Core Exhibitions expands into superwide-format with Mimaki purchase
Core Exhibitions has added a new Mimaki UJV55-320 press from CMYUK to its production hub in order to expand its offerings and services
The company has released a new platform of 3.4m roll-to-roll and hybrid printers developed to utilise Canon’s UVgel technology
Print and imaging hardware provider, Canon, has announced its new Colorado XL-series, a platform of 3.4m printers which use UVgel technology to produce flexible and rigid media.
The products have been described by Canon as “modular to the max”, with one model described as a “true hybrid” as the products offer the option for printers to upgrade the machines throughout their lifetime.
The Colorado series and now the XL-series have embraced UVgel technology as an alternative for eco-solvent and latex technologies, in order to help product diversity and new applications.
The Colorado XL-series comprises of two models – the Colorado XL7 roll-to-roll printer and Colorado XL7 hybrid printer – both of which bring the benefits of Canon’s UVgel technology. The series will vary in price depending on region and on the technology added, but Canon has said the pricing will largely follow the same structure as the Colorado M-Series.
The series includes 4,544 nozzles with the option for UVgel White, FLXfinish, and FLXture, the latter two offering the ability to produce creative effects such as matte or gloss as well as replicating textured finishes like leather, wood, and fabric.
Material versatility is another highlight of the series, with media like banners, paper, vinyl, films, foam board, acrylic, and cardboard all printable on the new series.
The presses have been made for demanding environments, boasting print speeds of 70sq m/h in quality mode, 106sq m/h in production mode, and 211sq m/h in express mode, printing on substrates of up to 52mm thick for rigid applications.
The XL-series also incorporates new UVgel DynamicMotion Control which helps in providing an agile and precise printhead carriage which moves when dealing with challenging media.
UVgel FullBeam Curing is another new feature of the series, offering a 3.4-metre-wide LED curing array that can deliver UV light dosing across the entire print width, to help produce uniformity and a wider colour gamut.
In a recent media launch of the product, Canon highlighted the continually changing market printers and sign-makers are having to navigate, and the changing role of print and signage in places like retail stores and restaurants.
On top of this, the economic and social circumstances around the world are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to feel safe in the marketplace, which has led Canon to conduct research into the future of print and its products.
In a Q&A hosted by Mathew Faulkner and Jennifer Kolloczek, marketing and innovation directors at Canon Europe, Faulkner talked about the new opportunities that are opening when it comes to products for professionals like online creatives and influencers, which reflects the strength and versatility of the wide-format market.
When asked about how the new press ties into Canon’s recent Future of Print report, Faulkner talked about how consumerism is changing, and how consumers, especially those within younger generations, can no longer be broken into brackets as easily as before.
This means print-service-providers (PSPs) can help to create more touchpoints and experiences that bridge value-driven consumers with brands they relate to.
Duncan Smith, country director for Production at Canon UK & Ireland, says: "For the past decade, Canon has been at the forefront of the inkjet evolution in large-format, with market-leading technologies including the Colorado roll-to-roll printer series powered by UVgel technology and the Arizona flatbed printers.
“Large-format print providers are looking for systems that deliver high productivity, versatile applications, and reliable quality while addressing the challenge of finding skilled operators – which is why Canon is launching our new, breakthrough Colorado XL-series, an addition to our portfolio that will set a new standard in productivity and versatility.”
Smith adds: “With its hybrid capabilities, users can print both roll-to-roll and rigid applications on the same device, using the same ink, the same colour profiles and the same unique features and finishes. For brands, for example, this translates to seamless campaigns that span the full spectrum of applications, ensuring perfect consistency across campaign assets whether they're roll-fed graphics, rigid signage, packaging, or décor elements.”
The Colorado XL-series will be available from the beginning of 2026 via Canon and its accredited partners.
