Introduction of the new environmentally-friendly AQ160 printer using SEPIAX inks at EcoPrint Berlin

The EcoPrint show in Berlin saw the introduction of a purpose-built roll-to-roll printer, the AQ160, to exploit the capabilities of the Sepiax Aquares range of ink.

Following the success of the HP latex printers, the industry is seeing a shift to 'green' solutions and a greater awareness of the impact on the environment of harmful solvents, non-recyclable materials and excessive power consumption. Major manufacturers are starting to consider the introduction of their versions of water-based, multipurpose, ink. For example, Mimaki launched the LX400 at Fespa in February of this year.

It was only a matter of time before SEPIAX Ink Technology GmbH, with some 5 years experience in, and a market-leading grasp of, the water-based resin surface-bonding ink technology, brought out a purpose built printer to use the ink for general sign-making and graphical applications.

In the UK a partnership is planned with Reprographic Technology International, a Canadian-based company with global reach supplying parts and consumables to the whole professional digital print sector, encompassing sheet and web fed production print, wide format plan print, labelling and display graphics. This partnership will provide the support needed to develop dealerships in the UK and Europe, with spare parts being held in the UK.

This is a natural progression for the company's emergent Print Solutions Division.

Peter Barton, EMEA business director for RTI says: "I have been involved in the fascinating new technology of the Sepiax ink now for a couple of years, and I am excited by this new development in hardware. After various successful modifications to existing solvent printers being used in a range of semi-industrial processes, from the production of skis, flooring, room dividers, credit cards and even coffee mugs, the focus is turned to the signmaker and graphic arts printer, who wants to produce a wide range of media on a dedicated machine. This is where the AQ160 comes in. Built in Germany, the AQ160 is a 1.6metre roll-to-roll printer with specialised heating systems to ensure perfect curing of the SEPIAX Aquares ink.

"These precisely-controlled heating systems include pre-heat, underplaten heat, post-heat and even an infrared heating device on the carriage. There is also the option of a scanning 'super' dryer to assist with speedy drying of highly hydrophobic materials. In spite of the demanding heating requirements the standard machine will consume not much more power than a standard solvent printer. Even the optional super dryer is using infrared scanning technology to minimise power consumption. The use of permanent piezo printheads also reduces costs and the consumption of raw materials."

For more information please visit www.sepiax.at