Mimaki introduces world’s first 64” UV printer/cutter series with white ink enabling four-layer printing

Mimaki USA’s new UCJV Series UV-LED cut-and-print devices are the only 64-inch UV printers offering inline cutting capabilities while featuring white ink to enable four-layer printing. The UCJV Series will make its U.S. debut in the Mimaki booth (4019) at Print 17, September 10-14 in Chicago. The series is available in two models: the four-colour UCJV150-160, and the UCJV300-160 that can accommodate up to 7 ink colours. Each can produce a wide variety of print-and-cut applications offered by many signage, commercial and packaging printers. UV-LED curing technology enables print service providers to utilize an expanded range of media – including many thin film substrates that may be too sensitive for latex or solvent high heat fixation systems. Four-layer printing (for example – colour, white, black, white, colour) available on the UCJV300-160 model offers an enhanced print capability that allows building of layered, transformative graphics for backlit applications. This enables printers to offer something unique – a dynamic graphic that ‘morphs’ its image or colour scheme depending on the light source, said the OEM. This distinctive capability enables production of high-impact, premium-margin output while maintaining low operational costs and reducing production time.
The integrated cut functionality enables volume production of labels, decals, window clings, floor graphics, POP displays, vehicle markings, packaging, prototypes, and more in a single unit. The ability to pre-cut before printing also prevents common problems such as film separation and other issues related to post-cutting on thin materials. UCJV Series prints are instantly cured at even the highest production speeds – meaning users can quickly print and immediately move to finished product, unlike other technologies that require slower production to accommodate for drying time or out-gassing. For many jobs, instant-dry, durable, UV printing and cutting can also eliminate the need for additional finishing, enabling print service providers to reduce time to market while reducing costs.
White ink adds value. The combination of white and colour inks available on the UCJV300-160 model adds value to applications utilizing transparent or semi-opaque films, said Mimaki. Compared to alternative inks such as solvent or latex, UV-curable inks deliver greater opacity with less ink consumption per square foot of coverage, while maintaining image vibrancy and density. High opacity white ink also enables block-out printing within a single print, enabling easy creation of window graphics that can be viewed differently from either side, as in a Push/Pull door sign. These features ensure higher throughput, reduced waste, and precisely registered double-sided graphics with lower overhead costs per print.