Mimaki Latex Wide Format printing delivers new business advantage to print providers
By Stuart Cole, General Manager, Graphic Printing Technologies
Print providers and sign-makers are under increasing pressure to grow their businesses while improving productivity, reducing costs and meeting customer needs for fast, high quality and cost-effective output.
They need solutions that not only provide economic benefits and support business growth initiatives, but also offer an environmentally friendly and safe method of printing.
Many print providers rely on tried and tested wide format printers using solvent inks to make printed media capable of quality displays that can withstand harsh weather and outdoor conditions. While effective in producing durable outdoor media that retains its quality finish, petroleum-based solvent inks are not as environmentally friendly as some would want, and require consideration when utilising to ensure proper ventilation and time for the drying/degassing phase.
The introduction of Latex wide format printing offers an alternative solution and the new JV400 printer from Mimaki delivers the superior image quality, speed and reliability needed to handle growing print volumes and reach untapped new markets.
Latex printing offers the significant advantage of producing prints that are ready to finish or use immediately. Removing drying/ degassing times mean print providers can deliver high quality, vivid print in a very much shorter amount of time compared with solvent ink printing.
Additionally, water-based latex ink is odourless and does not release solvent into the environment making it an environmentally friendly and safe printing solution. Mimaki has taken the green credentials of its JV400 latex printer range one step further by utilising recyclable ink sacks so there is minimal wastage.
The Mimaki JV400 latex printer range offers print providers a wealth of benefits. The new printer range runs significantly cooler (60 degrees) than other manufacturers' Latex printers and therefore is able to print on a wider range of materials and can be left unattended for overnight printing. In addition to the lower running temperature, the JV400 printer has low power consumption and is cost-effective to run due to its Piezo print head technology. Compared with competitive thermal ink printers which require ongoing disposal of print heads, the ongoing costs are significantly lower.
Flexibility is also a key factor with the new Mimaki range. The JV400's ink cartridge changeover can be done while the printer is still running, so there is no downtime in production.
The Mimaki range uses Piezo print heads which last considerably longer than thermal cartridges. In addition, the Piezo offers variable dot print heads with a drop size down to four picolitre, which gives better graduations and skin tones.
Mimaki's new latex printers are also the first to feature a white ink set that complements the machine's other colours. It can print three layers simultaneously to give colour/white/colour for perfectly registered double sided clear image print, typically required for window film applications.
The vast benefits of the new Mimaki latex printer range are driving new opportunities for Print providers. While wide format printers that use solvent inks still have their place in producing durable outdoor media, Mimaki latex printers offer an efficient, environmentally friendly and safe alternative.
For more information on GPT and future events, call GPT on 01189 29 44 29 or visit www.g-p-t.co.uk