Durst has expanded the P5 wide-format printer family with the introduction of the 5m P5 500, and introduced a second CMYK printhead row upgrade for existing users of the P5 210/HS and 350/HS models, doubling productivity.
The new P5 500 was described at its Fespa launch by Durst’s VP of sales Christian Harder as ‘an evolution of the Rho 512 but based on the P5 350 platform’ introduced in 2019. It uses the same Ricoh Gen 5 printheads and its development, which was carried out during the pandemic lockdown periods, was focused on reliability for unattended operation, according to Mr Harder.
Head of product management Andrea Riccardi explained that the P5 500 features an integrated mesh printing kit that can simply be switched in or out to suit different material types, a two-minute process compared to a two-operator 15-minute one on the previous model.
The new printer also features double-sided printing and gains a horizontal cutting capability in addition to the vertical slitter; its 5.25m width can accommodate two 2.5m rolls or three 1.6m ones; horizontal cuts can be made without stopping printing, as they are done between roll advances. No cut marks are required on the printed roll(s) as the position is calculated via encoder, though the double-sided printing does allow for QR codes to be printed to aid job identification, despatch and installation.
The P5 500 supports eight channels at up to 1200dpi, which may be used to add light inks, white or clear varnish, or for double CMYK for maximum productivity. The new P5 ‘Double 4’ configuration option also allows a second set of printheads to be added to the P5 210/HS and 350/HS models, doubling their productivity.
‘With the Durst P5 500, Durst once again demonstrates its full focus on the reliability of its own printing systems for unattended production processes. With the integration of Durst Workflow Software and the introduction of new functionalities, we are also achieving a significant increase in efficiency,’ said Mr Riccardi. ‘The field test is extremely successful, so we will deliver the first printing systems in the last quarter of 2022.’
