As previously reported (p. 22, April 2005),
NUR has modularized its Tempo, a UVcurable,
10.5 x 6.5-ft flatbed printer. The
new modular Tempo now comes in three
basic models”?4-color, 6-color (CMYKcm),
or 8-color (CMYKcmyk) systems. Each
model has nine available “slots”? with
each ink color taking one slot, and the
remaining slots available for use with
modules that can be dedicated to white
ink, spot colors, and/or selective varnish.
Two points to note here: One, white ink
requires two slots. Two, in terms of available
module combinations, it's not possible to
have white, varnish, and spot all together.
Valid configurations would be white and varnish,
or white and spot, or 2 spots.
The White Ink Module includes 4 printheads
and a circulatory system (to keep
the white ink particles from settling”?a
common problem with white inks). This
module will also include a detachable ink
tank. White ink can be used as spot color,
to act as a base before printing, or cover a
printed image with white. Depending on
when the white ink is printed, print
speeds may or may not be affected.
The Spot Color Module also includes a
detachable ink tank. The initial spot colors
are red (similar to PMS 485), green (PMS
375), blue (reflex blue), purple (PMS 267),
and orange (PMS 151). As the spot colors
are printed with the CMYK, there is no
reduction in print speeds. Other spot colors
will be made available in the future, Nur
reports, including spot colors “on demand.”
The Selective Varnish Module allows
users to lay down a glossy finish to certain
areas of a printed image. It's expected
to be used primarily with P-O-P applications
where unusual designs and uniqueness
are key. Since the varnish is applied
after printing, its application will slow
down the overall print speed of a job.
Now standard with the Tempo line of
machines is PrintTop II, the latest version
of the printer-control software that controls
printer/user interface, set-up, etc. (as
opposed to file handling which is done in
RIP). The new PrintTop offers an improved
queue management, automatic calibration,
rigid table layout support, and a new
graphical interface.
The Tempo is also offering a speed
upgrade kit. The kit includes a new UV
system (power supply and lamp assemblies)
and a software upgrade to make
two new print modes available (4-color at
speeds of up to 1300 sq ft/hr and 8-color
at speeds up to 750 sq ft/hr).
In addition, the Tempo offers a roll-toroll
option and two types of magenta/light
magenta in its Spirit U inks”?a standard
and a reddish magenta (for more vibrant
reds, but is limited in the purple areas). (Nur Macroprinters: www.nur.com)