Hardware

Having made its debut at FESPA London in June 2013, Seiko Instruments says its new ColorPainter M-64s is impressing the world of wide format printing with its productivity and spectacular print results.

This high-speed inkjet printer with low-odour eco-solvent ink meets all modern production and quality requirements - easily outlined in the slogan “Color on Time”. It has a maximum print speed of 66.5 m²/h, combined with innovative and user friendly printing technology. This complements the new low-odour eco-solvent SX-ink that creates excellent print results for high-quality indoor and long-life outdoor applications.

The guiding principle when developing this outstanding printer was to make it “fast”, “precise” and “reliable”. Seiko Instruments’ engineers carefully and thoroughly reviewed all workflow steps such as loading print media, making adjustments, printing, drying time, winding and unloading media. This resulted in the implementation of more than 100 innovations and features.

Some of these numerous innovations include automatic print adjustment, on-carriage ionizer to neutralise static electricity in the print media, Smart Pass Technology 4, as well as Dynamic Dot Printing and Smart Nozzle Mapping 2 that allow outstanding print results on PVC even at 33.1 m²/h. The remote communication function that allows the printer to be operated directly from a PC, tablet or cell phone via Twitter2 is also a stateoftheart feature.

The first printers have already been shipped and Seiko Instruments continues to receive an 'overwhelming' number of orders for this new M-Series Printer.

Recommended EMEA pricing for the ColorPainter M-64s is €29.900 for the 6 colour configuration (C,M,Y,K, Lc, Lm) and €32.300 for the 7 colour configuration (C,M,Y,K, Lc, Lm, Gy). Warranty is two years for the printer and the pre-installed print heads without any nozzle shot restriction.

The printer will be shown at all major upcoming digital printing exhibitions including Viscom in Paris and in Düsseldorf, Sign Scandinavia, Reklama Russia and at numerous open house events hosted by Seiko Instruments' official distributors throughout EMEA.

The Canvas Print Studio - which was founded as a subsidiary of Interact Repro Services in 2009 by Rafal Sokol and brings its customers’ images and photos to life with the production of the highest quality canvases - has installed a new Epson SureColor SC70600 wide format printer.

The Canvas Print Studio creates stretched and rolled canvases, poster prints, giclee prints and Epson Digigraphie prints – all from the original pictures and artwork supplied by its range of customers including professional photographers, the general public and trade customers – primarily via the company’s website: www.thecanvasprintstudio.co.uk.

Quality and efficiency is at the core of everything The Canvas Print Studio does.  In order to maintain the highest quality, longest-lasting output, the company uses branded canvas media, original inks and premium European pine stretcher bars with wooden wedges.  The company also has an impressive, intuitive, on-line ordering system which enables customers to see exactly how their photos will be cropped and what size will work best.

When the company first started out with its Epson aqueous large format printers, the production process meant that each canvas had to be printed, dried and then varnished to achieve long-lasting quality.  However, with the introduction of the new eco-solvent technology, Rafal Sokol realised he could speed up the production process whilst maintaining the very highest quality output.

He explains, “We started looking at the new ranges of eco-solvent printers on the market which would remove the need for time-consuming varnishing without compromising quality and thereby speed up the delivery time to customers.  I contacted Steve Guest at Stanford Marsh Group Graphics (SMGG) and met up with him at Sign & Digital UK 2013 to discuss the various options available in the marketplace.”

SMGG is a reseller of a wide gamut of printing hardware and the associated peripherals and was able to offer independent advice as to the best-fit solution for The Canvas Print Studio’s needs.  After reviewing the various options available, Rafal Sokol decided upon the Epson SureColor  SC70600.

The Epson SureColor SC70600 roll-to-roll printer can produce everything from exhibition displays, posters, banners, textiles, backlit panels and POS materials to vehicle wraps, wallpaper and labels. It is Epson's first 64-inch (162.6cm) printer to support white and metallic ink simultaneously, enabling creative print makers, specialist sign makers and professional display printers to expand their service portfolios.  The advanced ink formula means prints are lightfast for up to three years outdoors without lamination.

The printer was installed in May 2013.  The delivery process was entertaining as the printer was carried through to The Print Studio’s premises in one piece - although it had to be turned on its side to get it through the door!

Rafal continues, “It was a bonus that the printer could be delivered in one piece as it meant we were very quickly able to get the printer up and running.  We were printing test prints within an hour or so and the machine was fully operational within 4 hours, after media profiles were created.”

Since installation, the Epson SureColor SC70600 has enabled The Canvas Print Studio to expand its product line and speed up delivery to its customers.  Rafal comments, “The printer enables us to offer new, highly creative end-products to our customers and the end result is truly unique output. Our customers are always coming up with new ideas and our ability to offer white and metallic inks opens up a raft of creative opportunities for all sorts of applications.”

Rafal Sokol is using Epson original inks in the printer.  He says, “The eco-solvent inks from Epson are almost half the price of the aqueous inks we used in our old printer.   Not only are they very cost-effective, they offer greater benefits due to the applications they open up and ultimately lead to greater profitability for our business.  The output created by the inks is also much more stable.”

The working relationship with SMGG has also been a very positive experience for The Canvas Print Studio.  “As eco-solvent technology was a whole new printing technique for us, we needed someone who we could rely on to be able to recommend and install the right product to meet our needs.  We were reassured by SMGG that the Epson printer would do exactly what we needed it to do - and that has proven to be the case.”

Rafal concludes, “For The Canvas Print Studio, the Epson SureColor SC70600 has ensured that the next day delivery of quality, long lasting prints is now a reality.”

For more information on The Canvas Print Studio, please visit www.thecanvasprintstudio.co.uk

For more information on Stanford Marsh Group Graphics, please visit www.smgg.co.uk

Canon Europe has announced the launch of two new models within its 8-colour imagePROGRAF range.  The new imagePROGRAF iPF6400S and iPF8400S – which replace the iPF6300S and iPF8300S respectively – are designed to support high-volume production and both now feature the same ‘Hot Swap’ ink capabilities and new colour density sensor found in the iPF9400S (launched in September 2012).

Together, these features ensure customers in production, proofing, photographic and design industries receive superior image quality and uninterrupted printing across the full range of 24 - 60” 8-colour models.

The imagePROGRAF iPF6400S features an optional spectrophotometer to support high-precision colour management, along with Colour Calibration Management Console (CCMC) software, which is now supported on all models in the range. Combined with ‘Calibration Link’ technology, users can manage colour consistency across multiple 8-colour units – significantly simplifying administration. Additionally, in conjunction with a major third party RIP solution, users can conduct colour verification and create colour profiles automatically by using this optional spectrophotometer.

The iPF6400S also features a larger optional 300ml ink tank (in addition to the standard 130ml) and is the final model in the 8-colour range to benefit from a sub-ink tank which allows for non-stop printing – or ‘Hot Swap’ – during ink tank replacement.Additional features, including automatic nozzle compensation, email error reports and consumable replacement notifications make this printer ideal for production environments by supporting continued productivity where it counts most.

Thanks to a larger hard disk of 250GB (increased from 160GB on predecessor models) on both the iPF6400S and iPF8400S, users are able to store a greater number of files and re-print them easily without resending from a PC.

As well as added value software including a Photoshop Plug-in (professional photo printing software) and PosterArtist Lite (easy to create poster software) – which are supplied as standard – all 8-colour imagePROGRAF models now feature Direct Print & Share software which streamlines print workflows by simplifying the printing process and offering cloud-based sharing.

Direct Print & Share affords the convenience of printing files directly without starting an application or accessing the printer driver. It enhances productivity through co-ordinated processing of multiple files and enables batch printing of JPEG, TIFF and PDF files.

“The upgrades to the iPF6400S and iPF8400S are designed to enhance image quality, productivity and usability,” said Yuichi Miyano, Director of Large Format Solutions, Canon Europe. “We are continually listening to what customers need, and expect, from their printers and these latest updates reflect this feedback and are, as always, enabling us to offer even stronger and more versatile products.”

[Picture shows Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400S]

Epson has launched its first direct-to-garment T-shirt printer, the SureColor SC-F2000. With the garment printing market expected to be worth over €200 million by 2014, small to medium businesses can benefit from the SureColor SC-F2000’s revenue-generating features. Combined with high performance, low maintenance and running costs, it enables businesses to offer a new t-shirt design and print service.

Online t-shirt shops, production t-shirt printers and even corporate users will benefit from the SC-F2000, as its ink is crack resistant and is soft against skin. Users can configure the system to suit their needs by choosing from two sets of CMYK ink for white garments or CMYK with up to four white inks for coloured garments.

Garment Creator software by Epson is bundled with the package, which includes a cost calculation function, allowing you to estimate the print cost by calculating the amount and cost of the ink used for each print job. This can be beneficial if you want to set a tax rate or discount. This design software enables designers to unleash their creativity and easily produce customised, eye-catching designs on t-shirts, caps and bags up to 25mm thick.

Martin Johns, market development manager, Epson UK, says: “Unique to this industry, this is the first system where a printhead, ink and chassis have been designed and manufactured by a single brand. The hardware and ink are designed to work together and users benefit from the reliability and high-quality output that Epson is renowned for.”

“As well as enjoying the new revenue stream, they can be assured that Epson has applied its years of print knowledge and know-how to deliver an eco-friendly device that excels in performance and delivers low running costs.”

Featuring Epson’s durable TFP printhead, the SC-F2000 is capable of printing a single white t-shirt in 27 seconds when using dual colour mode and a dark coloured t-shirt in 111 seconds, using white and colour ink, so production is quick without sacrificing print quality.

When used in conjunction with Epson’s UltraChrome DG Ink (available in 250 or 600ml cartridges), the SureColor SC-F2000 excels on dark fabric, because its white ink is tough. The white ink is circulated within the system and has been designed to reduce clogging, which increases productivity, allowing deadlines to be met consistently.

The SC-F2000 offers a resolution of up to 1440x1440dpi for accurate dot shape and placement, while its wide colour gamut produces vibrant colours, sharp contours and smooth gradations.

Despite its ability to create a lasting visual impact, Epson's UltraChrome DG ink is kind to those it comes into contact with. The eco-friendly ink has been awarded a part certification from Oeko-Tex® Standard 1001, which means it doesn’t contain any harmful substrates.

The SureColor SC-F2000 is available from November 2013, priced from RRP €20,838.03

Houston, Texas-based visual communications and graphics manufacturer Foxmark Corporation has installed its third EFI VUTEk superwide format printer - a 3.2-metre VUTEk GS3250 Pro UV flatbed/roll printer installed with a new EFI Fiery proServer.

Almost immediately after completing the installation in mid July, the company hit the ground running for the printer's very first job: a 50x200-foot sign from the Houston Rockets to welcome the basketball team's newly signed superstar center, Dwight Howard.

"There is a lot of excitement about this signing in Houston and the installation is in a highly visible space along Interstate 59, so we were glad when we learned about the job," said Foxmark's president and founder, Richard Fox. "We knew we wanted the added capacity and speed we could get with the 3.2-metre, UV VUTEk printer, and installation went smoothly enough that we could meet a tight production deadline."

Foxmark started printing panels for the sign in Fast-4™ production mode on a Monday evening. The following morning, an installation crew began installing the panels using two 120-foot boom lifts. Foxmark continued printing while the installers worked.

The sign, which features an image of Howard and teammate James Harden, took approximately three days to print and install. It was completed just weeks after Howard signed with the team, and local basketball fans could not help but take notice. One basketball blogger joked that, "You'll find [the sign] adorning the side of Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center, but it also might be visible from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere if you look in the right direction."

In addition to being an official graphics provider for the Rockets, Foxmark produces out-of-home, point-of-purchase, in-store retail, architectural and fleet vehicle graphics for national consumer brands, as well as for leading firms in the oil and gas industry. The new VUTEk GS3250 Pro helps Foxmark meet growing demand from these clients for fast-turnaround, high-quality, UV curable inkjet graphics.

Foxmark has had an all-VUTEk production operation for nine years: In addition to the new printer, the company also operates a 2-metre EFI VUTEk QS2000 printer and an EFI VUTEk 3360 printer. The company used its VUTEk printers to complete several additional highly visible, tight-deadline installations featuring Dwight Howard this summer, including new graphics installations adorning the Rockets' home arena, Toyota Center.

Fox said he uses EFI VUTEk printers because of their proven reliability. Plus, he added, "EFI stays ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and support."

Foxmark has also used 3M products exclusively since it was founded 18 years ago and is one of 23 authorised 3M Scotchprint® graphics manufacturers in the country. The company completed 3M™ MCS™ Warranty certification and prints all of its graphics using 3M media and co-branded EFI VUTEk 3M ink, ensuring that its output is eligible for warranty coverage.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250 Pro UV printer, which prints in eight colours, plus white ink, extends users' capabilities by providing exceptional image quality in resolutions up to 1,000 dots per inch. The printer also offers a broad colour gamut and fast production speeds up to 2,400 ft2/hour. With the new printer, Foxmark is more competitive on a wider range of premium jobs, including exhibition graphics, banners, posters, fine art and point-of-purchase work.

A variable-drop greyscale feature on the printer helps extend users' reach into more lucrative, higher-volume jobs at a lower total cost of ownership. And, EFI's unique, three-layer white capabilities on the VUTEk GS3250 Pro offer the added benefit of superior imaging on high-impact, backlit displays.

Foxmark's new Fiery proServer includes a parallel-processing production RIP and comprehensive colour management tools, as well as default media profiles, pre-installed presets and other features that make it easy to create automated workflows. As a result of the Fiery proServer installation, "Our RIP speeds have increased dramatically," said Fox.

The proServer's seamless JDF integration with Foxmark's VUTEk printers also gives the company the power to accurately manage important printer and media-related settings like printing mode, carriage speed, curing and shutter modes while providing real-time printer status, job status and consumable usage updates.

"Richard Fox and his team will stop at nothing to deliver the very best to their customers, so it means a lot to us that Foxmark relies on EFI to produce high-quality, quick-turnaround work," said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and general manager of EFI's Inkjet Solutions. "The first job Foxmark created with its new VUTEk printer is a highly visible, buzz-worthy ad that exemplifies how printing companies use our technology to enhance and promote their clients' brands."

HP has expanded its Designjet Z-series portfolio with the launch of the HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter.  The multi-roll, large-format ePrinter has been designed to help copy shops increase their print offerings and address a wider range of requests without a large capital investment.

Copy shops often fulfil urgent and diverse print requests, so they depend on solutions that can produce a large variety of applications quickly and efficiently without compromising quality. The HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter helps copy shops respond to these demands. 

The 44-inch device is ideal for printing large-format applications with high image quality, such as posters, photos, canvases, backlit prints, indoor signs, point-of-sale posters, line drawings and maps. The HP ePrinter provides fast delivery of completed print projects with two-roll media and automatic switching features. This increases productivity by reducing time spent changing media as well as downtime in between multiple print jobs.

Copy shop customers expect quick turnaround times and prints with consistent colour tones and image quality. The HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter features HP Multi-Dimensional Smart Drop Placement Technology, which provides increased levels of colour accuracy for reliable operation. Based on automatic drop detection and intelligent masking capabilities, the technology detects then corrects ink placement errors during printing to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

“In this highly competitive industry, the HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter enables us to expand our in-house print capabilities with a wide variety of high-quality colour applications,” said Brandon Harrop, art director, Express Imaging. “We can now complete print jobs faster with the printer’s two-roll media feature and expect to triple our business with a wider variety of print offerings.”

Driving business growth with increased efficiency and durability

Copy shops can employ HP Instant Printing PRO to preview, crop and easily print PDF, PostScript, HP-GL/2, TIFF and JPEG files. Additionally, the web-connected HP Designjet Z5400 features automatic software updates, USB flash drive or email printing, as well as a colour touch screen and print preview for quick checking of prints.

The HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter allows copy shops to produce durable, water-resistant prints that can last up to 200 years. The HP ePrinter uses six HP Photo Inks with three different shades of black to produce quality colour and black-and-white images with up to 2400 x 1,200dpi.

“Our customers are constantly under competitive pressure to differentiate their print offerings and meet tight deadlines,” said Ramon Pastor, vice president and general manager, Large Format Printing, HP. “To help our customers address these needs, HP continues to deliver innovations built to fit the varying demands of graphic professionals.”

Large-format portfolio expanded with the customer in mind

With the addition of the HP Designjet Z5400 PostScript ePrinter, HP continues to provide affordable and easy-to-use large-format printing solutions. Designed to deliver high-quality, durable prints with speed, productivity and efficiency, the HP Designjet Z-series printers includes:

 

• HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer: Ideal for copy shops and print service providers who strive for the highest print quality and maximum speed
• HP Designjet Z5200 PostScript Printer: With eight inks, this device is suited for copy shops that have a demand for high-quality, graphic print jobs with an affordable solution.
• HP Designjet Z3200 and Z2100 Photo Printers: These two printers, with 12 inks and eight inks, respectively, provide high-impact, long-lasting colour prints with a wide colour-gamut for pro labs, photography and graphic design professionals.

For more informaiton, please visit www.hp.com/go/designjet