UJV-160 Large-Format UV Inkjet Printer
At drupa in Düsseldorf last year Mimaki launched the landmark UJV-160 large format UV inkjet Printer, able to print roll-to-roll and rigid substrates. This revolutionary innovation and first of it’s kind, is a 60” large format UV-curable inkjet printer, with attachable tables for flatbed printing. The UJV- 160 employs UV LED technology, enabling it to print on a far broader variety of substrates, and coupled with the new flexible range of UV inks, developed jointly by Mimaki and 3M, this environmentally friendly groundbreaking advancement puts the company in the vanguard of large format printer suppliers employing this technology and at affordable prices.
All the negative effects of UV printing are reduced or eliminated with UV LED technology. The LED, which in contrast to conventional UV lamps can be switched on and off without any pre-heat and cool-down time, only emit low temperatures. Thus, only a small cooling element, cooling unit etc. is needed and the use of cooling fans etc. is eliminated. In case of a smaller print area than the full area of the printer, the UV LED lights are only switched on and off whenever they are needed thereby reducing energy costs.
In addition UV LED technology does not emit ozone or VOC, which makes it far more environmentally friendly in comparison with conventional UV lamps. Danger from radiation is reduced, as UV LED does not emit UV-B and UV-C rays. “Due to the fact that UV LED technology uses less power, print service agencies can decisively lower their energy bills while at the same time reduce the environmental impact of their shops”, says Masaaki Fujita, Senior Managing Director Mimaki Japan. “We are happy to offer this future-oriented technology to our customers ahead of the competition.”
The new flexible UV inks, which will be employed in the UJV-160, have been developed as a result of Mimaki Engineering and 3M’s combined expertise. For over twenty years 3M and Mimaki Engineering have enjoyed a fruitful strategic relationship and both companies anticipate a shift towards UV printing for various applications such as POP/ POS displays, print onto glass, clear and metallic substrates, textiles, rigid materials, as well as vehicle graphics and ABS / Styrene for vacuum forming. This new range of UV inks are flexible and can stretch up to 200% without any fade in colour or appearance (ideal for fleet graphics). The LF-200 inks, available in C, M, Y, K, come in cartridges of 440ml and it is possible to replace ink cartridges while printing to ensure smooth workflow. Thus, the applications for UV printing are greatly broadened. In addition, Graphix Supply World carries a range of primers and top-coats to improve adhesion and prolong the brilliant quality of the UV inks.
“Mimaki feels that as the wide format printing industry becomes more environmentally aware of the benefits of the new jointly developed UV inks, the UV roll-to-roll and flatbed machine market increases,” says Akira Ikeda, President Mimaki Engineering. “This relationship benefits the user by providing key quality and enhanced performance.”
CF2 Flatbed Cutting Plotter Series
The Mimaki CF2 Flatbed Cutting Plotter Series is the ideal complimentary cutting device to the UJV-160, enabling you to further your offering and expand your business. Once you have printed your rigid substrate, it can be transferred to the CF2 for half-cutting, die cutting or creasing – whatever your needs may be, thanks to the extensive line of cutter blades.
The CF2 Series has superior sharpness and extremely accurate cutting quality that will enable your multi-type, small-lot production. The CF2 Series flatbed cutting plotter is capable of cutting various kinds of media with high accuracy without dies. Out of a total of 30 kinds of line-up, you can choose the one best suited for your needs. By cutting the printed media, you may produce high value-added products on demand as required and begin multi-type production with unprecedented high quality.
Thick materials can be outline-cut with high accuracy. With the adoption of a high performance color photo sensor, the round register marks printed on the media are detected and the position of the origin, inclination of coordinate and distance are adjusted. This enables the operator to perform cutting at the precise position. Further, the sensor recognizes the difference of “color of media” and “color of round register marks”, and enables the cutter to perform cuts accurately, while being tailored to the printed material without being influenced by the color of the media. A light pointer that is used as marker when setting the media is provided as standard device and facilitates position adjustment with round register marks.
With current economic conditions down, the introduction of an affordable versatile UV print and cut system allows any company the opportunity to enter the dynamic market of POS/POP Displays, Proofing, Graphix, Signage, Exhibition Displays, Packaging and more. Mimaki is the only supplier with all the solutions that will save you money and let your company diversify.
