Super-fast Memjet-driven printing systems for wide format CAD/signage, and narrow format labels and some commercial printing applications are being brought to the UK market by the distributor Reprographic Technology International (RTI).
The printing systems are badged as Winjetcolor and are based on systems developed with Memjet inkjet printing heads by Hungarian firm Own-X. The Winjetcolor systems are named Vortex 4200 (wide format, A3 to A0 size paper), Vortex 825R (roll-fed narrow format variable data labels) and Vortex 825S (sheet-fed narrow format envelopes, flyers and brochures).
The vaunted print speed of the systems is up to 30 centimetres per second with a 1600 x 1600 dpi native resolution. The roll fed Vortex 4200 takes 3-inch core rolls of paper. RTI says inkjet coated media is most appropriate for use on the systems. The inks (CMYKK) are dye-based and therefore have limited lightfastness and outdoor durability. The wide format device can be paired with a Caldera RIP, while the narrow format devices use a Wasatch RIP.
RTI’s VP for sales and marketing Erik Norman said there will be new and unique devices developed by Winjetcolor and sold by RTI in time, taking them on from the original Own-X systems. He added that Winjetcolor bring application engineering expertise, manufacturing quality management and manufacturing sourcing expertise at a higher level than either RTI or Own-X could provide, while Own-X is very strong on the software side.
He added: ‘If the technology can be developed to the point where it can start addressing photo quality type prints, then it will really take share away from offset litho guys, because of the short run flexibility and speed.’
Cost per page calculations were provided, with CAD drawings (and therefore little ink coverage) at about 2p, while a full colour 1.5 square metre poster was around 45p per copy; there are obviously a number of variables involved in such a calculation. The Vortex 4200 is priced at €79,500, while the narrow format sheet fed Vortex is priced at €12,500 and the label device at €10,850. The Memjet print heads have a life span of between 30 and 50 square metres, or two to six litres of ink. They cost €390 to replace.
