Luscher, the Swiss manufacturer of digital prepress systems, entered into the world of large-format digital printing with its Drupa premiere of the JetPrint 3530 UV.
The printer, available in 4, 6, and 8-color versions, uses Spectra drop-on-demand piezo printheads and prints on rigid or flexible substrates. It can deliver a print size up to 138 x 122 in. and can achieve a true resolution of up to 400 x 400 dpi (200 x 200 in draft mode). Its top speed is 1076 sq ft/hr at 400 x 400 dpi (6 or 8 colors) and 2152 sq ft/hr at 400 x 400 dpi (2 x 4 colors). The JetPrint's SunJet UV-curing inks are housed in 3-liter containers.
Utilizing a fixed vacuum table, the Jet- Print is capable of printing on substrates up to 3.15 in. thick. Media can include paper, banners and self-adhesive foils, as well as cardboard, PVC, polycarbonate, corrugated boards, aluminum, polyester, wood, glass, stainless steel, marble, and more.
Luscher expects US distribution to begin in 2005, according to Urs Bachofner, the company's sales and marketing director. The JetPrint is projected to carry a selling price of $540,000 to $600,000. (Luscher AG: www.luescher.com)