Tech guide: Editor’s picks

Computer-to-plate

AGFA AVALON N8-80

The Avalon N8 is a range of thermal B1 size platesetters that offer new levels of productivity to computer-to-plate imaging. The external drum engine is combined with a choice of imaging technologies and automation levels to provide a customised CtP solution to suit a printer’s particular requirements.

Among its key benefits, says Agfa, are high productivity through fast makeready times, registration accuracy, high quality and consistent imaging, and high levels of automation to reduce prepress operator intervention. The Avalon N8-80 employs Agfa’s GLV imaging head technology, using 512 and 1024 beams to deliver between 32 and 65 B1 plates per hour in a fully automated CtP configuration. Agfa says these imaging heads produce tonal accuracy and uniformity from corner to corner, plate to plate and job to job.

The Avalon N8-80 features an external drum design. An automated lightweight clamping and vacuum system secures plates to the drum.

The Avalon N8-80 offers a variety of automated features, including internal plate punching, single and multi-cassette loading, and inline processing. A drum auto-balance system allows switching between different sized plates.

The Avalon’s internal punching system performs punching for the on-press registration, immediately before mounting the plate on the drum. Internal punching improves register on press and reduces makeready times. Because the punching is done while another plate is imaged, there is no loss of throughput.

By adding optional press punch blocks, imaged plates can be loaded straight onto presses with different punching, eliminating further manual steps and dramatically increasing makeready efficiency.

The Avalon N8-80 can be upgraded in the field to meet expanding production requirements. Using the same base engine, printers can upgrade from an entry level manual machine to a high-productivity, fully automated model by simply replacing certain key parts in the field.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Imaging technology: Agfa Grating Light Valve (GLV) imaging technology

Imaging beams: 1024

Laser technology: 830nm thermal

Recording system: external drum

Resolution: 2400dpi

 

KODAK ACHIEVE CTP PACKAGE

With the bulk of the medium to large commercial printers fully entrenched with automated CtP systems, the focus is shifting towards making high quality, thermal CtP platemaking more affordable to the smaller end of the print environment.

Traditionally those printers who have started out with polyester, violet or CtCP (computer to conventional plate), can now affordably migrate to Kodak’s latest TH5 thermal imaging technology incorporated in both 4-up and 8-up configurations at an average throughput of 16 plates per hour when coupled with Kodak Sonora process-free plates.

The turn-key system includes a Kodak Prinergy entry level solution with PDF batch trapping, along with operator training and start-up assistance for Kodak Prinergy workflow. A tailored Kodak service contract, after the warranty period, offers worry-free operation for the life of the system.

Both Achieve systems are priced well under $100,000 for the complete package, but further software and hardware upgrades are possible. A true chemistry-free plate making system that can be installed in an office environment provides consistent image quality at 200lpi repeatable day after day. The complete CtP and plate system provides not only an environmental benefit through the removal of processing and chemistry waste, but also business sustainability by removing costs associated with plate processing, water, waste and so on.Kodak can also help customers to manage their investment through its Solutions Lifecycle programme, tailoring repayments with flexibility for upgrades or changes in production and equipment needs during the equipment life cycle.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Imaging technology: 830nm thermal

Resolution: 1200dpi or 2400dpi

Recording system: external drum

Screening: 200lpi

Throughput (2,400dpi): 16 plates/hr S speed, 22 plates/hr F speed (1030mm x 838mm plates)

 

MIS & W2P

CMYKHUB WEB2PRINT

CMYKhub found some of its customers (printers) were feeling the impact of online-only retail printers or other trade printers who also run retail print websites. The company felt that unless it could provide a simple way for resellers to operate a web-to-print store, both CMYKhub and resellers could lose some market share.

CMYKhub’s solution was to develop its own web-to-print system for its resellers, Web2Print, which essentially enables any printer to have its own fully functioning web-to-print system – for free.

The printer that is reselling CMYKhub products simply drops its own skin over the top of the CMYKhub Web2Print and to all intents and purposes has its own website to attract new sales and to manage existing ones.

The printer’s customer can go to the website to choose from a large range of print products.

The Web2Print solution offers some 10,000 price points with automated margins. This means that the printer reseller can stipulate an across the board margin or a per product margin. If CMYKhub adjusts the price, for example if paper prices go up or down, the reseller’s website auto adjusts to maintain the same margin.

Web2Print now also incorporates D4P, or design for print, a template based user enabled design system, which lets the reseller’s customers either upload their own artwork or use some of the 10,000 design templates inside D4P.

CMYKhub has found that jobs of lower value are sold more easily than higher value jobs online. This prompted investment in a B2 Indigo digital press. W2P is a great way for a reseller to develop another sales stream with reduced transaction costs. D4P focuses on a set range of products in specific vertical markets suited to selling print online, with what CMYKhub says is the most user friendly design experience in the world.

CMYKhub offers one-on-one demonstrations of D4P and its entire free software range.

 

THARSTERN PRIMO

After 30 years of development, the Tharstern Primo MIS is well used across a broad range of environments, from small to large printers (two to more than 200 staff), and addresses the needs of label, digital, offset and wide format environments equally well.

Primo is an overarching technology with an international customer base. The company says it aims for radical and cumulative long term improvements at customer sites, with initial goal-setting and installation of the MIS just the tip of the relationship iceberg.

Tharstern says its MIS estimating module enables printers to price up almost any type of job quickly, simply and with precision, giving estimators the tools and structure to build quotes, even with the most basic job requirements.

Its Print and Outwork management facility allows the user to compare and rate suppliers and prices, create attributes and submit tenders.

Primo’s ganging facility means users can gang together products or sections of a job, for the same or different customers, and with common materials or colours, on to one production job, even if their finishing processes are different.

Primo offers multi-user and multi-site support which enables each department or site to share production responsibility by prioritising and managing its own workloads.

 

WHIRLWIND W3P

Whirlwind Print has introduced a global all-in-one web-to-print solution, W3P, which will enable print businesses to design and print online, provide custom branded print management websites, create multiple web shops, tap into a broader client base by offering thousands of template options, access online proofing, order and produce print easily.

The company says W3P is an established product, developed in the UK with a tried and tested market, and costs little to set up and grow. Developers based in Silicon Valley are continually developing the software, ensuring it advances with the market and remains at the leading edge of web-to-print software.

There are thousands of products already set up which can be ordered instantly, and secure payment gateways allow printers to process orders easily.

W3P is a global, all-encompassing system which gives businesses access to Whirlwind’s Template Cloud with millions of images and tens of thousands of designs professionally created by designers. Printers can earn additional funds each time their clients use a design from Template Cloud, and save significant time, design costs and money.

In addition to print the system can house merchandise as well as other non-print items.

The W3P solution has an easy to use ‘back office’ which enables printers to personalise their website offering as well as build and manage product templates, all to their own specifications.

Fully integrated back-end technology links directly to a printer’s own system, or

to specified suppliers, from web to order. It is an integrated MIS and website platform in one, all controlled by the printer.

The system is fully supported by Whirlwind and is continually developed to keep abreast of market changes. Launch offers and demonstrations are available to allow printers to trial the system, risk free.

 

Digital cutsheet presses

CANON IMAGEPRESS C800

Canon, one of the pioneers of digital colour printing, has used its 27 years of colour production experience to develop the new imagePress C800 series from a clean sheet.

The company says its latest digital press incorporates a number of new technologies to deliver reliable quality day to day on a broad range of substrates – its new CV (Consistently Vivid) toner ensures colour reproduction is accurate, rich and vibrant. Gloss optimisation technology offers a gloss finish on coated stocks and a matte finish on matte coated or uncoated stocks, while its compact registration technology (CRT) provides accurate front-to-back registration when printing one or thousands of sheets.

The imagePress C800 is capable of print speeds up to 80 pages per minute, and with easy operations, customer replaceable modules, on-the-fly toner and paper refill, Canon claims printers can maximise uptime and improve the productivity of their print room.

With a small footprint, the imagePress C800 is scalable, and offers a range of paper feeding and inline finishing options for varied print room needs. Solutions can be tailored to meet printers’ flexibility requirements, whether it is limited space or the ability to efficiently produce an array of finished jobs such as full-bleed, saddle-stitched booklets and perfect bound books.

Canon also offers a range of print controller options for the imagePress C800, including two EFI controllers featuring the latest Fiery FS150 system, the PrismaSync controller and a Creo controller.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Print speed: up to 80ppm

Recommended monthly volume:

20,000 to 100,000 pages (A4)

Maximum monthly peak volume:

Up to 500,000 pages (A4)

Print resolution: 2400 x 2400dpi, 256 gradations

Paper capacity: Standard 3 x 550 sheet cassettes (80gsm)

 

FUJI XEROX VERSANT 2100

Fuji Xerox says its new Versant 2100 Press has been designed from the ground up with the latest technology to make printers’ work effortless, accurate and more efficient.

Sitting between the Color J75 Press and Color 800/1000 Press, the Versant 2100 Press offers a new level of productivity for its market segment – up to 100 pages per minute, a wide array of media latitude and HD resolution delivering fine details from 1200 x 1200dpi rendering and up to 2400 x 2400dpi imaging.

Built with the market’s shifting emphasis towards short runs and quick turnarounds in mind, Fuji Xerox wants its customers to succeed with the Versant 2100 Press by processing more jobs in a shift and in a day than previously.

The company says the Versant 2100 Press has been designed to help printers to expand their market relevance through a combination of capabilities including performance, automated workflow and higher quality.

With print speeds of 100ppm for stocks up to 300gsm, or 80ppm from 301-350gsm, and auto-perfecting up to 350gsm, Fuji Xerox says printers can produce more than they have before.

Workflow has been automated, with fewer touchpoints, less intervention and greater intelligence with integrated Full Width Array and the Automated Colour Quality Suite (ACQS), a set of colour management tools that automate time consuming tasks and shorten setup times. HD resolution makes for higher quality, so printers can deliver demanding marketing applications in less time.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Colour capability: Four colours

Toner type: Emulsion Aggregation (EA) low melt toner

Print resolution: 2400 x 2400dpi

Continuous print speed: A4 100ppm, A3 52ppm

Technology inclusions: Customisable electronic aligner adjustments (profiles), inline paper cooling module, single-pass decurler, long life photoreceptors

 

KONICA MINOLTA BIZHUB PRESS C1070

Konica Minolta says it has designed the bizhub Press C1070 to meet new generation digital challenges. It has been engineered for print providers and professionals to deliver accurate colour reproduction and registration stability, combined with excellent print quality.

Introducing an air-suction feeding unit to this range has increased the media capabilities and reliability of the press. It can be configured for a range of tasks with a range of modular inline finishing options.

Konica Minolta claims that printers can now expect colour quality to rival offset printing at a fraction of the cost, taking advantage of digital flexibility.

The bizhub Press C1070 offers a print resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi and 8-bit multi-gradation processing to reproduce fine text and thin lines clearly, as well as rich colour gradations. It combines accurate laser exposure controls with SEAD IV 3600dpi equivalent resolution, ultra-fine Dot Position Control (DPC) pixel placement and multi-bit screening.

The bizhub Press C1070 uses Simitri HDE toner with a three-dimensional hybrid structure containing a functional polymer, improved magenta pigment for better reproduction of red hues, and a 10 per cent higher overall percentage of pigment for better quality in solid colour areas. It also features reduced energy usage and enhanced electrophotographic properties.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Print speed: A4 71ppm; A3 38ppm in B&W and CMYK

Max media capacity: 7500 sheets

Max output size: SRA3

Print resolution: 1200 x 1200dpi

Copy resolution: 600 x 600dpi

Max media loading: 7750 sheets

Paper weights: 62-300gsm

 

RICOH PRO C751

With numerous printers using Ricoh’s Pro C751, this colour digital press has runs on the board for improving business productivity and revenue streams. Drawing on significant R&D and customer requirements, Ricoh has developed this press to assist in building up the potential of print businesses.

The Ricoh Pro C751 series can expand product ranges beyond the usual applications by printing onto more exotic stocks using Ricoh’s AC Transfer technology. The company says this technology guarantees high quality on demanding textured stock, flat sheets, envelopes and longer sheet lengths. The ability to print three-to-view A4 output also enables a wider range of products such as dust covers and brochures. Ricoh claims that these capabilities provide businesses with the opportunity to offer high quality colour reproduction on various stocks, creating a differentiator and stickiness with the customer, and in turn commanding a higher premium for products and services.

This press employs a mechanical lay registration system similar to that seen on offset. This is coupled with 4800dpi resolution and an extensive media library, supported by a technology which monitors the print file and supplies the correct amount of toner based on coverage and run length. This, along with a range of advanced fusing technologies, completes the digital press image processing and production quality assurance.

Due to the growing range of stocks available, the Ricoh Pro C751 series is flexible to target numerous engine adjustments for each specific stock, at a customer level, all through the media library. This also includes up to 300gsm and 630mm in length.

Ricoh provides a range of options with software to support specific requirements. Building on this, the ability to produce three-edge, full bleed booklets inline with no manual intervention improves productivity, efficiency and therefore profitability.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Imaging technology: four drum dry electrostatic transfer system with internal transfer belt

Print resolution: 1200 x 4800dpi

Output speed: 75ppm

Max media capacity: 7000 sheets (fully configured)

Max output capacity: 8250 sheets (fully configured)

 

B2 sheetfed

RYOBI 750G

The Ryobi 750G B2 press, distributed here by Cyber Australia, is available in configurations from two to ten colours, and combines print speeds up to 16,000 sheets per hour. Ryobi’s proprietary Smart Make-Ready function is designed to reduce makeready waste and time. This function automatically performs blanket cleaning, plate changing, preset inking and test printing.

The new Smart-RPC plate changer changes plates automatically and simultaneously by synchronising the phase of plate cylinders. The new Ryobi 750 features Ryobi’s programme inking function for a faster start-up to reduce downtime, with a density control system.

It also features a convertible perfecting device, UV coating and printing for high value-added printing. The LED-UV dry-to-dry printing system is ozone free, improves turnaround time and eliminates work-in-progress.

A casting and foiling printing system for anti-counterfeiting print is available to diversify print offerings and add value to commercial jobs.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Max paper size: 788 x 600mm

Min paper size: 279 x 200mm

Max printing area: S type 765 x 545mm, XL type 765 x 580mm

Paper thickness: 0.4mm to 0.6mm

Print speeds: 3000 – 16,000sph

 

KOMORI LITHRONE S29

Komori’s Lithrone S29 has been developed in response to the need for on-demand and short run printing, and pricing pressure. Rayne Simpson, general manager of Komori agent Ferrostaal ANZ says the Lithrone S29 has the capacity to finish ten jobs of 200 pages each in just one hour.

Billed as the ultimate short run printing machine, the Lithrone S29 is a highly automated press which Simpson says gives the world’s shortest setup time. The Lithrone S29 incorporates Komori’s most advanced technologies, including the new Full-APC (what Komori says is the first fully automatic plate-changing system). The press also comes with completely automatic washup of the blanket and impression cylinders and inking rollers.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Configurations: 2, 4 – 8 colours + coater

Sheet sizes: 530 x 750mm

Production sizes: 520 x 740mm

Production speeds: 16,000sph

 

 HEIDELBERG SPEEDMASTER XL 75

The Speedmaster XL 75 series is Heidelberg’s solution in the 50 × 70cm format. This range includes presses with two to 12 printing units and an optional perfecting or coating unit.

Depending on a printer’s requirements, the Speedmaster XL 75 can be equipped with packages to shorten makeready times and boost productivity. It can also be combined with various components, such as Star System peripherals from Heidelberg, for a made-to-measure machine that offers added value and an opportunity to differentiate in a crowded market.

The XL 75 is also fully available with configurations for packaging, security and specialty printers, such as double coating units, rainbow printing, duo presses, LPL perfecting coating models and Foilstar.

Heidelberg says that to date more than 15,000 units of the Speedmaster XL 75 have been delivered worldwide.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Production speed: standard max 15,000 sph, straight printing max 18,000sph

Max sheet size (F format/C format): 605 × 750mm or 530 × 750mm

Min sheet size (straight printing): 210 × 350mm

Min sheet size (perfecting mode, F format): 340 × 350mm

Min sheet size (perfecting mode, C format): 300 × 350mm

Max print format (F format/C format): 585 × 740mm or 510 × 740mm

Max stock thickness: 0.04mm to 0.80mm

 

Digital label presses

SCREEN TRUEPRESS JET L350UV

Of the many digital label presses available globally, Screen’s Truepress Jet L350UV won Best Label Printing Solution in May’s European Digital Press Association Awards, announced during Fespa in Munich.

“It is great to be acknowledged in this way by the EDP,” says Peter Scott, managing director of Screen Australia. “So much hard work and market research went into the L350UV, with Screen always aiming to come up with the best solution for label printers, with features that they really wanted.”

The L350UV is a 350mm web inkjet press with wide-gamut CMYK inks plus the option for white. As the name implies, it is UV-curing so can print on a variety of substrates. A web speed of 50m per minute delivers 16.1sqm of printed labels every minute. Its printheads, delivering a four-level greyscale variable droplet size down to three picolitres, allow smooth gradations and fine detail.

Connectivity to inline finishing systems is under way, and the Truepress Jet L350UV can print reel-to-reel for offline finishing. A corona treater is in development and automated cleaning keeps the L350UV operating with minimal downtime. Operation is easy for a single operator using the touchscreen panel. Screen’s Equios intelligent workflow is bundled with every press, with connectivity to popular label design programmes.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Printing system: Piezo single pass, four tones per drop

Print heads: four step greyscale

Inks: Truepress ink for L350

Number of colours: 4 (CMYK) + white option

Resolution: 600 x 600dpi

Print speed: 16.1sqm/min at 50m/min

Max roll size: 750mm

 

XEIKON 3030

Digital printing in industrial applications, particularly in the label industry, has never been more robust as niche applications such as mould labels, heat transfer labels and folding cartons can be serviced in a cost effective manner.

This increased demand is driven by the proliferation of SKUs driven by retailers offering their own brands and the need to supply regional markets with different labelling requirements.

Xeikon offers printers a full rotary press, eliminating plates and wash-up time between jobs for increased productivity. The 3030 offers a high monthly duty cycle at 1200dpi quality, with an extended CMYK colour gamut using spot toners. The open architecture of the X-800 front end makes integration with a printer’s workflow seamless, without the need to modify existing workflows.

The B2-plus size of the 516mm wide presses makes them ideal for packaging applications, as the presses can incorporate a sheeter to provide cut sheets if required.

The Xeikon 3030 digital press allows converters to enter the market with an entry level press able to print on a 330mm web at 9.6m per minute. This can be upgraded in the field to increase either the width to 516mm or the speed to 19.2m per minute, without any change in quality. Most substrates used on the Xeikon do not require any pre-coating, allowing the converter to use the same stocks as used on their conventional presses.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Process: LED array based, dry toner electrophotography, variable repeat length

Colour configuration: 5/0 simplex, fifth colour for spot colour, security toner or opaque white

Inline density control: standard, automatic density control while printing

Inline register control: standard

Toner: Xeikon QA-I toner

Web speed: 9.6m/min up to 350gsm

Print speed: 190sqm/hr

 

Wide format printers

CANON OCÉ COLORWAVE 900

To be launched in Australia later this year Canon’s new Océ ColorWave 900 pumps out a blistering 1100sqm an hour of colour prints, in sheets 42” (1067mm) wide drawn from up to six rolls, which are fed, printed and cut in one go. This equates to 440 A0 sized sheets per hour which go into a dual stacker for non-stop production. And Canon says this figure takes into account downtime for cleaning and maintenance.

The speed comes from the Memjet powered print engine, and is, says Canon, up to 15 times faster than conventional wide format inkjet printing systems. It prints either nine or 18 metres a minute. It is designed for the graphic arts market, as well as CAD and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) markets.

The six rolls can take 200m of media each, meaning there is 1200m of stock to get through in one go.

The Memjet system outputs a mind boggling 3.4 billion ink droplets at 1.2picolitres per second, which enables the speed, and the 1600 x 1600dpi resolution.

According to Vishal Gohel, category manager at Canon, the Océ ColorWave 900 closes the gap between digital inkjet and traditional offset technology. He says, “The printer provides market-leading digital workflow, productivity, lower running costs and increased flexibility for shorter and personalised print jobs.”

Applications suited to ColorWave 900 include short term point-of-sale posters, supermarket and retail, event graphics and posters, presentations, calendars and flip charts, corporate graphics, general indoor poster applications, communications and safety, technical, CAD and GIS/maps.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Output: 1100sqm per hour

Size: 42” / 1067mm

Resolution: 1600 x 1600dpi Media: 1200m

 

EFI VUTEK GS2000LX PRO

The EFI Vutek GS2000LX Pro is the latest in EFI’s line of LED UV curable inkjet devices. The hybrid printer is particularly suited for sign and display printers, or or and commercial printers looking to upgrade their technology or break into the wide format market, due to its versatility and ability to create new, high-value revenue streams.

Since launching a year-and-a-half ago, the GS2000LX Pro has drawn interest from customers for its LED UV curing technology. PacPrint13 highlighted this, with a number of orders placed.

EFI’s cool curing technology lets printers produce jobs on a variety of substrates, such as recycled and heat-sensitive materials, without the worry of warping or head strikes. The LED technology also means no VOCs, fewer consumables and lower energy consumption, which translates into lower operating costs and greener printing solutions.

The GS2000LX Pro features continuous board productivity, allowing for less than five seconds between boards. It has the ability to change over from rigid to flexible substrates in less than one minute.

Depending upon the application, output speeds can reach 186sqm per hour.

A feature of the GS2000LX Pro is the three-layer white ink technology. This system enables creative applications such as overprint, underprint, spot, underspot, fill and overspot, which are suited for backlit signs, transparent substrates, window graphics and POS material. EFI also offers a specialty range of inks for its GS printer series, including GS-CP inks for superior ink adhesion on applications that require extra ink bond, and GS-TF for thermoforming.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Technology: LED UV curing technology

Print heads: True variable drop greyscale print heads

Media type: Flexible or rigid substrates

Media sizes: Up to 2m wide and 5.08cm thick

Ink colours: 8 colours plus white and three-layer printing in line for image quality

Ink handling: 5.0-litre containers

Max print resolution: Up to 186sqm/hr

Dual resolution: True 600dpi (24pl) or 1000dpi (12pl) selectable

RIP options: EFI Fiery XF RIP & Pro Server workstation

 

FUJI XEROX DOCUWIDE C842

The Fuji Xerox DocuWide C842 was launched in April 2013, with the first public viewing in Australia held at PacPrint13 in May, 2013. Since then Fuji Xerox Australia has sold more than a dozen units of both two-roll and four-roll solutions.

The DocuWide C842 is suitable for printing indoor graphics applications, including posters and point of sale, and also fits the requirements for high speed colour throughput for AEC, CAD and GIS (geographical information systems).

The productivity and image quality realised from the fixed-line head system provides corporates, commercial printers, franchise and print-for-pay businesses the ability to print colour line work, CAD, GIS, engineering, indoor advertising, point of sale, posters and banners.

Fuji Xerox says the DocuWide C842 is the first of its kind globally, with five fixed print heads arranged in a zigzag formation, unlike generic wide format inkjet printers with a fixed print head. The five heads simultaneously produce jets of four-colour ink (CMYK) to enable single-pass printing, for high-speed output of more than 420sqm per hour.

The speed of the device is enough to cover a standard doubles tennis court (260.87sqm) in less than 50 minutes, or an average Australian home (230sqm) in 41 minutes.

A newly developed ink circulating system, which eliminates air bubbles and impurities, contributes to print resolutions of 1600 x 1600dpi.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Print head technology: Thermal print heads, five fixed in zigzag formation

Print speed: Colour or mono at 420sqm/hr

Print width: 1067mm

Print quality: 1600 x 1600dpi

Colours: four colours (CMYK)

Ink type: Dye

Paper handling: Up to 4 rolls plus manual feed

 

EPSON SURECOLOR F7100

Epson Australia announced plans to expand its range of dye-sublimation printers with the launch of a 64-inch (1626mm carriage) model.

The Epson SureColor F7100 will incorporate all the features of the 44 inch (1,118mm wide) SC-F6000 that was launched in late 2013, including easy set-up and operation, a continuous ink supply system, remote status notification and full original manufacturer’s warranty. The new model will support larger media and offer a higher print speed, and incorporate a new, precision media management system for roll-to-roll printing and offline transfer.

The F7100 features Epson’s new PrecisionCore TFP print head with variable droplet size technology to achieve high resolution output, optimised colour control and minimised ink and power consumption. It uses Epson UltraChrome DS ink to produce images that transfer easily with repeatable results. When applied to appropriate material the colour has light stability, and wash and wear durability.

The F7100 has been designed to support a range of digital textile applications, including flags, banners, home furnishings and apparel manufacturing.

It uses a four-colour ink tank system that is refilled with one-litre packs. It has a new media management system with a take-up that features a winding accuracy of +/-2.5mm for calendar transfer. It supports a range of industry standard transfer papers and will print a full roll of media without runing a cleaning cycle.

The market for digital textile printing is set to double every two years for the forseeable future, according to InfoTrends, which says it will have a CAGR of around 39 per cent.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Print head: Epson PrecisionCore TFP print head with variable sized droplet technology

Inks: Epson UltraChrome DS

Ink system: Four-colour ink tank system

Applications: Digital textile applications including flags, banners, home furnishings and apparel manufacturing

 

ROLAND VERSAEXPRESS RF-640

The new VersaEXPRESS RF-640 is designed to meet the demands of the competitive global marketplace by providing a mix of performance and value at a low price. Roland DG says that sign shops and print service providers looking for affordable volume production solutions that will help them increase their productivity and profits will find the RF-640 an ideal tool.

The RF-640 features Roland’s print control technology and is supported by a take-up system which stabilises production at print speeds up to 48.5sqm per hour, with real, day-to-day production speeds of 13-18sqm per hour.

Equipped with the new Roland Ink Switching System, the RF-640 increases productivity by supporting unattended continuous printing. This system allows users to load a back-up cartridge that automatically discharges ink to the printer when the primary cartridge is empty.

Easy to operate, the RF-640 features the new Roland Printer Assist system, which enables users to manage printer functions remotely. This intuitive app can also monitor the printer status and manage jobs comfortably from an iPad. A redesigned front-loading ink cartridge unit provides access to cartridges while minimising the printer’s footprint.

Other key features include media loading levers positioned in both the front and back, and special media brackets that support even the heaviest media rolls as they are loaded in place.

The RF-640 can be financed from as low as $110 per week through Roland Rental, including the bundled VersaWorks RIP program, plus a comprehensive three-year warranty. Training courses are available across Australia, and all Roland products are backed by a nationwide authorised service agent network.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Print technology: Piezoelectric inkjet

Printhead: 8-channel printhead with mirrored CMYKKYMC configuration

Max media width: 1625mm

Max media thickness: 1.0mm

Max printing width: 1615mm

Max print speed: 49sqm/hr at 360 x 360dpi

Resolution: max 1440dpi

Ink: Roland ECO-SOL MAX 2

Colours: CMYK x 2

 

Finishing and binding

DUPLO DC646 SLITTER, CUTTER, CREASER

Duplo’s new DC-646 slitter, cutter and creaser is an upgrade of the previous, and successful, DC-645.

The new DC-646 offers additional features for 21-up business card cutting (in fact, it could cut more on longer sheets). It provides creasing, scoring and perforation along and across the sheet, and offers time or strike perforation across and along the sheet. The DC-646 offers a plethora of functions including slitting, cutting, creasing, scoring, perforating and strike/ time perforating. Its cutting and creasing are comparable to any other device in the market, but with greater accuracy, says Australian distributor Neopost. Current users handle business cards, stationery, menus, coupons and covers for stitchers and perfect binding. Typical users include copy shops, commercial mailhouses, commercial printers converting to digital.

The machine in standard format will handle many jobs, while the perforation, scoring and strike/time features are add-on modules. It reduces the need for a staff member to stand by the guillotine or creasing or perforation device. The inclusion of a saved job functions means immediate set-up.

Benefits include reduced wastage, faster reading to detect the start of the job and immediate correction for digital shift. The DC-646 also allows printers to reduce their volume of outsourcing as it offers many features in the one investment.

 

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Operating speed: 30ppm (

Job memories: 80; unlimited memories on PC

Feeder capacity: 100mm

Paper widths: 210-370mm

Paper lengths: 210-670mm

Minimum finished size: w 48mm; l 50mm

Paper weights: 110-350gsm

Tolerance: +/-0.2mm

Slits: 6 (standard); 8 with optional module

Creases: Max 20 per sheet

Cutter (cross-knife): Max 25 per sheet

Receiving stacker: 140mm

Card stacker capacity: 60mm.

 

HORIZON BQ-280PUR PERFECT BINDER

Horizon’s BQ-280PUR Perfect Binder is designed to handle the requirements of digital print – with digital print friendly processing, quick set-up and changeover for shorter production runs, book-of-one capability, and even inline verification for document integrity.

The BQ-280 also uses environmentally-friendly PUR glue which meets the requirements of lay-flat binding for offset and digital prints as well as coated stock.

The large colour touchscreen features intuitive icons for easy operation. Input book block and cover information at the touchscreen for quick and automatic

setup, including carriage clamp, milling, glue tank, nipping and cover feeder.

Up to 200 jobs can be held in memory and locked for additional security. The automated, sensor-activated digital caliper system ensures consistent measurement of book block thickness every time, eliminating operator discrepancy.

Book thickness is automatically measured by placing the book block into the digital caliper. The caliper slides into position with no manual intervention and thickness data automatically begins set-up. It handles the production of digitally printed books, personalised photo books, smaller sample runs and other ultra short-run work.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Max BLOCK SIZE: 385X320MM

BOOK COVER THICKNESS: 1-51mm

Dimensions: L 1980mm x W 655mm x H 1265mm

Cover weight standard material: 62-302gsm

Cover weight coated material: 105-349gsm

Max cover pile height: 70mm

Max milling depth: 4mm

Max production speed: 500cph

 

MORGANA DIGIFOLD PRO

The Morgana DigiFold Pro, distributed in Australia by Ferrostaal Australia, is considered to be ideal for small digital printers right through to large offset printing companies.

DigiFold has been Morgana’s flagship product since its introduction in 2001. In the latest version the speed has increased by 20 per cent, and Morgana has added a touchscreen, as with all Morgana Pro models, which allows the operator to control all the functions of the machine. Set-up takes seconds, and can be as simple as pressing three buttons – stock size, fold type and the GO button. Alphanumeric memory allows jobs to be named and saved, and with a simple search function they can be quickly retrieved.

This versatile machine has several uses, including as an integrated creaser/folder performing functions in a single pass, as a ‘standalone’ creaser when folding is not required, and as a perforator when neither creasing or folding is needed.

The machine’s increased speed now makes the DigFold Pro a viable proposition for litho printers who suffer the same cracking problems as digital printers. Using Morgana’s patented ‘flying knife’ technology, they can ensure that there will be no scuffing or marking on digital stocks caused by conventional folding methods. Additionally, Morgana’s DynaCrease mechanism will give the same non-cracking crease without stopping the sheet, significantly improving productivity.

The price includes delivery, training and 12 months’ warranty, both electrical and mechanical.

SPECS AT A GLANCE:

Fold options: Single, double parallel, engineering, gatefold, closed gatefold, letter, concertina

Max speed: 6000 sheets/hour

Dimensions: L 1980mm x W 655mm x H 1265mm

Sheet size: 700mm x 385mm

Sheet weights: up to approx 400 gsm including laminated material digital stocks caused by conventional folding methods.

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