A 3.2 metre wide print system that is built for versatility.
Users at the upper production levels of wide format digital print in today’s market are not content with just having a machine that produces high-speed throughput. They need versatility that does not compromise production rates, plus the flexibility to be able to work with a wide range of rigid substrates and flexible, roll-fed materials in order to increase their margins, reduce down-time and speed up daily turnaround. The need for volume in terms of prints per shift, per day or per week is no longer governed by repeatability and today’s print service providers now demand the ability to able to maintain consistency with minimal make-ready, regardless of run length.
When EFI introduced the VUTEk HS100 Pro its intention was to provide the digital print segment with a wide-format printer that offered high levels of versatility in a single platform. A true 3.2 metre combination machine, its benefits quickly manifested themselves both in flat-bed and in roll-fed terms, and the advantages of efficient material handling and a six-zone vacuum table. Additionally, the ability to print across the long side of the sheet not only has brought speed gains but also enables continuous board production with absolute consistency sheet to sheet.
Since it first came to market, the VUTEk HS100 Pro has proven to be a reliable work-horse that simplifies many of the time-consuming elements of digital print, with high levels of automation available as an option, along with swift change-over from sheet to flexible media. As an alternative to analogue production methods, this digital inkjet press matches both speed and quality while enabling users to factor in extreme levels of versatility by enabling a typical daily work-flow to incorporate short runs in with higher volumes without necessitating time-consuming and costly make-ready operations.
At the heart of the VUTEk HS100 Pro is a tough, ergonomic device that uses EFI’s innovative imaging technology, that is driven by the company’s Orion OS software platform. As a result, precision colour accuracy and consistency are both guaranteed to complement the high speeds and optimal material handling that feature in this machine. Its greyscale print-heads generate superior image quality and PMS colour matching and, with up to eight colours that include the options of orange and violet, wide Pantone coverage is assured. The printer also benefits from two channels of white ink and the ability to produce multi-layer output.
As well as droplet refinement via its greyscale print-heads, the VUTEk HS100 Pro features EFI’s innovative Pin & Cure technology that gives far greater control over dot placement by generating a partial cure during the printing process. This prevents the drops from spreading, restricting unwanted surface penetration and undesirable dot gain as the ink does not spread as it would in its uncured state. In addition to removing the chance of ghosting, this greater control means that final prints appear sharper with improved definition and quality, even with very fine text, and this capability enables users to choose the type of surface finish required in terms of matte, satin or gloss.
Automation has also been key to the evolution of high-speed wide format production with the VUTEk HS100 Pro having a choice of media handling options according to individual business requirements. These include three-quarter automatic media loading and unloading through to fully automatic handling on both sides of the press to minimise manual intervention and to speed up throughput. The reduction of operator handling also reduces the chance of compromising the quality of printed sheets, as well as simplifying and speeding up productivity.
Where the VUTEk HS100 Pro truly differs from its competitors is that it is a true combination wide format printer that provides users with a full 3.2 metre print width across both rigid and flexible materials. Its fast change-over and high production speeds bring true versatility to environments where flexibility from a single printing machine is an essential pre-requisite to productivity and on-going profitability. These features are complemented by a powerful end-to-end workflow, with full optimisation for EFI Fiery proServer’s powerful capabilities, bringing bi-directional communications along with effective production tools and advanced ICC colour management for reliability and consistency, leading to high quality output.
For print service providers wanting the fastest speeds and the highest quality in a true combination device, EFI’s VUTEk HS100 Pro should tick all the boxes. Designed to handle up to 100 boards per hour with maximum ink yield, it minimises waste and down-time, increases margins and releases the potential for higher profitability without compromise.
