship more widely, with buoyant sales continuing. With the capability to print edge to edge onto substrates of 3.14 by 1.6m and 50mm thick, at speeds of up to 250m2/h, it also features gloss level control to produce finishes from matt, through satin to high gloss. This brings versatility in the range of products that can be printed, for example display POS, exhibition graphics, backlit/frontlit displays and outdoor signage.
Flexibility is a key feature of the Inca Onset S20 and the ability for printers to choose a colour configuration to suit their business is an important factor in its success. The introduction of light cyan and light magenta expands its capabilities and opens up lucrative new sectors for printers.
Higher print speeds Another company making a name for itself in this market is Mimaki, whose JFX-plus series
10 A post-curing unit increases print speeds for the Mimaki JFX-plus series flatbed UV printer
flatbed UV printers are proving popular. The implementation of a post-curing unit, where printed ink receives a secondary curing after the initial one from the head carriage mounted lamps, means that it is now achieving a maximum print speed of 23.6m2/h. This is 80 per cent faster than the previous maximum print speed of the JFX-1631.
This speed is combined with high quality and the printer is able to produce legible three point text. Mimaki’s UV LED curing also enables printing to heat sensitive substrates, as its curing diodes do not generate excessive heat and therefore eliminate media deformation and colour changes.
Two sizes are available: the JFX-1615plus that features a maximum print size of 1,602 by 1,500mm and the JFX-1631plus with a maximum print size of 1,602 by 3,100mm. In addition to the advances in speed, an optional automatic roll unit for unattended and uninterrupted web printing can now be added. This enables short run print orders to be processed and printed efficiently.
By Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Unattended, overnight continuous printing for large volume orders allows quick turnarounds to be more readily achieved.
The JFX-plus series is able to print on non- coated substrates up to 50mm thickness and two ink types are available to suit different applications – hard or flexible UV curable inks. Mimaki’s white LED UV ink also makes colour print possible on transparent or coloured substrates and in addition, the clear ink from the hard inkset provides a glossy or matte finish.
Something for everyone
Since 2001 when the first flatbed digital printer was introduced, there have been a number of companies following in Inca’s footsteps with their own models. This is great news for the industry because it means that there is something to suit every budget, and with manufacturers all trying to out-do each other on quality and speed, you can be sure of getting a good deal.
SCREEN PROCESS AND DIGITAL IMAGING l October/November 2010
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