Wide-format Technology Debuts at FESPA

At FESPA this week in Cologne, Germany, a global exhibition for wide-format digital, screen and textile print, several companies debuted new products.

EFI introduced the EFI VUTEk HSr press, its fastest production-class roll-to-roll product on the market. It also demonstrated end-to-end workflow automation, 7-picoliter grayscale UltraDrop Technology for near-photographic imaging, new SuperRange Ink and energy-efficient, “cool cure” LED imaging at full production speeds, and VUTEk GO, an innovative monitoring application for the high-end VUTEk HS Pro series.

EFI demonstrated the EFI H1625 LED printer, which gives printers with mid-level production needs the same advantages as higher production LED systems at a significantly lower cost. Thanks to the four color plus white inks that come standard and eight-level variable drop grayscale capability, the printer produces near-photographic image quality, saturated colors and smooth color gradations. The easy-to-operate, low-maintenance system prints on an extended range of flexible and rigid substrates. Its single-pass, multi-layer print capability allows printing companies to offer premium-margin applications with greater profit opportunity.

The VUTEk GS3250LX Pro LED printer with UltraDrop Technology was also on display. This high-productivity LED printer allows users to produce more jobs, and extend their applications offering with more substrates and lower operating costs. It offers rigid and roll-fed printing capability, white ink and single-pass multilayer printing.

Also at FESPA, Xerox exhibited the Wide-Format IJP 2000 with enhanced image quality. Producing wide-format applications faster with spot-on image quality is possible with the new Performance Package designed for the Xerox Wide-Format IJP 2000. The optional package combines patented Xerox technology and scanning solutions for advanced image quality management and multifunction capabilities.

With the enhanced image quality management, more high coverage jobs can be produced faster by correcting streaking and banding that result from variations in print head performance, a common challenge in high-speed, single pass wide-format inkjet devices. Meanwhile, the scan-to-print and scan-to-file capabilities available through the Xerox 7742 Scan Solution allows documents with handwritten notations and amendments to be scanned then printed or filed—a necessity for technical documents.

Meanwhile, HP unveiled the HP Latex 3500 and 3100 printers, expanding its HP Latex Technology portfolio, and grew its digital corrugated offering with the HP Scitex 17000 corrugated press. These new solutions help sign and display print service providers (PSPs) and corrugated converters increase productivity and workflow efficiency.

Ideal for standardized workflows, the new HP Latex 3500 printer handles high-volume, dedicated application production, boosting productivity and helping to reduce production costs. With heavy-duty roll handling up to 300 kg (660 lbs) and 10 liter ink supplies, the printer enables more unattended operation such as overnight printing. Additionally, dual-roll split spindles offer easier, safer handling of oversized rolls; in-line slitters reduce bottlenecks in finishing; and built-in LED lights support on-the-fly proofing.