The new wide format Océ Colorado 1640 is suitable for businesses producing both indoor and outdoor applications
The Océ Colorado 1640 is the first 64″ roll-to-roll wide format printer built on Canon’s new UVgel technology.
Working with the attributes of UVgel, the Océ Colorado 1640 is said to have a top speed of 159 sqm/hr for applications such as billboards or outdoor banners, and still operates at a speed of 40 sqm/hr for higher quality indoor applications.
Canon UVgel ink, announced last year, contains no water and is instantly ‘pinned’ on contact with the substrate, resulting in a highly controlled and precisely positioned dot with minimal gain. By minimising ink spread and coalescence on the media, the required volume of ink can be printed in each pass, delivering rich, intense images at ultra high speed. Canon UVgel printheads incorporate patented continuous nozzle monitoring using acoustic sampling to detect and correct any underperforming nozzles. The printing system also uses an optical feedback loop that continuously monitors media advance to automatically correct the subsequent step size as needed.
The low temperature LED-UV curing system (ensuring minimal media distortion and extending the range of printable substrates, including thin and heat-sensitive media) moves independently from the printing carriage, enabling uniform, post-print UV curing that further contributes to print speed and print quality. The cured UVgel prints are instantly dry and ready for finishing or laminating.
Productivity is further boosted by automation features, and the dual-roll configuration of the Océ Colorado 1640, which enables the PSP to switch between two types and sizes of media on the fly, for fast production of mixed applications.
‘Through the introduction of the Océ Colorado 1640 printer with UVgel technology, Canon is delivering the optimal balance of quality, productivity, automation, application range and operating cost,’ said Mark Lawn, director, graphic & communications group, Canon Europe. ‘Canon is bringing radical innovation to roll-to-roll printing, offering PSPs producing lower volumes an affordable step up to true production printing with rapid ROI. For PSPs already handling high volumes, it offers a uniquely versatile technology at an affordable price point.
‘For a wide range of signage and graphics businesses, UVgel technology holds the key to unlocking their full potential in terms of productivity and applications range, giving them a powerful platform for profitable expansion,’ he added.
The Océ Colorado 1640 printer will have its first public presentation in EMEA at FESPA 2017, Messe Hamburg, 8-12 May 2017.
