The Mimaki CJV150-107 has been the foundation for the generation of new profit streams for hundreds of print-service-providers across the UK
Indeed, the purpose for which they are designed, vibrant outdoor graphics, remains one of the biggest growth sectors across these three umbrella markets. And despite the best attempts of competing ink types and systems, the humble solvent printer still cannot be beaten when it comes to durable graphics and top end colour punch.
Speaking to John de la Roche, national sales manager at Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s UK and Ireland distributor, he was emphatic about the place this core technology has in the market: “Mimaki has demonstrated its understanding of and commitment to the print, sign, and graphics market time and again, and solvent printing technology plays a huge part in that offering.”
He adds: “Mimaki has an extensive and proven hardware range consisting of wide-format printers and printer/cutters that are compatible with its highly regarded SS21 solvent ink.”
Mimaki’s solvent inks are very reliable and the colour consistency they achieve is all part of Mimaki’s combined print head and ink technology. A technology which has seen them remain at the very top of the manufacturers hit parade since the very early days of the sector’s development. Mimaki’s SS21 solvent inks are solely focussed on creating vibrant, outdoor durable results onto many different substrates, such as uncoated vinyl, banner and canvas.
“SS21 inks perform at impressive speeds, drying quickly and offering a huge gamut, great flexibility and tremendous wear resistance,” continues De la Roche, adding: “Over time, Mimaki has continually developed its solvent ink range based on market demand and the SS21 colours now include orange to extend the colour gamut and light black to further improve detailed printing, plus white ink for strong colours on clear substrates.”
Metallic finishes are also often used to create a premium product and providing decals or bespoke packaging that use a spot silver can help print providers differentiate their product and add to their profit margin. Although a fairly niche area, the demand for metallic decals and vehicle graphics is increasing and the eye-catching effects of shiny silver display graphics is growing in popularity, as De la Roche states: “Silver ink gives print companies the opportunity to greatly add value to their output and print dazzling finishes.
"Mimaki’s Silver SS21 ink complements the Orange and Light Black inks making it possible for users to create metallic images in no less than 648 different colours with a silver underlay.”
Environmentally-friendliness has also continued to be of importance both to the market and to Mimaki, with green credentials holding sway with big brands and their print requirements. With this in mind, Mimaki has achieved Greenguard Gold certifications on its SS21 inks, providing assurance of safety for use in facilities such as schools and healthcare facilities. In addition, Hybrid provides a rebate-linked recycling scheme called ‘Let’s Do More’, giving users the opportunity to have their used cartridges collected and recycled in exchange for free ink.
Over time, Mimaki has continually developed its solvent ink range based on market demand”
Mimaki’s product portfolio compatible with solvent inks is both versatile and impressive, ranging from entry level CJV150 printer cutters at 80cm wide all the way up to the 1.6m wide, super-fast and high quality JV300 printer.
“Starting at very affordable levels, Mimaki’s ‘entry-level’ range of integrated printer/cutters is available in four widths—from the 80cm CJV150-75 to the 1.6m CJV150-160,” says de la Roche. He adds: “The ideal sign-maker’s tool, the CJV150 automates the design, print and cut process, delivering a quality result—whether it’s stickers, labels, vehicle graphics, signage, point-of-sale, posters, canvas, backlit, banners, and much more.”
Also in Mimaki’s range of integrated printer cutters is the CJV300, available in 1.3m and 1.6m widths, giving simultaneous printing and cutting operations with best-in-class print speeds of up to 105.9sq m/h. Its staggered print-heads deliver beautiful, high-resolution printing whilst continuous registration mark detection enables the uninterrupted cutting of an entire roll of media.
In addition to the integrated machines, Mimaki’s JV150 and its ‘ultra-fast’ sister machine, the JV300, encapsulates Mimaki’s very strong solvent printing heritage, delivering intelligent, low-maintenance and highly productive printers.
When quizzed as to how Mimaki has maintained not only its place at the top of the industry over the last decade, and why solvent printing technology is remaining relevant with so many new competitor technologies, De la Roche is emphatic: “Fast turnaround, high quality, and cost of production have always been the priority of graphics producers throughout the UK.
“Mimaki prides itself on its printers being reliable, easy to use and, whilst being capable of exceptionally high-quality prints, are cost effective and efficient. This summer, sign-makers, display graphics professionals and print shops can make the investment in a 1.6m wide Mimaki print and cut package at a very cost-effective level. This includes a two-year gold warranty, RIP and cutting software, 3.5l of ink and a powered take-up unit up until the end of September.”
So, despite the rise of latex and UV curing alternatives, it seems that the continuous development of solvent printing solutions has allowed this once revolutionary technology to remain relevant both for today and the future.
