The SGIA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association) Expo set two new records this year in Vegas: it was the largest attended SGIA Expo ever, and it attracted the most exhibitors ever, filling 223,000 square feet. It proved an excellent source for information and networking with current and potential suppliers of equipment and material.
The annual SGIA Product of the Year competition showcases digital imaging products that keep the specialty imaging industry moving forward and this year was no different! Product of the Year winners were announced at the show. Here are the winners in the large format printing category:
Agfa Graphics Jeti Titan HS UV Flatbed (over $200K)
The 122 x 79 inch, six-colour plus white (CMYKLcLmWW) Jeti Titan HS flatbed UV printing system (with FTR option) is equipped with two rows of the latest generation 1,280-nozzle Ricoh Gen 5 printheads for maximum productivity. The Jeti Titan HS combines exceptional print quality and high productivity at a best-in-industry price point. It is ideal for high-value work like POP/POS viewed at close range or for the high-level art, fashion and cosmetics markets
Canon Océ Arizona 318 GL UV Flatbed (under $200K)
The Canon Océ Arizona 318 GL flatbed printer is a highly capable introductory model that offers smaller print producers entrance to the world of award-winning, high-quality UV flatbed printing. It delivers quality printing on the same robust platform as the Océ Arizona 360 GT printer, at a price positioned for light production environments. The attractive price point makes it accessible to print shops and sign makers with lower volume demands, while still delivering all the quality and versatility built into every Océ Arizona Series printer.
Canon Océ Arizona 318 GL UV Flatbed +White (under $200K)
The Canon Océ Arizona 318 GL flatbed + White is essentially the same as the 318 GL (listed above) but you can also choose the factory-installed White Ink or add the Roll Media Option for added flexibility and maximum opportunity in producing point-of-sale displays, exhibit graphics, posters, banners, backlit graphics, and nearly any display graphics application your clients can imagine.
Canon Océ Arizona 6170 XTS UV Flatbed +White (over $200K)
The Canon Océ Arizona 6100-Series is an easy-to-use, high-volume flatbed which delivers high productivity printing on rigid media, while allowing application versatility and reliability. A new 6-colour imaging technology produces ink droplets from 6 to 42 picolitres resulting in superb image detail. Speeds are up to 155m² per hour and are ideal for sign and display print providers with a production potential in excess of 30,000m² per year.
CET Color Q5-1000h Roll-to-Roll UV (over 96 in.)
The Q5-1000h UV Hybrid offers the latest Ricoh Gen5 printhead technology. The single row print head model prints CMYK+WW. The double row model prints up to CMYK+W x2. Both print at a true native resolution of 600 dpi. With the latest Ricoh printhead technology, the Q5-Series is capable of printing ultra-fine variable dots from as small as 5 picolitre to 10 and 15 picolitre, making this flatbed one of the highest quality UV printers on the market today. Hybrid media versatility allows for either roll-to-roll or flatbed operation.
EPSON SureColor T7270 Roll-to-Roll Aqueous (under 96 in.)
The Epson SureColor T7270 is a newcomer to the technical printing market. The Epson T7270 44in is a single or dual roll printer capable of producing precise technical drawings, graphic posters, and retail signage at high speeds. The T7270 is equipped with Epson’s latest PrecisionCore printhead and Epson UltraChrome XD pigment ink. Available in single- and dual-roll models, Epson’s T-Series printers have resolutions up to 2880 x 1440 dpi. In addition, the SureColor T-Series 36 inch and 44 inch printer models offer an optional multifunction (MFP) module, enabling PC-free full colour copy and scan capabilities – up to 36 inches wide.
Mimaki JV400SUV-160 Roll-to-Roll UV (under 96 in.)
The JV400SUV Series – available in 54- and 64-inch models – combines the flexibility of solvent ink with the durability of UV cured inks. This unique chemistry results in smooth, glossy, scratch-resistant prints that simulate the appearance of being coated, yet retain the colour brightness expected from a solvent printer. The exclusive technology pins the UV ink droplets to the material surface, delivering higher quality images and high speed production, while the Mimaki cool LED curing technology facilitates distortion-free printing on heat-sensitive media including vinyl and films.
Mutoh ValueJet 2638 Roll-to-Roll Solvent/Latex (over 96 in.)
Mutoh’s new 2.6m ValueJet 2638 model will address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution while requiring media compatibility with media rolls up to a width of 2.6m. The 4-colour high speed printer features a staggered dual head set-up with latest generation 1440 nozzle, 8 channel piezo print heads, offering improved productivity. Using Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks, the VJ-2638 will print directly onto a wide range of uncoated and coated substrates. Suitable for indoor and outdoor graphics, this new 104” wide printer will deliver both high quality and high speed. Top quality graphics at production speeds of up to 40 m²/h at 720 x 720 dpi can be obtained.