Fespa 2013 saw the unexpected launch of a swissQprint’s new, 9 picolitre droplet size for its inkjet systems, a reinforced roll to roll option on the Nyala inkjet system and an efficiency-boosting print mode.
Nine picolitre drop
This new feature gives users an additional production mode for ultra-exacting photo print work with fine colour gradations, ideal for subjects that require uniform expanses of colour without screening artefacts, and reproduction of fine detail. It fulfils the needs of pin-sharp typography with bravura, too, and all of this with no appreciable reduction in speed compared to the previous highest-quality mode. The output software automatically selects the 9 picolitre droplet size when RIPing print files for fine art applications. With light shades in use, the maximum visual resolution on the substrate reaches 2160 dpi. Small print runs and prototypes may be displayed confidently alongside offset reproductions.
The new droplet size is integrated immediately and at no extra cost on the Oryx, Impala and Nyala.
Nyala inkjet system with reinforced roll to roll option
swissQprint used Fespa 2013 to present the company’s Nyala inkjet system featuring a new, reinforced roll to roll option. The 3.2m wide large format printer can now handle rolls weighing up to 180 kg. The roll retainers have a correspondingly robust build quality, with controller finesse and simplicity of material handling as further persuasive points. Thus equipped, the flatbed printer impressed visitors with seamless, perfect printing onto a wide variety of substrates.
swissQprint systems are known for their versatility, which includes the diversity of materials that the Nyala model can process with its newly-launched roll to roll option. The range extends from films, through banners, demanding textiles, backlit media, all the way to heavyweight truck tarpaulins. Those who witnessed demonstrations at the swissQprint stand could see how printing went ahead under full vacuum, so that even difficult-to-manage substrates adhered totally flat and ripple-free to the 3.2 x 1.6 m printing table. The vacuum releases briefly for feeding, thus minimising frictional resistance and material stretching. A slick solution indeed, was the unanimous opinion among spectators.
Tandem Print Mode
swissQprint presented an efficiency-boosting print mode at Fespa 2013: the tandem function, which keeps the machine running non-stop and makes waiting times a thing of the past. The mode is available for all three swissQprint inkjet systems; Oryx, Impala and Nyala. The tandem function will be of interest to anyone wanting to achieve the greatest possible output for serial production in digital printing.
The principle is straightforward: the print table is loaded as usual from the front and the print job is started. Whilst the machine processes the first job, the operator starts to load the rear half of the table. The printing beam moves to the rear and continues the printing process as soon as the front job is finished and the operator confirms that the rear job is ready to start. The operator meanwhile removes the finished prints from the front area and prepares the next substrates for printing, so production continues until the series is finished. The machine works non-stop without interruption.
The tandem function is designed for large series of smaller substrates. The print images can be identical or different. One conceivable use is the personalisation of direct marketing media produced using an offset process.
AWT +27 (0) 82 827 8888 Adrian Wolman adrian@adrianwolmantrading.com
