The first roll-to-roll printer built on new UVgel technology
Canon Europe has introduced the Océ Colorado 1640, the first 64” roll-to-roll wide format printer built on the “revolutionary” new Canon UVgel technology.
The UVgel technology has been developed by Canon to deliver “unprecedented productivity, matched with excellent output quality on a broad range of media for optimum applications versatility”. Working with the attributes of UVgel, the Océ Colorado 1640 has been engineered to the highest industrial standards to produce high volumes of wide format graphics within short turnaround times, says the company.
Productivity
The 1640 has a top speed of 159 m2/hr for applications such as billboards or outdoor banners; and at the highest level of quality for close-up indoor applications, the printer operates at a speed of 40 m2/hr.
Canon UVgel ink is instantly ‘pinned’ on contact with the substrate, which results in a highly controlled and precisely positioned dot with minimal gain. By minimising ink spread and coalescence on the media, the required volume of ink can be printed in each pass, delivering rich, intense images at high speed, says Canon.
The low temperature LED-UV curing system moves independently from the printing carriage, to enable uniform, post-print UV curing that further contributes to print speed and print quality. The cured UVgel prints are instantly dry and ready for finishing or laminating, ideal for businesses handling jobs that need fast turnaround and installation.
Quality
The precise, instantly ‘pinned’ UVgel dot produces sharp images with minimal dot gain and virtually no satellites; while the stable, highly controlled dot ensures superb colour consistency from swathe to swathe.
Canon UVgel printheads incorporate patented continuous nozzle monitoring using acoustic sampling, to detect and correct any under performing nozzles, which “virtually eliminates white lines”.
The printer’s heavy, robust frame, rigidity and industrial components ensure the stable handling of media.
Broad application range
The Océ Colorado 1640 is suitable for businesses producing both indoor and outdoor applications, including posters, banners, signage, POS, billboards, window graphics, decals and bespoke wall coverings.
UVgel is a low-heat process using LED curing, for minimal media distortion and extending the range of printable substrates, such as thin and heat-sensitive media. UVgel ink contains no water, which significantly reduces media swelling, improving dimensional consistency.
Value
Canon UVgel technology reduces ink consumption by as much as 40 per cent compared with competitive technologies, thanks to a more efficient way of jetting ink, says Canon.
The printer’s automation features reduce operator handling time, with a unique dual-roll media system to decrease the time required to load media.
www.canon-europe.com