The Mutoh ValueJet 2638 and 1638
Some matches are made in heaven, and Colourgen’s successful partnership with Mutoh last year has led the company to sacred ground again in the form of Sign & Digital UK.
By taking a stand at the show dedicated to the signage and display market the company looks to ride the momentum of success it has experienced with the Mutoh Valuejet range.
The company will have a large presence at the show with a stand that will be divided into three key product sections, including latest machines from Mutoh, Seiko I Infotech and a dedicated dye sublimation area. On show will be the brand new Mutoh ValueJet 1638X, 1638XW, the recently launched Seiko II ColorPainter M-Series and a range of solution-focused systems, including Seiko II’s Neon Inkset.
The appearance culminates a successful year for the company, particularly with the ValueJet range, which has seen its market share for wide format solvent-based roll-to-roll printers rise from 17% in Q3 2012 to 23% in Q3 2013, according to Mutoh Belgium nv, in the UK.
Melanie Enser, product marketing manager, commented, ‘It takes time and a lot of hard work to rebuild a brand, but this is what Colourgen and Mutoh have done in the UK. With the ValueJet range launched last year, Mutoh eco-solvent wide format printers are proving to be very popular and reliable and this has translated into significant unit sales.’
The Mutoh ValueJet 1638X
The Mutoh ValueJet 1638X, which will be on show in the UK for the first time and includes many enhancements, including simplified installation, setup and calibration for both installer and machine operator. It also has extremely high print quality at high speed and includes two new resolutions: sprint 360 x 360 dpi and billboard 360 x 720 dpi. The new printer delivers even better image definition at all speeds as well as improved cost/print performance and outdoor durability with the new bulk ink system together with Mutoh UMS ink. Also on display will be the Mutoh VJ-1324 and VJ-2638.
The Seiko I Infotech ColorPainter M-Series was launched last year and is also at the show for the first time. Its enhancements include new low odour, eco-solvent SX ink and the integration of more than 100 new innovations and features, such as two year warranty, two ink configurations – six colour and seven colour, smart nozzle mapping and air flow system.
The company will again be demonstrating the Seiko I Infotech Neon Inkset running on a ColorPainter W-64s. The printer uses high viscosity inks and an ultra modern piezo inkjet head to deliver outstanding image quality and no colour density loss at high speeds. Neon inks are ideal for print providers that specialise in signs and graphics for pubs, bars, nightclubs and bowling alleys. The printer’s improved dot pattern enables razor sharp, crisp images at all print modes.
The stand will also have a dedicated dye-sublimation solution area showing soft signage in live production. The area includes a Mutoh VJ-1624W, VJ-1638XW, Mutoh ValueCut and a Kala DS67 heat press. Experts will be available to go through the processes with you and also show the strengths and capabilities of this solution.
Seiko II ColorPainter M-64S
Another important development has been the introduction of Mutoh’s fourth generation of mild solvent inks, Universal Mild Solvent inks (UMS). These inks are specifically formulated for roll-to-roll sign and display printers and intended for long-term outdoor and indoor applications. The environmentally friendly UMS inks combine key benefits of resin-based, eco solvent and mild solvent chemistries. They offer a wide colour gamut, covering 83% of the Pantone colour chart.
Ms Enser concluded, ‘UMS inks have helped protect Mutoh from the proliferation of third party inks. They represent great value, while delivering very high quality and peace of mind for customers.’
