Durst has introduced six new direct-to media flatbed/rollfed printers: Rho 205/8, Rho 205/8i, Rho 205/8w and the Rho 205/16, Rho 205/16i, Rho 205/16w.
All of these machines are basically the same when it comes to print width”?80 in.”?and resolution, with the Rho 205/8 being the “base” unit. Each of the other printers adds a specific and different feature to the 205 base, and because all of the Rho 205 models are built on a modular platform, upgrades can include speed, number of printheads, white ink, etc., as your business grows into them. Specifically:
The Rho 205/8 is an 8-head printer that accepts media up to 1.55 in. thick. It offers production speeds up to150 sq ft/hr at 363 dpi.
The Rho 205/16 series of machines feature 16 printheads, three output settings, and print at twice the speed of the Rho 205/8″?up to 380 sq ft/hr at standard production mode of 360 dpi.
The Rho “i” series”?the 205/8i and Rho 205/16i”?includes industrial machines that will print on thicker substrates up to 2.75 in., versus the non-industrial machines that only accept media up to 1.55 in. thick.
And, on the breaking news front, the Rho 205/8w and Rho 205/16w both feature white ink.
Each of the Rho models are 4 or 5- color printers (“w” models, of course, feature additional white ink) that use UV-curable inks and feature Spectra Nova printheads and piezo technology, and a CMYK workflow. In addition, these flatbed/ rollfed printers are compatible with an optional Auto Feeder/Stacker system for sheetfed materials.
The Rho 205 family offers short RIP and data-transfer times and features Durst Rho UNIX software for on-the-fly image processing and dithering. This proprietary UNIX software also allows users to manage scaling-pixel interpolation, sharpening, cropping paneling, corrections, and other image-quality variables.
As far as media is concerned, each Rho 205 model can print on popular signmaking materials such as Coroplast, acrylic, foamboard, metal, and even doors, wall panels, and specialty fabrics. The standard versions (205/8 or 205/16) are for printing signage and P-O-P graphics; the industrial versions (205/8i or 205/16i) are designed for thicker, heavy boards; and the high-speed versions (205/16 series) are for increased output with double the speed.
New pricing has recently been released for the 205-series models: The Rho 205/8 is $273,000; Rho 205/8i is $284,000; Rho 205/8w is $321,000; Rho 205/16 is $374,000; Rho 205/16i is $385,000; and the Rho 205/16w is $433,000. In addition, Durst has announced new pricing for its Rho 160 Plus ($493,000) and Rho 160 Plus W ($579,000). (Durst US: www.durstus.com)