Canon UK has launched the new Océ Arizona 1300 flatbed wide-format printers, while Fufjilm has introduced its Acuity branded versions of the same.
Aimed at customers producing up to 15,000sqm per year and offering printing speeds up to 52.8sqm/hr, the Canon Océ Arizona 1300 series comprises six models: three GT versions with a 1.25 x 2.5m bed and three XT models offering 2.5 x 3.08m beds. They are the first Arizona models to offer UV LED curing, with benefits in speed of start-up, reduced energy consumption and ability to work with heat-sensitive media. Optional light cyan, light magenta, clear varnish and white inks extend the printers’ photographic image quality and range of applications.
The new printers are supported by Océ Arizona Xpert, software to automate artwork file preparation for complex jobs, including multi-layered and double-sided applications. They also include Océ Remote Service, a tool for monitoring ink consumption and print volumes to better tailor support contracts to individual users’ circumstances.
‘Our flatbed customers have consistently faced the same two challenges,’ explained Canon UK’s head of graphics and communications business groups, Wayne Barlow. ‘The need to boost productivity and to diversify their applications portfolio to open up new business opportunities. The launch of the new Océ Arizona 1300 Series increases their ability to do more, smarter, faster and cost effectively, with a single printer.’
Fujifilm has simultaneously announced its versions as additions to its Acuity flatbed range as the Acuity LED 40. Sharing the same technical specifications, the larger bedded units are distinguished by the X2 suffix. Four-, six- and eight-colour versions are available with the same ink options as the Canon ones; Fujifilm makes the ink for both vendors’ versions. Called Uvijet KL, it is Greenguard Gold certified, enabling its use in print for hospitals, schools and retail environments. Fujifilm says that the white ink is as easily cleaned as the other colours – frequently not the case with wide-format printers – via the automated maintenance system, which is fitted as standard.
‘We are delighted now to be bringing the benefits of LED curing technology to our flatbed range,’ commented Fujifilm’s marketing manager, Mike Battersby. ‘Our customers are increasingly looking for more environmentally sustainable solutions, and to maximise efficiency and profitability.’
