LFP - Large-Format-Printing
Mimaki exceeds its expectations at Fespa Digital
Wednesday 03. June 2009 - At Fespa Digital the companys innovations in UV LED technology have been very well received by its visitors. The future-oriented environmentally friendly technology with new benefits captured the attention of the public.
Mimaki Engineering, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, textile/apparel and industrial markets is very pleased about its participation in the recently in Amsterdam held Fespa Digital where an incredible number of visitors from all over Europe and further afield did inform themselves about the advancements of digital printing at their booth.
Mimakis seminal UV LED technology, up to now not yet implemented by many companies, advances digital large and superwide format printing to unknown heights. It enables a choice among a far broader range of substrates that can be printed and thereby enhanced towards the customers requirements. Thus it enables print service providers to print with future-proof technology, higher savings and more environmental friendliness.
In fact, the UV LED technology employed in the UJV-160 hybrid large format printer and JFX-1631 flatbed inkjet large format printer can realise energy savings of up to 2/3, ink savings as well as an enhanced workflow and higher productivity. Benefits include that UV LEDs in contrast to metal halide UV lamps do not emit high temperatures, only parts of the UV light spectrum are irradiated and they do not need warm up time, faster job turnaround can be realised. Also, UV LEDs do not emit any ozone that harms the environment thus reducing the environmental footprint of users even further. As UV LED technology enables printing on heat sensitive media its use can be broadened to applications that beforehand were not possible to be printed.
Both machines, the UJV-160 and the JFX-1631, have been undeniably the stars of the show. For both machines Mimaki offers two different ink types: flexible and hard UV ink. The flexible UV inks developed in conjunction with 3M can stretch standalone up to 200 % and enable printing on cured ink membranes such as vehicle wrapping using thin PVC and any other curved surfaces such as shutters. Both hard and flexible inks will be available soon with white ink, whereby Mimakis own overlay and underprint technology can enhance images in such a way that brilliance and vividness, especially on transparent or coloured surfaces, exceeds the expectations of customers.
The JFX-1631 launched at Fespa pairs this new UV technology with Mimakis newest microstepping dot placement (IMS – Intelligent Microstepping System) and other inventions. With a print area of up to 1,602 mm (63.1″) x 3,100 mm (122″) and media height up to 50 mm the JFX-1631 can achieve twice the speed of its predecessor, the JF family. Due to newest state-of-the-art technology and the incorporation of eight new print heads the JFX-1631 enhances productivity and efficiency at print service providers.
Mimakis paramount position within UV inkjet technology was underlined by the presentation of its hybrid award winning UV LED curing printer UJV-160. The printer accommodates heat sensitive roll and rigid media. Both applications, roll-to-roll and flatbed printing have been shown at the booth. The UJV-160 flatbed printer has been accompanied by the CF2 Series flatbed cutting plotter presenting an effective print and cut workflow for rigid media up to 1 cm thickness, such as POP displays. The CF2 is equipped with an optical sensor that allows for accurate contour cutting of printed images.
Highly successful and much appreciated has been the recently introduced CJV30 Series displayed at Mimakis booth. The unique range (60, 100, 130, 160cm) of integrated print and cut solutions brings great choice and flexibility for signmakers, copyshops, screenprinters and other print companies.
With the super-wide format model JV33-260, also recently launched, Mimaki underlined its commitment to offer the broadest technology portfolio in large format printing. The “big sister” of the triumphant JV33-130/-160 large format inkjet printers enables printing either with solvent or dye sublimation inks, catering to different markets while at the same time providing print service providers with an attractive solution to their diverse requirements. The JV33-260 is equipped with the new AMF (Automatic Media Feeder) exerting exact tension control over the whole printing width of 2.6 m even when using roll-based substrates of up to 100 kg.
In two widths, the JV5 family of printers presented itself. This ultrahigh speed Series excels in producing vivid accurate images with speeds of up to 42 sqm/h (3.2 m width model) and is widely chosen for its productive features such as the staggered head arrangement, Uninterrupted Ink Supply System (UISS), nozzle failure detection and high print quality.
As a pioneer in cutting plotters designed for sign making and graphic arts, Mimaki presented the new highly competitively priced CG-SRII Series, available in two sizes (1070 and 1370 mm). This Series combines new functionalities with uncompromising cutting capabilities to offer customers great value at an affordable price. It is equipped with an optical eye for accurate contour cutting as well as the new RSC function. The RSC (Real time Stroke Control) function detects cutting strokes during cutting and adjusts the strength of the strokes, thus maintaining constant cutting pressure.
The UJF-C Series enables UV printing on rigid materials up to 50 mm thickness, no matter the surface. This way membrane switches, ID-cards, golf balls, pens, buttons, phones, computers and other gift items as well as ceramics, acrylics, glass, tiles, wood, metal or plastic can be printed upon with 6 colors plus white and clear. With a resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi many industrial applications including markings, institutional signage, ad specialities and lots of other products stand out and deliver exceptional results. For printing on very thin and delicate media, roll-to-roll as well as rigid, the UJF-R Series has been on display. This machine, also printing at a resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, enables proofing and short run production on original media used in packaging.
Another recently added and already successful inkjet printer is the TPC-1000 for apparel printing. The TPC-1000 is based upon the CJV30 Series that can use two types of inks for apparel printing: Solvent ink and dye sublimation ink: Sb52 and Sb51. The use of solvent inks for printing on rubber sheets enables printing of numbers, team names and sportswear brand names, caps and casual wear. Dye sublimation printing with high density dye sublimation inks exhibiting a wider color gamut, facilitates printing on transfer paper for image transfer to polyester sportswear and swimsuits. The print and cut solution allows for fast and accurate order processing of variable data and short run jobs.
“It has been one of the most sucessful Fespa Digital shows for Mimaki and we are very pleased that our customers appreciate our machines as their production tools in order to create vivid, brilliant images that stand out. Our future-oriented technology helps them to broaden their portfolios constantly and thrives their businesses”, says Sakae Sagane, Managing Director Mimaki Europe.