2012 Ink Report

Combined with Inca’s software and the ink drop placement of the Fujifilm Dimatix printheads, the end result is 600 dpi print quality with the option of four or six colors. With these enhancements across hardware, software, and consumables, Fuji and Inca say they can prove the Onset S40i can pay for itself in just six months.

Also at drupa 2012 in May, Fujifilm showed Uvijet QN ink running in the new Uvistar Pro8 (available this month). The eight-color ink set delivers improved image quality, enabling superwide print produced by this machine to be used for indoor exhibition and display graphics. One of the major advancements of the Pro8 platform is the inclusion of a complete set of light colors, within the ink set, which increase print quality without compromising on print speed. Together with its unique Parallel Drop Size (PDS) technology, this allows the Pro8 to produce high-definition display POP graphics at speeds in excess of 984 square feet per hour.

Fujifilm also demonstrated the performance advantages of three other new Uvijet ink systems in Dusseldorf:

• Uvijet KA runs on the Acuity Advance HS X2 hybrid printer. Demonstrations highlighted how this new ink system exhibits excellent adhesion to a range of rigid and flexible media.
• Uvijet LL is running on the new Acuity LED 1600. This eight-color ink system includes high-opacity white and clear inks tailored to deliver optimum performance with the Fujifilm proprietary LED curing system onboard the printer.
• In addition, Fujifilm showcased its new cloud-based color management software, XMF ColorPath, and Web-to-print system, XMF PrintCentre, which also can be seen at Graph Expo this fall.

Eco-solvent: Sign of the Times

Epson’s latest solvent ink, UltraChrome GS2, makes its debut in the new SureColor S30670 printer. The ink set includes a newly formulated yellow ink that can produce prints with up to three years of outdoor durability without lamination. In addition, these new inks deliver virtually odorless printing without the need for external dryers, special ventilation, or air purification systems, and do not contain Nickel (Ni) compounds, helping to reduce impact on the environment and potential harm to workers.

Among sign company operators, there also is increased interest in Triangle brand EDX eco solvent inks for Roland DGA printers. The Nickel-free formulation from INX Digital International provides an easy, waste-free conversion while offering media compatibility and super chemical resistance.

Roland DGA users can count on bright, true, and clean colors, said INX. No re-profiling is needed to run HPS, regardless if converting from previous Triangle options or OEM inks. Chemically compatible with the OEM inks, EDX inks offer excellent adhesion to a much wider range of media with superb resistance to alcohol and common cleaning agents. These advanced formula, fast-drying inks also are color compatible with OEM options and provide higher resolution due to more accurate drop placement. They are available in 440-ml. cartridges through INX Digital’s global distribution network.

Partners in Ink

3M Commercial Graphics works continually with printer manufacturers to develop new branded inks that give customers digital printing options for producing graphics backed by the 3M MCS Warranty. Pre-drupa, 3M and Seiko I Infotech Inc. teamed up to introduce GX 3M inks made for use in the Seiko ColorPainter H Series printers. Designed for printing on many 3M brand opaque, translucent, and reflective graphic films, GX 3M inks can be applied in fleet and vehicle graphics, indoor and outdoor signs, and promotional graphics.

The solvent inks have excellent conformability, and are available in eight colors, including cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, and two shades of white. GX 3M inks are suitable for graphic films applied on compound curves, corrugations, and riveted and flat surfaces, offering outstanding versatility to users. When protected with the proper 3M overlaminate, the inks are also durable and weather resistant. “The Seiko ColorPainter H Series has proven to be a successful printer in the wide-format graphic industry; we are excited about the opportunity to offer a co-branded ink for this reputable machine,” said Adam Larson, marketing supervisor, 3M Commercial Graphics.