Mimaki JV400-160LXIf innovative products and technologies is where it’s at then Mimaki’s launch of a complete range of wide format printers, new inks and environmentally friendly solutions for the sign, display and graphics markets will certainly turn heads. The company’s new and first JV400-130LX and JV400-160LX printers feature state-of-the-art Mimaki latex inks and are the first machines to incorporate the firm’s cutting edge print engine. Other ink types are on the way and will deliver a significant number of applications based upon the same platform and include Mimaki’s pioneering SUV ink – available shortly after the new latex machines.
New Mimaki latex ink
Up to now HP dominated the headlines on latex. But Mimaki’s offering, the first latex solution to offer a white ink which sits along side six process colours, may change that.
Latex inks deliver significant advantages over alternative solutions. They need a very low heat to cure, opening up more materials to produce on, consuming substantially less energy and therefore minimising running costs. These new Mimaki latex inks are supplied in 600cc ink packs and when used with Mimaki’s eco-cases, the company claims they reduce waste and allow for long unattended print runs.
Latex ink is an aqueous, resin-based technology with proven eco friendly qualities and zero odours. This should make the machines ideal for installation in shops, education establishments and office spaces – as well as traditional print companies and graphics setups.
Pre, print and post heaters typically running below 60°C in combination with built in drying fans aid the fast curing of the Mimaki latex ink. With no gassing off required, post print lamination can take place immediately thereby shortening total job time for print suppliers.
New Printers
The 1.3m and 1.6m wide Mimaki JV400-LX printers feature what Mimaki term a unique piezo print head, offering the usual advantages over alternative technologies: no requirement for frequent user head replacement, a four picolitre dot size along with variable dot technology. Mimaki says use of piezo heads further supports it’s environmental and sustainability credentials with waste minimised and quality maintained throughout the printhead’s life.
Pre, print and post heaters typically running below 60°C in combination with built in drying fans aid the fast curing of the Mimaki latex ink. Add in the print speeds – up to 18m2/h at 900 x 900dpi – and the firm believes the JV400-LX range delivers a compelling solution across a broad range of applications.
New super durable UV ink
Mimaki’s unique SUV ink set will be available soon after the Mimaki latex range and will utilise the same print engine. Combining the flexibility of solvent with the durability of UV cured inks; the company maintains the newly developed ink delivers a glossy result that is extremely durable and vibrant. It will feature on the new Mimaki JV400-130SUV and 160SUV models and deliver the same speed and quality.
The high durability results from the unique ink recipe – with components of the ink keying to the ink-receiving layer of the media. The link surface is then cured using a UV process which produces a vibrant, durable and flexible finish making it ideal for banner production, pull ups and display materials – or any application where a combination of vibrant colour and a long-lasting, scratch resistant print is important.
Expanding range of solutions
John de la Roche, national sales manager, Hybrid Services Ltd (Mimaki’s distributor for the UK and Ireland since 1996) says: “The Mimaki latex and SUV inks that feature on the new JV400 line-up are incredible launches for the company. The level and quality of R&D that’s coming to market from Mimaki deliver an ever-expanding range of solutions for our customers and with the new models, we’re even more confident of providing exactly what they need.”
The UK & Irish launch of the Mimaki JV400-LX latex printer will take place on Hybrid’s stand at Sign & Digital UK 2012 next month.
Further details on the new products are at www.hybridservices.co.uk
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