Durst Group has added to its P5 portfolio with the P5 X hybrid printer, a system that the company describes as combining the best of true-flatbed and roll-to-roll printing, intended to meet the demands of mid-range large format printing.
Andrea Riccardi, head of product management at Durst Group, told Digital Printer, ‘Why the P5 X? I have been at the company for 25 years and for 17 years I was in sales and have done a lot of work with customers. I have brought all of that sales experience with me into product management and what I learnt from speaking to customers was the need for a flatbed printer. As Durst, we needed to complete our portfolio.’
Designed for high-end applications such as bespoke visual communications, large-scale decoration, and specialty packaging, the P5 X is built to meet the highest standards while also being accessible to those wanting to enter higher specification machines to their business. Field tested by Archimede near Padua in Italy – provider of visual communication and display solutions for retail clients and luxury brands – the P5 X has proved its versatility and quality.
Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group, commented, ‘The P5 X is a testament to our commitment to continuous growth in the large-format printing (LFP) sector. We continue to push boundaries with new technologies, expanding our capabilities to meet our customers’ evolving needs. The P5 X, proudly ‘made in Durst’, reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and reliability, showcasing the best of what Durst stands for.’
One of the benefits of the P5 X includes its precision and accuracy with magnetic linear motors on the X and Y axes ensure precise, reliable movement across the entire workspace. This advanced system allows for faster and simpler positioning without compromising on accuracy, even at high speeds.
The P5 X is equipped with a vacuum table featuring 12 selectable zones. The four larger zones can be adjusted using individual sliders to adapt to the width of the print material, optimising suction power. Additionally, the vacuum can be reversed for quick and efficient material removal.
The P5 X offers 10 colour channels that can be configured to meet specific requirements. Channels include inks from the P5 series, combining CMYK, white, fluo, orange, violet, light-cyan, light-magenta, light-black, varnish, and primer.
Optimising print usability, the machine has a twin printing mode, for seamless dual-sided printing which increases efficiency without waiting times; reverse printing, which enables one-pass white over and under printing using a single printhead; and a multitrack, which supports simultaneous printing on up to 12 channels (six per side) with different images or board sizes.
The machine’s visual status bar provides operators with key information about the print system. It shows system readiness, remaining print time, ink status, and more, allowing for efficient monitoring and swift reactions to any situation.
The P5 X’s ergonomic design minimises outer edges, allowing boards to be loaded and unloaded comfortably in an upright position. Safety features include a light curtain on the print carriage that slows down the printing in case of interruption, ensuring maximum safety. It also includes user-friendly LED indicators that show the correct positioning for boards and identify which vacuum rows should be activated.
Mr Riccardi concluded, ‘The P5 X represents the perfect blend of advanced features and accessibility, opening new opportunities for those striving for excellence in digital printing.’
