Hardware - Wide Format Print

Canon has announced that the imagePROGRAF iPF6100 large-format printer, high-stability LUCIA pigment inks, and Canon media have undergone extensive print permanence testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR). Results show that the iPF6100 printer and Canon media achieved a very high level of overall WIR Print Permanence Ratings for large format printers.

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6100 printer with LUCIA pigment inks (also used in the iPF9100/8100/6200/5100 printers) and a range of Canon media achieved a "Displayed Prints Framed Under Glass" average permanence rating of greater than 100 years for color output, and greater than 200 years for black-and-white output. The Canon prints were also very resistant to damage from high-humidity environments, resistant to ozone exposure, and resistant to water damage, according to WIR tests. "Whether printed in color or made in black-and-white, the prints are beautiful—and will remain beautiful—for a very long period of time," said Henry Wilhelm, president, Wilhelm Imaging Research.

The full WIR report for the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6100 printer, which features California landscape photographer William Niell making prints with the iPF6100, can be found on the WIR website.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, using comprehensive print permanence test methods developed by the company over the past twenty five years, has become the de facto industry standard for most print categories for both consumer and professional printers. WIR’s tests are designed to evaluate ALL of the five major print longevity factors: prolonged exposure to light when displayed, dark storage stability, resistance to unprotected exposure to atmospheric ozone, resistance to high humidity, and resistance to damage by water.

"The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6100 test results from Wilhelm Imaging Research further solidifies our position as a premier provider of quality, reliable large format imaging solutions," said Rich Reamer, director, Large Format Product Marketing, Canon USA. "The combination of vivid LUCIA pigment inks, device consistency and reliability make the iPF6100 one of our best large format printers for the photographic, fine art, and graphic arts markets."

It looks like a big photo-copier, and like a photo-copier the scanning is built in, but it produces wide prints at a rapid rate of knots. Interesting product, or shot in the dark?

Roger Ilgen, president of GEI WideFormat, a Visual Edge Technology Company, has announced the introduction of the new GEI 5636 engineering copier to the GEI WideFormat product line. "We are very pleased to provide our customers with such an exciting new product. The GEI 5636 has innovative features, such as color scanning, paired with ultra-fast output speeds," said Ilgen.

The GEI 5636 enhances workflow productivity with output speeds of 10 D-size prints-per-minute. Features such as an easy-access clamshell design, front copy exit tray that holds 99 D-size drawings, and a color LCD touch-panel interface make this engineering copier truly unique. Changing paper and toner is trouble-free with easy-to-use front loading drawers that house four rolls of 500-foot-long media and consumables are easily conserved with the ability to preview thumbnails prior to printing.

The most exciting feature of the GEI 5636 is the embedded colour scanner. Now, changes and additions or "redlines" are captured and circulated effortlessly. Also, the external 5636 print controller will interface with an inkjet printer for a complete colour copy system. Phil Trembly, national sales manager for GEI WideFormat said, "The GEI 5636 provides the perfect solution for high-volume environments where productivity is key."

At the SGIA tradeshow, KIP displayed the KIP Color 80; a new 36 inch wide colour addition to its line of wide-format document production systems - designed to provide the power of productivity to generate creative, full colour output while maintaining peak efficiency.

The KIP Color 80 system produces lightfast, UV-proof prints which do not fade or exhibit colour deterioration from exposure to light. Users value the fast, economical production of colourful banners, posters and signs. Oversized graphics displayed in hallways or placed in windows attract attention while large, full colour business-style graphics deliver the right message at meetings, sales presentations, and legal briefs. KIP Color 80 prints are ideal for most applications because of their ability to deliver high resolution image quality at production print speeds with low operational costs.

Features include:

• High Quality Colour Images

• LED printing technology system for durable full colour prints

• High-resolution output is true 600 x 600 dpi

• Toner system is UV and water resistant for maximum durability

• Advanced colour management features

• Automatic density controls ensure colour consistency

• Unprecedented Productivity

• Constant colour print production speed regardless of image type

• Print sizes from 8.5 x 11 inches to 36 inches by 100+ feet

• Production class print server provides fast colour file processing

• Four online media decks with on-the-fly roll changing

• Integrated stacking and folding solutions

• Bold, Expressive Colour Output

True 600 dpi resolution enables accurate reproduction of fine lines, oblique lines, curved lines, and small characters without distortion. Mixed fill areas and color gradients are handled efficiently to produce life like results when printing colour renderings and photographic information.

The KIP Color 80 features a unique, high-speed processor which drives the printer with high precision and helps ensure optimal image quality and color accuracy. This advanced processing system enables the printer to handle large volumes of data while optimizing output of complex, high-color images and renderings for maximum readability and color accuracy.

In the world of wide-format documentation, production speed is a key element to market success. The KIP 80 printer offers superb resolution at remarkable speeds, thanks to proven KIP LED imaging technology. In addition, auto-switching media rolls provide non-stop printing for maximum production.

The KIP Color 80 printer features a total of five media feed options: four online roll decks and manual bypass sheet feed enables the printer to accept both roll media as well as cut-sheet media for a high level of printing versatility.
Designed for convenient use in any environment, the KIP 80 is compatible with a wide range of media types:

Bond: 20, 24, and 32 pound

Film: 2 mil Opaque Outdoor, 3-4 mil Polyester, 4 mil Clear, 6 mil Clear Adhesive; 6 mil Opaque Adhesive

Specialty Media: 20 pound Blueback; 24 pound Rite in Rain All Weather Paper; 32 pound Gloss

KIP is committed to product designs that promote environmental health and sustainability. "Our goal is to consistently improve and refine the technologies in KIP products that keep our planet green. The greatest environmental benefit of KIP products is through the actual operation of our products and solutions. Customers increasingly value environmental aspects of products, such as energy efficiency, emissions reduction and the ability to recycle exhausted supply containers. We differentiate our products by integrating such features to deliver a low total cost of ownership and an improved user experience".

Epson has launched two new additions to its Stylus Pro inkjet printer range, the SP7700 and SP9700. At 24in and 44in respectively, the Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 are packed with the latest Epson technologies that add precision, reliability and productivity to a wide range of professional printing applications.

Epson technology is renowned for delivering fast, efficient printing. The Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 are designed to produce faster output without compromising print quality, by using advanced compression and decompression technologies that speed up data during printing. The printers feature the latest Epson MicroPiezo TFP print head, which is optimised to work with a five colour ink set, a subset of Epson UltraChrome HDR Ink incorporating cyan, vivid magenta, yellow, photo black and matte black. The print head delivers perfectly accurate dots with virtually no misting or satellites. Perfect smoothness and detail is down to Epson Variable-Size Droplet technology (VSDT), which can produce droplets as small as 3.5 picolitres.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 produce prints with even more impact thanks to the Vivid Magenta Technology. Vivid Magenta gives a wider colour gamut, which in turn provides enhanced colour accuracy. This is particularly noticeable for blues, magentas, reds and oranges, giving prints a more natural and life-like appearance. The ink set also includes both Matte and Photo black inks, which maximises quality on any given media. The printer automatically selects the optimum black ink to match the media, which adds convenience and productivity to the printing process and reduces cost.

Prints from the Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 are highly light-fast and will retain their colour and quality for longer, wherever they are used. The specifically formatted pigment inks are water-resistant and have excellent colour stability, for long-lasting prints which are dry and stable very shortly after emerging from the printer.

There is a range of features of the Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 which makes the printing process as easy and as flexible as possible. Fast network connection, clear control and straightforward operation and maintenance are built in. The high-visibility 320x200 pixel control panel screen shows all aspects of the printer from ink levels and quick cleaning to paper cutting and job cancellation. Barcode printing is a way to keep track of media during changes and can eliminate misprints due to lack of media. The new spindle-less flange system makes changing roll paper easier and takes up less space. It handles a wide variety media types, sizes and tensions and the new rotary paper cutter is more durable, cuts smoothly and cleanly in seconds, so there is no need for manual cutting.

Intelligent software helps users get the most out of the Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 by keeping track of all aspects of printing, streamlining the workflow and enhancing creativity. The new intuitive printer driver is easy to use and can be customised for different levels of information and print and media settings. These printers include the drivers to support the AutoCad HDI interface for high speed and precision accuracy.

Epson's Layout Manager, a new function within the printer driver, enables the easy importation and layout of data created in various applications. Functions such as Move, Enlarge/Reduce, Rotate and Fit-to-Roll simplify workflow and reduce waste.

Epson Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 key features summary:

• Advanced 10-channel Epson MicroPiezo™ print head
• 5-colour Epson UltraChrome HDR (subset) ink technology with Vivid Magenta Technology - Cyan, Vivid Magenta, Yellow, Matte Black and Photo Black
• 1440x1440 dpi resolution with Epson Variable-sized Droplet technology
• Handles roll or cut sheet media up to 24" for SP7700 and 44" for SP9700 and 1.5mm thick
• New flange roll holder for fast and easy media changeover
• 2.5" colour LCD control panel with white backlight
• Built-in rotary media cutter enables fast, automatic, accurate media cutting
• Available from December 2009
• Price (excluding VAT): Stylus Pro 7700 - £2,395, Stylus Pro 9700 - £4,795

Certified Roland Platinum Partner printMAX will be joining Roland DG UK on the road in order to show the prototype of the new, revolutionary SolJet PRO III XC-540MT metallic inkjet printer, before it’s even released in the UK.

Alongside this exciting new technology, the roadshow will also feature the new SP-i series of affordable VersaCAMMs and the AdvancedJET AJ-740i for all of those who are producing high volume prints onto banner, mesh, vinyl etc, with these machines cited as being applicable to any sign and display print producer looking looking to save money and increase production.

The new and improved VersaUV LEC-330 will also be on show to demonstrate the amazing textures and special effects that can add real value to your print production portfolio, as well as its fantastic CMYK + White + Gloss proofing capabilities.

printMAX are also offering all pre-registered Roadshow visitors a media swatch book with matched profiles for all Roland machines. Those interested can register online on the printMAX website.

 

Roadshow venues:

Holiday Inn Southampton - Tuesday 20th October
Avon Suite, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1HJ

Hilton London Kensington - Wednesday 21st October
Kensington Suite, 179 – 199 Holland Park Avenue, London, W11 4UL

Haydock Racecourse - Tuesday 3rd November
Sprint Cut Bar, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 0HQ

Hilton Strathclyde Hotel - Thursday 5th November
The John Logie Baird Suite, Phoenix Crescent, Bellshill, Strathclyde, ML4 3JQ

Don't miss out on your chance to join printMAX at the Roland Roadshows 2009 and get the first look at the new print technologies now available.

William Smith is offering the UK sign and graphic industry the opportunity to get ahead of the game in advance of the arrival in January of the latest HP Latex inkjet printer, the 60” (1524mm) Designjet L25500, with a series of demonstrations and viewing days throughout October, November and December.

The Designjet L25500 makes HP’s new environmentally friendly latex inkjet technology an affordable printing option for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Latex water-based ink is non-hazardous, free of VOCs, cures instantly and is virtually odourless. Furthermore, a wider range of print media can be used, including wallpaper.

The Designjet L25500 offers significant production advantages –
•    No daily maintenance is required
•    Increased productivity – e.g. from print to vehicle wrap in 30 minutes
•    Simple user replaceable printheads
•    Constant 1200dpx x 1200dpi printing
•    Outdoor durability up to 5 years laminated, 3 years non-laminated

Environmental benefits include –
•    Improved working environment for operators
•    Reduced energy costs as no special ventilation equipment or external dryers are required
•    Ink cartridges can be recycled

William Smith’s advance viewing opportunities for the HP Designjet L25500 will take place in Nottingham during October and November, and at William Smith’s head office site at Barnard Castle throughout the week of 7th-11th December.

For more information or to book your place at an advance viewing demonstration contact Chris Bradley at

WILLIAM SMITH
Grove Works, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8JG
Telephone: 01833 694707
Website: www.williamsmith.co.uk