The latest addition to Agfa Graphics' :Anapurna family of wide-format UV-curable inkjet printers is a dedicated flat-bed engine, designed to accommodate the growing market needs for printing on rigid substrates. The :Anapurna M2540 FB is a new time-saving machine featuring a revolutionary quick-change vacuum bed technology, six colors (CMYKLcLm) and white ink. It is priced to attract entry-level purchasers as well as established users switching to the latest UV technology.
With a maximum print speed of 45 sqm/hour, the :Anapurna M2540 FB can print sizes up to 2.54 x 1.54m, with substrates up to 4.5cm in thickness and 80kg in weight. The machine's eleven retractable register pins simplify quick and accurate positioning, particularly when working on double-sided jobs.
Such is the versatility of Agfa Graphics' :Anapurna M2540 FB that it has been designed to accommodate small as well as large applications. This addresses the growing demand for niche output, such as the production of promotional goods and gifts, coasters and DVDs. The excellent adhesion of the UV-curable ink and its fast and efficient curing means that glass, ceramics and wood can also be printed, making it suitable for architectural and interior décor as well as exterior signs, displays and publicity.
"When we designed and engineered the :Anapurna M2540 FB, we made sure that it features everything a user needs when working with rigid substrates," said Willy Van Dromme, Director of Marketing Wide Format at Agfa Graphics. "The result is a dedicated flat-bed printer with a competitive entry level price point, making it the ideal machine for companies who want to print all sizes of applications up to a maximum of 2.54m in width, with a fast return on their investment. With the same low ink consumption of 8.1 ml/m2 as the :Anapurna M2050, it delivers class leading low ink costs per m2"
Thanks to the engineering, the :Anapurna M2540 FB simplifies working with rigid substrates that must remain completely stable during the production process yet also allow for fast change-over. The powerful vacuum bed incorporates two zones each containing four switchable compartments, complemented by a reverse airflow function for swift removal of finished prints and moving of heavy substrates.
The printer's industrial build also features ioniser elements to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge on the media which can affect droplet control and subsequent precision ink lay-down. And to protect the print-heads from hitting the media, shuttle safety sensors are positioned on both sides of the print carriage, thus eliminating unwanted strikes.
"We've paid very close attention to details such as the versatile vacuum bed, register pins, and the ability to load and off-load jobs quickly and easily," Van Dromme continued. "As well as being able to produce high quality output on all rigid substrates, we know that time savings are a vital element to all print businesses, and the new :Anapurna M2540 FB addresses these workflow and production elements for greater overall efficiency."
Agfa Graphics' new production printer will appeal not only to display producers and sign-makers but also to other market sectors driven by the need for high quality, durable full-colour output using UV-curable ink technology. It is as suitable for packaging prototypes, promotional goods' manufacturers as it is for industrial specialists who need fast throughput and the ability to work with a vast range of rigid substrates.
The :Anapurna M2540 FB flatbed solution completes the :Anapurna family of UV-curable wide-format printers. Agfa Graphics also offers its :Jeti range of machines and the high-end :M-Press Tiger and :M-Press Leopard inkjet presses.