Models aimed at graphic arts markets - including photographic, fine arts, proofing, signage and production.
imagePROGRAF iPF8400Canon confirmed the launch of five new large format printers for the graphic arts markets covering 24" to 60", 8-colour and 12-colour devices. The company said that they have been equipped with a host of new features to deliver superior image quality, productivity and usability.
All the new models use LUCIA EX inks, which Canon claims makes it the first company to use a singular ink set across an entire large format range. The new printers also have what is known as, 'hot swap' technology. Using the one ink system has been chosen for optimum image quality and to ensure absolute consistency between devices. The 'hot swap' technology gives the ability to replace ink whilst printing, providing uninterrupted production and reduced down time.
The 12-colour, 24" imagePROGRAF iPF6400 and iPF6450 are replacing the iPF6300 and iPF6350 models. There is a new optional spectrophotometer with the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 for managing stable and consistent colour that has a switchable UV filter to give users much greater flexibility with their range of media.
Calibration Link allows the spectrophotometer to provide a unified solution to all the 12-colour large format printers launched by Canon in 2012. The company explained that it only needs to be installed on the iPF6450 at one location and users can centrally control the colour management of multiple imagePROGRAF units installed in other sites to optimise output and ensure uniformity of colour.
The imagePROGRAF range is further improved by the 44" imagePROGRAF iPF8400, a 12-colour printer, which replaces the iPF8300.This comes with an increased internal HDD of 250GB and a faster throughput. Also launched are the 60" imagePROGRAF iPF9400 and the imagePF9400S models, 12-colour and 8-colour respectively. Canon is hoping that using LUCIA-EX inks on these models will provide approximately 20 per cent wider colour gamut and that there fast printing speed will appeal to the photographic, fine arts and in-house signage markets.
The iPF9400S's has improved internal technology and comes with an updated print head ink sequence to enable the printer to increase speed while printing – something which should make it attractive for poster production.
imagePF9400SCanon has also developed the Photoshop Plug-In to include a layout function with automated size adjustment. In addition, the accounting, media configuration and calibration software, which is bundled with the new models, has been upgraded as well.
A selection of these new printers will be exhibited on the Canon stand (Hall 3.2) at photokina 2012 (18-23 September 2012). More information is available on the Canon website at www.canon-europe.com.
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