18 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 257 - February / March 2025 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine SwissQprint launches new flatbed generation Wide-format manufacturer, swissQprint, has announced the release of its new generation of flatbed printers, which it has labelled “the new era of flatbed printing”. The new Nyala 5 and Impala 5 flatbed printers, along with the previously released Kudu, form a new line-up that is 23% faster than the previous generation, offering a reported top speed of 341m²/h. The fifth-generation flatbeds are based on a completely reworked machine concept, with electronics and software included. The machines come equipped with new linear motors designed to make printing performance more precise while also increasing overall speed. Versatility has been a core focus for swissQprint, with the new print solutions offering roll-to-roll and dual roll options, as well as an ‘oversize’ option for boards up to 4m long. All models come with ten freely configurable colour channels, upgraded from the previous nine available in the previous generation. The additional channel was reportedly added in response to customer demand, allowing printers to add multiple channels of the company’s UV-activated ‘neon’ inks. The Nyala 5 and Impala 5 also offer higher resolution than the fourth-generation models, with the flatbeds’ upgraded print heads operating on a resolution of 1350dpi. Carmen Eicher, chief sales and marketing officer at swissQprint, says: “Our flatbed Generation 5 is based on the same robust platform as the successful high-end Kudu model, which has proven itself worldwide over the past two years. “With the new range and the performance spread between the respective models, we are appealing to an even broader customer base.” Carmen Eicher, chief sales and marketing officer at swissQprint, with the new Nyala 5 flatbed printer By Jonathan Pert Hybrid Services, the exclusive distributor for Mimaki in UK and Ireland, has hosted a two-day ‘open house’ textile event at its Cheshire showroom which allowed attendees to see its new TRAPIS textile printing system in action. The event, which took place at the end of January, is part of a global ‘TRAPIS roadshow’ hosted by Mimaki. The event was the first time TRAPIS (short for Transfer Pigment System) was demonstrated in the UK. Mimaki’s TRAPIS is designed to streamline textile workflows with a newly-developed waterless digital textile printing technology. Using a two-step process, TRAPIS transfers designs from transfer paper to fabric with virtually no water, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Mimaki unveils new textile print system Bristol-based printing and signage company 2601 has invested in an InkTec JETRIX LXi7 UV flatbed printer to expand its printing capabilities. The company, which offers a range of printing, branding, and signage services, says it purchased the machine to offer more versatility and a higher output volume to its regional and national clients. The LXi7, which features Konica Minolta printheads, offers a top speed of up to 78sq m/h. The GUI of the machine is designed to be user-friendly, coming with a range of automated functions including automated safety systems. The LXi7 is designed to print at professional quality on a wide range of rigid materials including foamboard, acrylic, glass, and wood. 2601 purchases InkTec UV printer [L to R] Paul Johnston and Steve Willliamson, directors at 2601, with the JETRIX LXi7 World-first Agfa Jeti Bronco installed in the UK British wide-format signmaker, Format Graphics, has become the first company in the world to install an Agfa Jeti Bronco H3300 printer. Agfa’s 3.3m Jeti Bronco hybrid inkjet solution is the latest addition to Agfa's wide-format printer range, price positioned between its Anapurna Hybrid and Jeti Tauro machines. It comes with six-colour print capabilities which includes light cyan and light magenta (CMYKcm) as well as white ink capabilities. It currently functions with two sets of print heads but can be upgraded to four sets to increase speed as required. Format Graphics first became a customer of Agfa after purchasing its Avinci CX3200 dye-sublimation printer. The Bronco was purchased to replace its decade-old Vutek hybrid printer. The Milton Keynes signage company reportedly first became interested in the Bronco after seeing a prototype at the Agfa headquarters in Mortsel, Belgium, in late 2023. The team at Format Graphics were able to see the machine in action when it was first launched to the public in March of 2024 at FESPA Global Print Expo in Amsterdam. As the first of its kind to be installed, the machine will be used as a ‘field trial’ by Agfa for the next three months. Agfa’s research and development team will make weekly calls to the print operator at Format Graphics to gather feedback that will help with future software development for the Bronco. (L to R): Neil Turkington, Sharon Stratton, and Baz Ogle of Format Graphics with James Argent, sales manager at Agfa By Jonathan Pert
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