EFI is planning to introduce a new D-series of wide format Vutek roll to roll printers, with two models including the 3.5m wide D3r and the 5.2m wide D5r.
These are mid-range printers that have borrowed some of the technology from the existing Vutek 3r+ and 5r+ printers though they’re not as fast. They are aimed at customers with higher annual volumes than the 50,000 sqm of the EFI Pro 32r+ but lower than the 100,000 sqm of the EFI Vutek 3r+ & 5r+. The D3r can produce up to 204 sqm/hr while the larger D5r can produce up to 244 sqm/hr.
These printers are fitted with eight Ricoh Gen5 printheads for CMYK plus two optional heads for white plus two further optional heads for clear inks. These heads have a native droplet size of 7pL and 1200 dpi resolution. They use EFI’s UltraDrop technology, which is a form of greyscale for multiple drop sizes, which EFI claims can produce smooth shadows, gradients and transitions as well as 3pt text. The D-series also offer an Ultra-high-definition Museum mode.
It uses UV inks combined with LED curing. There’s a choice of inksets between EFI’s 3M SuperRange XF UV inks for general purpose work and EFI SuperFlex inks for vehicle graphics.
The clear ink allows users to apply a protective coat inline without the need for any further processes. It is said to be good for up to three years protection for outdoor use against weather, fading, abrasion and detergents. It also allows users to choose a matte or glossy finish.
It’s worth noting that these are the only roll to roll printers that EFI offers with options for both optional white and clear, which together are suitable for applications such as truck side curtains that often require white printing on coloured media with a clear protective coat.
There are a number of options, including inline cutting and slitting, automatic double-sided printing and accessories for media handling such as a 3.2m wide Super duty winder for large media rolls up to 793 Kg for continuous unattended printing. There’s also an optional vacuum plate for handling thin sheets and rigid media up to 11mm thick. These machines can also print to multiple 1.6m wide rolls side by side.
Naturally they come with an EFI Fiery ProServer SE front end, which includes the FAST RIP, Fiery Edge profiling as well as various tools for colour management, cut marks and file export. There’s also an optional software productivity pack and the ability to remotely monitor the printer via a mobile app.
Ken Hanulec, EFI’s vice president of worldwide marketing, commented: “We listened very closely to our customers for feedback to create a mid-volume solution that will be the technology of choice for print providers seeking to profitably grow their businesses with high-end applications.”
As with all of EFI’s roll to roll printers, these are built in Israel following EFI’s acquisition of Matan back in 2015. EFI has not yet determined pricing other than to say that they will have a lower price than the existing Vutek 5r+ and 3R+. You can find more details on EFI’s superwide roll to roll printers from efi.com.
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