Canon has released its latest roll-to-roll printer in Australia ahead of its appearance at PacPrint. The Océ Colorado 1640 is the first Canon 64” wide format printer built on UVgel technology to deliver the optimal balance of quality, productivity, automation, application range and operating cost.
The Océ Colorado 1640 is designed for low total cost of operation to accelerate return on investment. Canon UVgel technology reduces ink consumption by as much as 40% compared with eco-solvent and latex printing thanks to a more efficient way of jetting ink, significantly reduced maintenance and by removing the need for optimisers.
Canon UVgel ink is instantly ‘pinned’ on contact with the substrate, resulting in a highly controlled and precisely positioned dot with minimal dot gain and virtually no satellites. 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 ultra high speed.
UVgel ink reproduces a large colour gamut comparable with eco solvent inks, but with the environmental and safety profile of latex and UV inks. UVgel prints are durable, colour-fast and highly resistant to the stresses typical of outdoor applications, while the odourless and VCL-free prints satisfy the highest environmental standards for sensitive indoor uses.
Canon UVgel printheads incorporate patented continuous nozzle monitoring using acoustic sampling to detect and correct any underperforming nozzles, virtually eliminating white lines. This allows for unattended printing and reduces wasted prints.
The state-of-the-art low temperature LED-UV curing system moves independently from the printing carriage, enabling 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 demanding fast turnaround and installation.
The printer’s automation features reduce operator handling time by up to a third compared to competitive technologies. For example, with the dual-roll configuration of the Colorado 1640 it is possible to switch between two types and sizes of media on the fly, for fast production of mixed applications without operator assistance.
Faster than any other printer in this segment, with a top speed of 159 m²/hr for applications such as billboards or outdoor banners, the new Océ Colorado 1640 offers an unprecedented level of productivity. Even at the highest level of quality for close-up indoor applications, the printer operates at a speed of 40 m²/hr.
The new wide format, roll to roll printer is suitable for businesses producing both indoor and outdoor applications, including posters, banners, signage, POS, billboards, window graphics, decals and bespoke wall coverings.
Mark Lawn from Canon says: “With the Océ Colorado 1640, Canon is bringing radical innovation to roll-to-roll printing, offering PSPs producing lower volumes an affordable step up to true production printing with rapid ROI. For PSPs already handling high volumes, it offers a uniquely versatile technology at an affordable price point.
“For a wide range of signage and graphics businesses, UVgel technology holds the key to unlocking their full potential in terms of productivity and applications range, giving them a powerful platform for profitable expansion.”