57 November / December 2024 - Issue 351 www.printmonthly.co.uk for the first time at drupa this year and has gathered plenty of interest in the months that followed. What is perhaps most interesting about the new 64-inch wide machine is that it represents a new technology segment, featuring print/dry technology and a unique ink film formation process on the printed media, collaboratively developed by MUTOH Japan’s large-format printer R&D division and Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE ink technology team. Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE ink is a patented technology which combines the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet technologies in one ink formulation. Featuring two AccuFine piezo dropon-demand print heads, the HydrAton 1642 can print on a range of substrates without having to use a pre-coat primer or optimiser. Such materials include paper, synthetic fabrics, technical fabrics, technical textiles, and heat-sensitive ecofriendly substrates including PVC. Also launched this year was the Ricoh Flora X20, a UV hybrid printer suitable for use across a wide range of sign and display applications. Incorporating Ricoh’s printhead technology, ColorGATE RIP software and ICC profiles, the Flora X20 UV can run rigid and flexible media up to 2m wide and 5.1cm thick on substrates ranging from PVC banners to vinyl and rigid boards. The new machine can be supplied in one of three ink configurations: CMYK, CMYKWV, and CMYKWCL. Each of these models can run at a top speed of 116sq m/hr in draft, two-pass mode, while for high-quality printing, the machine can produce prints at up to 27sq m/hr in 12-pass. Angelo Mandelli, senior product and business development manager for Large-Format and Flatbed EMEA at Ricoh Graphic Communications Group, says: “The X20 UV has been developed in response to market demand from sign and display specialists who are increasingly looking for flexible and versatile solutions for indoor and outdoor applications. “This Ricoh hybrid proposition, with a wealth of Ricoh developed features, supports that. As does our consultancy-based approach and expert service team. The X20 UV is the latest system to join our unique one stop offering that includes sheetfed, high-speed inkjet, large-format, textile, and software solutions. “We look forward to further expanding our product portfolio with highly responsive and agile large-format systems that respond to emerging demands in the graphics arts, interior décor, and industrial markets.” Streamlined Workflows Finally, over in the US, HP used the 2024 edition of PRINTING United to update the market about a series of new developments within its HP Latex range of technologies. Stand-out advancements included the introduction of a new 10L ink accessory for the HP Latex 2700 printer. This modular and upgradeable solution, HP says, opens up opportunities for higher volume PSPs by addressing high running costs to the next level – allowing them to reduce costs while simultaneously increasing productivity. HP also noted the sustainability benefits of this development, saying the 10L ink accessory eliminates the need to discard or replace existing equipment, reducing waste in the process. A key sustainability component of this innovation is its compatibility with the HP Latex 2700 model, which eliminates the need to discard or replace existing equipment, reducing waste. HP says PSPs can now seamlessly transition to higher volume printing capabilities without compromising on sustainability and incurring unnecessary costs. In addition to this, HP has expanded its Live Production software, allowing small to medium-sized PSPs to remotely manage end-to-end workflow from a PC or mobile device “We are committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the complex challenges faced by PSPs,” says Oscar Vidal, global director of product and strategy for large-format print at HP. “The industry is currently shaped by an increasing demand for quicker turnaround times and the need for streamlined printing workflows. The new high capacity 10L ink accessory for the HP Latex 2700 printer and the enhancements to Live Production and HP Learn are designed to address these trends and answer the specific needs of our customers.” This represents just a small sample of the latest developments in wide-format print, with many more to discuss and even more set to come to market over the coming months. Be sure to check the Print Monthly website and magazine for regular updates about new machines and advancements in this exciting sector. ▲ Epson’s new SCS9100 can be used for direct printing on substrates such as clear film, vinyl, canvas, and photographic paper WIDE-FORMAT PRINT KIT PT.II ▼ The Ricoh Flora X20 UV hybrid printer has a top speed of 116sq m/ hr in draft, two-pass mode
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