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Wide-format print technology

With the speed and quality of wide-format print technology increasing every year, Jo Golding asks: “How is the market developing for super-wide-format printers?”

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John Telling, sales director, Perfect Colours

More versatile

Not too many years ago, super-wide printers were the reserve of the richest and largest print companies. However, over the last five years or so, many smaller businesses have taken on super-wide technology. The question is, why? And what has changed?

Firstly, the technology has become more accessible as the purchase price has fallen, thanks to more manufacturers entering the market, and secondly, the need for businesses both large and medium size to invest in technology that helps their large-format offering become more efficient and versatile.

There are few machines on the market that are more cost-effective and versatile than the new InkTec Jetrix LXiR320. Jetrix is the Korean manufacturer that has built a great reputation in the marketplace for quality, service and value for money, thanks to the success of their rigid media flatbed printers. The new 3.2m roll-to-roll LXiR320 was launched this month, and boasts some interesting advantages over its competitors, including the ability to print up to three rolls of media at once, unlike the dual roll offerings from its rivals. Media handling is also an asset, with most other machines quoting only 1mm media thickness printing capability against 5mm for the LXiR320.

This newcomer is no slouch when it comes to speed and productivity either. Results showed 90sq m an hour in production mode and 60sq m in quality mode – figures that seriously embarrass some of its peers from other manufacturers. And unlike other offerings, this 3.2m Jetrix features a six-colour configuration plus a white and can be ordered with single or double heads. A year’s onsite warranty is also included.

Fitted with the latest generation of Konica Minolta print heads, the LXiR320 produces photo realistic printing through high resolution and variable dot, even at the highest speeds. The results, across a wide range of media, are always outstanding.

The UV inks feature multiple benefits for both outdoor and indoor printing applications. UV resistance, high colour concentration and excellent adhesion contribute to brilliant colour printing on both coated and uncoated media, including flex, PVC, fabric, backlit, window film and more.


The print quality can only be described as stunning, showing vibrant colours and excellent fine detail

So, what about quality? The print quality can only be described as stunning, showing vibrant colours and excellent fine detail. Not only is the print quality excellent, the speed and versatility of the new Jetrix LXiR320 sets it apart from its competitors.

The low running costs and purchase price makes this a serious contender for businesses looking to print up to 3.2m wide and needing added versatility and productivity. Considering the unit has only just launched, the level of interest has been fantastic as has the number of forward orders.

InkTec’s Jetrix LXiR320 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an entry level printer that can take on a heavy workload. Shipments start in August 2018. If you would like to know more about the please contact the Perfect Colours sales team on 0845 680 9000 or email info@perfectcolours.com.

We also supply a wide range of other large-format printers from some of the biggest manufacturers in the print industry including HP, Epson, Canon, Mutoh and of course the selection of Jetrix printers from InkTec, such as the new LXiR320. With more and more people getting involved in the super-wide print technology market, there are various options to go with that we can help you decide between.

On top of that we can help print-service-providers with managed print solutions, finishing equipment, software and consumables. We are award winning suppliers of printing technology and have the knowledge and experience to help you grow your printing business.

Affordability factor


Brett Newman, chief operations manager, Hybrid Services

Without a doubt, the super-wide-format market is growing, driven predominantly by demand for printed textile fabric and display graphics. These are popular for several reasons, including their appearance and tactile nature.

They are also lightweight, keeping transport costs low and carbon footprints to a minimum. Textile substrates in general travel well; they don’t damage easily in production, in transit or in use, and are very easy to install and change as required.


The competitive pricing of such a substantial and versatile piece of kit puts it within reach of many sign-makers seeking to bring production in-house

Another recent reason for the rapid rise in popularity of super-wide-format UV hardware is the affordability factor of the Mimaki UJV55-320. The competitive pricing of such a substantial and versatile piece of kit puts it within reach of many sign-makers seeking to bring production in-house and many users now offer a trade print service as well.

The Mimaki UJV55 is a grand-format, roll-to-roll, LED UV printer, that enables businesses to diversify into super-wide printing up to 3.2m wide. It is ideal for printing onto textiles with UV inks, especially backlit signage which has become synonymous with retail and airport graphics, where demand for lightweight signage systems that are easy to transport are coupled with the highest quality print output.

The machine’s innovative, built-in ‘proofing lightbox’ is a great USP that allows the operator to immediately check backlit output by simulating an installed environment to ensure density and quality are correct – potentially saving time, materials and money.

Capable of taking 100kg rolls of media, the UJV55-320 features powered media feed and take-up and can also run two narrower width rolls, side by side, permitting multiple wide-format jobs to be run concurrently.

Benefiting from Mimaki’s considerable experience in producing highly regarded LED UV printers, running costs and environmental impact are greatly reduced when compared to traditional metal-halide UV printers, productivity and creativity are increased and overall ease of ownership is substantially improved.


Outstanding quality


Peter Bray, managing director, Durst UK and Ireland

New applications and services have been made possible as the speed and quality of super-wide-format print technology continues to increase, which ultimately helps to make the consumer’s experience of print more valuable than it has ever been.

As the needs of our customers and their customers continue to evolve, particularly in wide-format applications and in a marketplace facing increasing consolidation, we recognise that they don’t just want to buy a machine. They become part of our development strategy in a real partnership approach. It’s a journey.

Customers tell us they are looking for versatility, outstanding productivity and good adhesive qualities, whether it’s roll-to-roll or flatbed. The super-wide-format market is certainly becoming more competitive. And whereas quality is a given, our Durst users and their own customers know our systems provide the same outstanding quality again and again.


The super-wide-format market is certainly becoming more competitive

When customers visit Durst in Lienz, Austria, or our head office, less than two hours away in Brixen, northern Italy, they really engage with the Durst ethos. It’s a special company producing developing fantastic products and software.

We are recognised for our world-class products and customer-centric approach. Indeed, our new printing platform – the P5 series – is a perfect example of how we work in partnership, using customer expertise as part of our development.

With the first family member announced as the P5 250 HS, the system is targeted towards high volume industrial production, as well as one-offs in offset quality. P5 relates to five core features at the heart of this technology: productivity, reliability, workflow, versatility and print quality.

The P5 is our latest addition to a portfolio of products that are robustly designed to accommodate the requirements of every print-service-provider. We work extremely closely with our customers in the sales and evaluation process to ensure they have the best machine suited to their individual needs, whether that’s roll-to-roll, flatbed or a hybrid.

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