DIGITAL: LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS


The white ink upgrade also facilitates applications such as printing on glass or other substrates for retail window displays, creating two-sided or backlit prints and printing on corrugated substrates for packaging applications. 2010 also saw HP announce another printer designed to contribute to the market shift from solvent-based printers to UV-curable and latex technologies, in the shape of the 3.2m HP Scitex LX800 printer.


Epson's Stylus Pro 4900 is a workhorse for proofing environments


which has resulted in a number of awards. The iPF6350 and iPF6300 both achieved TIPA awards, while the iPF8300 was recognised in Wilhelm Imaging Research lab tests for its light- fastness, resistance to humidity, ozone exposure and water damage.


UV conversion continues Another company that was busy in 2010 was HP, which expanded its portfolio of sign and display printing solutions that advance the conversion to UV-curable and latex-based large format printing.


In particular, this included the introduction of the HP Scitex FB700 printer, which made its debut at Fespa. This 2.5m flatbed printing solution can load, print and collect up to six sheets of media simultaneously and offers an optional white ink upgrade kit for speciality applications.


Crucially, the FB700 helps print service providers increase their capacity with quality prints on virtually any rigid or flexible media. The printer is said to offer efficient media loading and the ability to print on materials up to 6.4cm thick and up to 2.5m wide by 3.05m long for the production of durable outdoor and indoor applications, including point-of-purchase displays, tradeshow graphics, interior decorations, banners and furniture.


HP's Scitex LX800 runs water-based HP latex inks


As the largest, most productive HP latex ink device to date, the LX800 runs water-based HP latex inks and claims to set a new image quality standard for the industrial large format market. It features roll-to-free fall, roll-to-collector and dual-roll capabilities. The LX800 also boasts 1,200dpi resolution at production speeds up to 88m2/h for outdoor billboards and 45m2/h for indoor applications.


of automation and robust mechanism make it a workhorse for any proofing environment. One of the bug bears in this industry has always been creating consistent and accurate proofs, but this has been simplified with the Stylus Pro 4900 because of its wide colour gamut. It also takes advantage of Epson’s 11- colour UltraChrome HDR inks and advanced- TFP print head, just like the larger format production printers of up to 44in.


One of the great things about this machine is that it represents a big boost in productivity, with a production speed of 30m2/h and minimal maintenance requirements. Its high capacity front-loading cassette also makes inserting paper easy and automated paper changing means that you don’t have to waste time switching between cut sheet and roll paper. The printer also switches automatically between photo and matte black inks and both are installed to avoid having to stop a print run at an awkward moment. Market development manager for large format printers at Epson UK, Martin Johns, said: “Offering outstanding flexibility to the proofing industry, the Epson Stylus Pro 4900 is compatible with a range of roll and cut sheet media up to 1.5mm thick, including a range of proofing media, presentation matte board, 330gsm traditional photo media, canvas and fine art paper. Users can select a paper path that best fits their needs from a choice of cassette, top and front manual board feed or roll.”


Proof of quality


Another good year was had by Epson and the launch of the Stylus Pro 4900 towards the end of 2010 proved to be quite a highlight for the large format market.


Delivering print quality for pre-press, packaging and design, the printer boasts outstanding colour consistency and accurate colour matching and can reproduce 98 per cent of all Pantone colours. In addition its high level


And finally


Despite market conditions, there continues to be a plethora of new products entering the market, of which there will be more this year. Over the next few months it is important that we continue to take advantage of everything that the market has to offer.


llll www.canon.co.uk llll www.hp.com llll www.epson.co.uk


The HP Scitex FB700 produces durable outdoor graphics Visit us at www.spdi-online.com January/February 2011 l SCREEN PROCESS AND DIGITAL IMAGING 21


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