Rock-and-roll music came about in large part because the right technology was in place to allow it to happen. The electric guitar had been developed, along with the amplifier and the microphone, coupled with the advent of the 45-rpm record. Without these technologies in place, rock-and-roll (aka “rock-n-roll”) might never have happened.

Similarly, producing wide-format graphics on-demand via inkjet or other means would not have been able to occur had the requisite printhead and printer technology not been in place. And the wide-format rollfed printer is still rockin’ it when it comes to print service providers. Yes, flatbeds tend to receive a bit more attention these days (and we’ll address those in our next issue, by the way), but the venerable rollfed remains a go-to tool in any shop’s output arsenal.

And, although the rollfed printer has been around for quite a while now, it continues to add to its feature set to remain output-relevant to even the most challenging projects. Yes, aqueous and solvent-ink printers are still available, but so are eco-solvent, UV, and latex inks. Also, inksets beyond CMYKcm are now commonplace, and approximately a quarter of rollfed models are now available in widths of 100 inches or more.

On the pages that follow, we highlight a sampling of rollfed printer models from nearly 20 printer OEMs. All information is current as of us putting this list together, prior to ISA Expo 2013. Most of the specs and details are culled from our own original reports on these printer models when they made their debut; some information is pulled from the printer OEM’s website. Our annual rollfed printer charts will appear in our 2013 Printer Sourcebook; scheduled for release later this year, the digital edition will contain detailed specs on nearly 150 wide-format rollfed printers.

Canon Solutions America
In late 2012, Canon (www.usa.canon.com) introduced five new imageProGraf large-format printer models: the 60-in. iPF9400 and iPF9400S, the 44-in. iPF8400, and the 24-in. iPF6450 and iPF6400 models.
All of the new models utilize Canon’s Lucia EX pigment inkset: 8 colors (CMYK + photo cyan + photo magenta + gray + matte black) on the 9400S and 12 colors (CMYKRGB + photo magenta + photo cyan + gray + photo gray + matte black) on the other four new models. Tank size on the 9400, 9400S, and 8400 models is 330-ml (700-ml optional); the 6450 and 6400 models have a 130-ml tank size (300-ml optional). All of the printers offer a maximum resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, and the 9400S and 9400 models can handle 60-in. borderless printing.

In addition, each of the new imageProGraf models integrates features designed to help users achieve better color consistency. These tools include: a Multi-Sensor, for improved density, accuracy, and stability; Color-Calibration Management Console, allowing users to execute and monitor the calibration status of multiple printers on a network from a single PC; and a Media-Configuration Tool, allowing users to update and customize the printer and drivers with new Canon and custom media information.

Other new features: a Gallery Wrap feature allowing for the creation of gallery-wrap prints for framing; an Adjustment Pattern Setting, enabling users to print multiple versions of an image with different color settings; and Tint and Tone Adjustments, controlling the four monochromatic shades and creating expressive blacks with smooth gradations.

PosterArtist Lite poster-creation software is standard on the iPF8400, 6450, and 6400; PosterArtist (full edition) is optional on all printers. An onboard SU-21 spectrophotometer is optional on the iPF6450.
Canon also offers the following imageProGraf models: iPF8300S (44-in.), the iPF6300S (24-in.), and the iPF5100 (17-in.)

On the Océ brand side of things, the company offers the ColorWave 650, which utilizes Oce CrystalPoint imaging technology and TonerPearls for color (CMYK) and black-and-white output. Maximum resolution is 600 dpi. Configurable as printer only or multifunctional. The roll-to-sheet ColorWave 600 Poster Printer, specially designed for poster-printing applications, also uses Océ’s TonerPearls solid toner (CMYK) and CrystalPoint imaging technology to produce instantly dry, water-resistant prints that are cut to size. It can print on a range of media up to 42-in. wide, from uncoated bond paper to specialty media. Top speed is 926 sq ft/hr (1141 sq ft/hr with optional takeup unit); Production speed is 452 sq ft/hr, and Quality Plus speed is 183 sq ft/hr. The Poster Printer offers a 600-dpi resolution. Two media-handling options are available: a stacker that can automatically sort up to 150 sheets of paper and is especially suited to handle heavier media; and a takeup unit for roll-to-roll printing. Also optional: Onyx PosterShop or ProductionHouse RIP software.

Durst
Durst Image Technology’s (www.durstus.com) Rho 320R HS is a “High Speed” version of its Rho 320R roll-to-roll printer. The UV machine can hit a maximum speed of up to 1895 sq ft/hr in high-speed P-O-P mode (1485 sq ft/hr in 2-pass mode), and offers a 600-dpi resolution; it can accommodate large rolls with a diameter of up to 24 in. and a width of 126 in. (or 2 rolls of 63-in. each). Inks are UV-free, high-pigmentation Rho Roll DM inks for indoor and outdoor use; 4-color standard (6-color optional).

Durst’s Rho P10 Series of UV printers includes the 126-in. Rho P10 320R roll-to-roll model. A versatile 10-picoliter machine designed specifically for print providers looking for a way to output a wide range of hand-held and eye-level materials at production speeds with “fine-art” quality, the Rho P10 320R features Durst’s Quadro Array 10 printheads, which utilize silicon-based MEMS technology to produce image quality with up to 1000-dpi print resolution. It also boasts Durst’s magnetic linear drive carriage transport for consistently accurate output.

The printer is 4-color standard (CMYK), with optional light cyan, light magenta, white, and process color addition (orange, violet). Top speed on the rollfed P10 320R is 1615 sq ft/hr.

The Rho P10 320R can accommodate backlits, textiles, vinyls, and stretch media; 2mm maximum thickness (depending on media). It can print simultaneously on two parallel rolls and can run unattended 24/7, Durst reports. A Caldera GrandRIP+ external RIP server is standard.

The Rhotex 320, aimed at the soft-signage markets, is available in 4-color standard or in an optional configuration of CMYKcm + light black and/or spot colors. The Rhotex 320 features Durst’s Quadro Array 30D AQ printhead technology, an inline ink dryer, an automated capping station that covers all printheads automatically when the sled is in “park” position to eliminate evaporation of the printer’s water-based inks, an integrated ink absorbing system to keep inks from penetrating through the media, and more. It offers P-O-P quality output at up to 775 sq ft/hr (645 sq ft/hr in High Resolution mode) and a top resolution of 600 dpi.

Also available is the 5-meter Rho 500R (4300 sq ft/hr).

EFI
The Vutek GS3250r from EFI (www.efi.com) is a 6-color (CMYKcm) roll-to-roll UV machine that offers dual 600- or 1000-dpi resolution and speeds up to 2400 sq ft/hr. It also features: multi-queue functionality available at the user interface; multi-roll capability (up to two 60-in. rolls), co-branded EFI/3M Premium UV inks in 5-liter containers; an EFI Fiery XF RIP; native JDF connectivity; and optional automated double-sided printing capability. The GS3250r accommodates media up to 126.5-in. wide and up to 0.125-in. thick.

The Vutek TX3250r is a 126.5-in. dye-sublimation textile printer that can print direct to textile or indirect via transfer paper. Aimed at the soft-signage and digital textile markets, the TX3250r is an 8-color printer (CMYKcmyk) switchable to Fast-4 mode (CMYK x 2). Top resolution is 1080 dpi. It’s multi-roll capable (up to two 60-in. rolls) and includes a heavy-duty unwinder.

The EFI R3225 printer is a 126-in. roll-to-roll, entry-level production UV machine. The 4-color (CMYK) R3225 provides eight-level, variable-drop grayscale heads and a top resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi. Speeds range from 939 sq ft/hr in Express mode (2-pass, 300 dpi) to 547 sq ft/hr in Signage Plus mode (4-pass, 600 dpi) and 138 sq ft/hr in Ultra Quality mode (18-pass, 900 dpi). It ships with a complete set of R Series inks, supplied in 3.25-liter bottles.

It utilizes a roll-to-roll vacuum platen drive system and can handle flexible substrates up to 10.5-ft wide and 0.04-in. thick. An EFI Fiery XF RIP is standard. Applications for the R3225 include P-O-P, banners, signage, fleet graphics, exhibition graphics, and more.
Other EFI rollfeds include the 5-meter Vutek GS5000r as well as the 3.2-meter Vutek QS3250r and QS3220 models.

Epson
The 64-in. rollfed SureColor S50670 from Epson (www.epson.com) is available in 4- or 5-color versions (CMYK and CMYK + white) and features twin Thin Film Piezo Epson printheads, and dual inksets, as well as a built-in dryer (an optional drying system is also available) and a new system for easier one-person media loading. The printer uses Epson UltraChrome GS2 eco-solvent inks, which are odorless and nickel-free; the SC50600 requires no special ventilation. Top speed is 573 sq ft/hr in high-speed mode (193 sq ft/hr in production mode); maximum resolution is 1440 dpi.

The 8- and 10-color SureColor S70670 models are 64-inch rollfed printers that simultaneously support white and metallic inks. Both the 8-color model (CMYKcmk + orange) and the 10-color version (adds white + metallic) offer resolutions up to 1440 dpi and 294 sq ft/hr in 8-color, high-speed mode (198 sq ft/hr in production mode; 44 sq ft/hr with metallic ink enabled). The S70600 also utilizes Epson’s thin Film Piezo printhead, in conjunction with Epson GSX eco-solvent inks (also odorless and nickel-free). Other features include: automatic print optimization for various media and automatic substrate tensioning.

Earlier this year, Epson announced the 44-in. SureColor F6070 and the 64-in. SureColor F7070. Roll-fed dye-sub transfer printers, the SureColor F-Series models support a range of applications, including soft signage, sportswear, apparel, accessories, and customized promotional items such as mouse pads and ceramic mugs. Depending upon the application, both models can output at speeds up to 618 sq ft/hr, boast output up to 720 x 1440 dpi on leading transfer papers, and feature an integral high-capacity 1.5 liter bulk-ink system. Both SureColor F models use Epson UltraChrome DS inks (CMYK), specially formulated dye-sublimation inks designed to produce vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations. The fast-drying inks also exhibit excellent light- and wash-fastness, as well as resistance to alkaline and acid perspiration, the company reports. A newly optimized high-performance Epson Micropiezo TFP printhead (720 nozzles/color) was designed for use with the DS inks. Both F-Series models include Wasatch SoftRIP. An Auto Take-Up Reel is standard on the SureColor F7070.

Other Epson rollfeds include: the 64-in. SureColor S30670 as well as the Stylus Pro series of printers for photo, fine-art, proofing, and packaging applications: the Stylus Pro 7890/9890; the 7900/9900 (including Proofing Edition model); the WT7900; and the 64-in. Stylus Pro 11880. Also: the SureColor T series of printers for the AEC market and corporate graphics.

Fujifilm
The Uvistar Pro8 rollfed UV printer from Fujifilm (www.fujifilmgraphics.com) features a set of light colors (cmyk) as well as the ability to switch between 4- and 8-color printing modes. It also features: Parallel Drop Size technology to smooth images; an auto media-handling system for rigid media; an automated backlit print option; and a new operator interface. It utilizes Fujifilm’s Uvijet QN inks, which are intended to meet the growing demands of indoor applications, where viewing distances tend to be closer and rigid materials are more commonly used, the company reports. Top speed is more than 3229 sq ft/hr; maximum resolution is 600 dpi (1200-dpi apparent). The Uvistar Pro8 can accommodate media up to 150-in. wide and approximately 1-in. thick (a flatbed option is available)

The Uvistar2 series is recommended for P-O-P and display-graphic printings and is available in 3.5- and 5-meter (print width) versions. The 4-color printer uses Uvijet QK inks and offers 600-dpi resolution (1200 apparent). Top speed on the smaller machine is 2991 sq ft/hr; it’s 3800 sq ft/hr on the larger Uvistar. The Uvistar 2 also features new parallel drop size (PDS) technology, which enables users to print 40-pl drops together with 20-pl drops, eliminating the need for “light” colors to achieve quality print results, Fujifilm reports. Also included: a new Linear Encoder that monitors printhead location for improved accuracy of drop placement; upgraded electronics offering greater control over printhead heating; a front-end scale-up feature allowing large files to be RIP’d in smaller sizes and then scaled up on press; and multi-roll support enabling users to work simultaneously on as many as three rolls up to 65-in. wide, with cores of varying weights, widths, and diameters. A ColorGate Production Server RIP is standard; a flatbed table for rigid materials is optional.

Graphics One
The GO EcoMax 44 printer from Graphics One (www.graphicsone.com) is a 44-in. rollfed system designed to use the upgraded formulation of Sepiax water-based resin inks. Engineered for apparel transfers (and GO OT Stretch Transfer Film) as well as wide-format indoor and outdoor applications, the 4-color EcoMax 44 features an Epson MicroPiezo TFP printhead with Variable-Sized Droplet Technology, a top speed of 100 sq ft/hr, and resolutions up to 2880 dpi. Maximum media thickness is 1.5 mm. The new Sepiax inks formulation uses no eco-solvent, no HAPs, no SVHS, and eliminates the need for an MSDS sheet, Graphics One reports. Coated and uncoated media can be printed. Included is an EcoMax RIP developed by Wasatch; a takeup system is optional, as is a contour cutter.

The company also offers: the GO EcoMax24; the GO EcoColor PC36 print-and-cut system; the GO Rio 900X and Rio Pro54 dye-sub printer; the GO AquaMax DX and AquaMax 1.3 Sepiax printers; the GO FlagMaster series printers; GO ColorMax Wallpaper; GO dMax Pro 24; and others.

HP
The HP Scitex XP2500 (10.5-ft-wide) and XP5500 (16.6-ft) printer models are 4-color UV printers that can print simultaneously on up to three rolls of media and can utilize HP Specialty Billboard Scitex Inks to achieve high ink coverage. Both have a top resolution of 360 dpi and come standard with Caldera GrandRIP+ or Onyx ProductionHouse RIPs. Top speed on the XP2500 is 2850 sq ft/hr; the XP5500 tops out at 3500 sq ft/hr. Options include a double-sided printing kit and HP Vertical Cutter kit (XP2500 only).

On the Designjet side of things are the 61-in. HP Designjet L26500 and the 104-in. HP Designjet L28500 printer. Both systems are 6-color (CMYKcm) rollfed printers and feature: HP 792 Latex Designjet Inks, designed to produce rich blacks and glossy results; produce 1200-dpi output; can print on a broad range of materials, including eco-solvent-compatible media and low-cost uncoated options; feature double-sided print capabilities and are optimized to work with new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner, an alternative to PVC scrim. The printers are engineered to address customers entering the soft-signage market, reports HP, adding a front tension system and edge holders to help improve on image quality, an HP Optical Media Advance Sensor to automatically control registration, and a Soft Media loading accessory. Other applications include P-O-P displays, bus shelters, vehicle graphics, and more. Both models can accommodate media up to 0.5-mm thick and feature robust takeup reels.

The Designjet L26500’s speed ranges from 246 sq ft/hr (4-pass) to 68 sq ft/hr (16-pass); the Designjet L28500 delivers speeds up to 70% faster than the L25500/L26500, with a range of 753 sq ft/hr (2-pass) to 99 sq ft/hr (16-pass).

Other rollfeds in the Scitex lineup include: the LX600, LX820, and LX850 Latex printers; the XP5100 UV printer; and the TJ8350 (solvent) and TJ8600 (UV) presses; the TJ8600 now offers a new P-O-P print mode with enhanced image quality designed for printing text, barcodes, and fine details, such as QR codes, and it’s now compatible with 20-pt. thick substrates such as styrene. In the Designjet lineup, other models include: the Z5200 PostScript printer (embedded PS/PDF support and embedded spectrophotometer) and Z6200, Z2100, Z3200, and Z5200 Photo printers (all aqueous); the Designjet 130 (aqueous); and more.

Matan Digital Printers
Matan’s (www.matanprinters.com) Barak 16 is an “entry-level” superwide UV printer available in 3- and 5-meter versions. Offering multi-roll capabilities, the 4-color Barak 16 features true 600-dpi resolution (1200-dpi apparent); top speed of 1850 sq ft/hr (5-meter); a Caldera RIP; and an optional flatbed system.

Also available is the Barak HS, available in 3- and 5-meter versions, which can hit speeds up to 3800 sq ft/hr (5-meter version). Top resolution is 600 dpi (true). Other features include: a 4-color inkset; a Caldera RIP; and an optional flatbed system.

Mimaki USA
Mimaki’s (www.mimakiusa.com) JV400-130/160 SUV printer is a 4-color printer available in two widths (54- and 64-in.) and features the company’s Solvent UV ink, which comprises a solvent component to fix the pigment and then performs UV curing once the pigment is fixed to the media. A 3 Way Intelligent Heater heats the media before, during, and after printing; a UV-curing unit is also utilized. Top speed is 194 sq ft/hr in draft mode; 144 sq ft/hr in standard mode. RasterLink 6 software RIP is bundled.

Its 104-in. JV34-260 printer is capable of being outfitted with either solvent or water-based sublimation inks (ink type must be chosen at install). The 4-color JV34-260 features two newly developed printheads in a staggered arrangement, producing a top speed of 323 sq ft/hr in High Speed mode (226 sq meters/hr in Standard); maximum resolution is 1440 dpi. In addition, the new printer offers: three variable dot sizes; three-stage intelligent heater; automatic media feeder; uninterrupted ink-supply system; automatic drying fan; adjustable head height from 2 to 3mm; and Mimaki’s RasterLink Pro5 SG RIP software.

The JV400LX latex printer is available in two sizes: a 53-in. version, badged the JV400-130LX; and a 63-in., badged the JV400-160LX. It supports 6 colors (CMYKcm) plus white, and its newly developed latex inks allow for a low curing temperature of 60 degrees C or below, Mimaki reports, allowing for printing on a wide range of heat-sensitive materials. The drying process is further aided by three heaters – pre, print, and post – integrated into the machine, as well as drying fans. The printer is equipped with Mimaki’s MCT ink-circulation system to prevent pigment sedimentation and allow for stable ink dispersion (as well as reducing the need for manual ink-cartridge circulation processes). The inks come in 600-ml ink packs, set in eco-cases that don’t have to be recycled.

Newly introduced are the UJV500-160 LED UV printer (uses LUS-200 UV inks jointly developed with 3M) and the CG-60/130SRIII cutting plotters. Also on the Mimaki rollfed roster: the UJV-160; the JV5 and JV33 series; the CJV30 series; the TX400-1800D and TX400-1800B; the DS series of direct dye-sub printers; and more.

Mutoh America
Mutoh America’s (www.mutoh.com) ValueJet 2638 is a 104-in. staggered dual-head eco-solvent printer. The ValueJet 2638 offers a top speed of 1168 sq ft/hr (at 360 x 360 dpi) and a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi; it’s available with 4 or 7 colors. Other features include: Intelligent Interweave (i²) print technology to eliminate banding; the ValueJet Status Monitor app for remote-printer monitoring; a ColorVerify process control system (ColorVerify Pro-capable). A heavy-duty fee and takeup system, PhotoPrint SAi RIP, and media roll cradle are standard; a SpectroVue VM-10 spectrophotometer and 1-liter ink bags are optional. Applications include tradeshow graphics, indoor signage, billboards, P-O-P displays, fleet wraps, and more.

Its ValueJet 1624W textile/sublimation printer is capable of using water-based or dye-sublimation transfer or direct-print inks. The 64-in. 4-color (CMYK) printer features staggered dual printheads, a maximum resolution of 1400 dpi, and print speeds up to 600 sq ft/hr (at 360 x 360 dpi). Applications range from tradeshow graphics, flags, banners, custom clothing, displays, and interior design work to promotional items, mugs, mouse pads, and more.

In early 2013, the company announced its new line of ValueCut cutting plotters, comprising three models: the ValueCut 600 (30.3-in. media width, 24-in. cut width); ValueCut 1300 (62.7-in. media width, 52-in. cut width); and ValueCut 1800 (74.8-in. media width, 72-in. cut width). All three VC models are designed for long-run cut jobs and precision accuracy, Mutoh reports; users can simultaneously print and cut. Standard features include: newly designed sheet-off feature; roll support system; multi-segment registration; spare blade; oil-ball point pen; SAi Flexi starter software; and more. A floor stand and media-catch basket are standard on the VC 1300 and 1800 models (optional on the 600). A dual-roll support system is optional.
Also in the Mutoh lineup: the ValueJet 1204Plus, 1324, 1624, 1638, and 2638; the ValueJet 1628TD and 2628TD, as well as 1638W textile printers; and RJ-900X printer.

PrinterEvolution
The Evo33 from PrinterEvolution (www.printerevolution.com) comprises an upgraded EFI Vutek 3360 chassis with a new ink-delivery system, Spectra Q-class true grayscale variable-drop heads, new motion-control system, and new updated electronics and computer interface. The 126-in. Evo33 can be configured with one of two different ink types: AquaSub33 water-based dye-sub or LoSol33 bio-solvent inks. The company added Orange and Violet options to its CMYK ink set in late 2012. Top resolution is 600-dpi addressable (1200-dpi apparent); speeds range from 580 to 1285 sq ft/hr. A Caldera GrandRIP+ is standard.

Newly released is the company’s Neo Series of printers (Neo64 DS, Neo74 DS, and Neo104 DS), which are water-based print and sublimate units with on-board calendars and optional in-line cutting systems.

Roland
The SolJet Pro 4 XR-640 printer-cutter from Roland DGA (www.rolanddga.com) features accelerated print speeds and reformulated Eco-Sol Max 2 inks in nine colors, including white, metallic silver, and light black. The 64-inch Pro 4 offers a dual inline and mirrored printhead configuration yielding a maximum print speed of 528 sq ft/hr at 360 x 720 dpi (standard speed on banner is 183.5 sq ft/hr; standard speed on vinyl is 166 sq ft/hr). Print speeds for white and metallic inks are more than 50 percent faster than those of previous SolJet models, Roland reports. Top resolution is 1440 dpi.

The printer, which allows for 7- or 8-color configurations, utilizes the company’s new Eco-Sol Max 2 eco-solvent inks (440-ml cartridges), developed for the Pro 4 and designed for long-term outdoor durability, scratch- and chemical-resistance, broad media support, and a wide color gamut. New to the Max 2 line are three specialty inks: a new light black; a reformulated white; and an improved metallic silver, which can be printed as a pure spot color or combined with CMYK.

Additional features include: an automated ink-circulation system to reduce ink usage and maintenance requirements for white and metallic silver inks; a three-stage heater and optional dryer unit; a built-in take-up system that can handle media rolls up to 88 lbs; and version 4.8 of Roland’s VersaWorks RIP software, which includes a built-in Pantone spot color library, a new predictive ink calculator, variable-data printing, a spot-color replacement feature, and more.

The company’s 64-in. VersaArt RE-640 printer offers 8-channel, gold-plated printhead technology and features a dual CMYK mirroring to help prevent banding, variable droplet control, and Roland Intelligent Pass Control to further enhance image quality. Other features include: Eco-Sol Max inks (220 or 440 mL), an automatic maintenance printhead wiper, VersaWorks RIP software, integrated heating system, and more. A take-up system is optional. The 4-color RE-640 offers resolutions up to 1440 dpi. Top speed is 249 sq ft/hr in Billboard Banner mode; High Speed Vinyl mode is 141 sq ft/hr. Maximum media thickness is 1mm with liner.

Other Roland rollfeds include: the newly introduced SolJet XF-640; the AdvancedJet AJ-1000i; the HiFi Express FP-740; the SolJet Pro III XJ-540, XJ-640, and XJ-740; SolJet SJ-1045; SolJet XF-640; and VersaArt RE-640. Its printer-cutter line includes the VersaUV LEC-300 and LEC-540; SolJet Pro III XC-540MT; and various VersaCamm models.

Seiko Instruments USA
The ColorPainter H2 series of mild-solvent inkjet printers from Seiko Instruments USA (www.seiko-i.com) comprises two models: the 104-in. H2-104s and the 74-in. H2-74s. The printers offer two inkset choices: CMYK x 2, or 8-color (CMYKcm + gray and light gray); the gray inks allow for real gradation, light shadows, and metallic texture, Seiko reports. Top speed is 1075 sq ft/hr for 4-color configuration (538 sq ft/hr for 8-color); the H2 printers offer a maximum resolution of 900 dpi. Other features include: Dynamic dot printing technology, jetting three different drop sizes per print pass; SmartPass 3 technology for non-interleaving printhead control and banding reduction; Smart Nozzle Mapping; and CP Manager printer control software. A Mesh Printing Kit is optional.

The ColorPainter H2P-104s and H2P-74s offer a high capacity 4-color ink system (CMYK x 2), and new low-solvent VX inks for high-speed printing. Key features include: a large-capacity ink reservoir (8 liters/color); dynamic dot printing (DDP) technology; Smart Pass Technology 3 to minimize banding; Smart Nozzle Mapping; and more. Top resolution is 900 dpi.

Also available are the W-64s/W-54s, the V-64s, and the H-104s/H-74s printers.

SID Signs
The SID Titan series from SID Signs (www.sidsigns.com) comprises the Titan L 320, Titan 320, and Titan GT 320. All three Titan models are 6-color (CMYKcm) 126-in. printers, and all offer a top resolution of 720 dpi. Print speeds vary: 247 sq ft/hr max for the L 320; 818 sq ft/hr max for the 320; and 914 sq ft/hr max on the GT 320. Solvent or eco-solvent inks. SID also offers its Triton (including the Triton TX for textiles) and Mercury series of rollfed printers, as well as the Xpress; recently introduced is the Neutrino with Memjet technology.

Splash of Color
The HeatWave series of printers from Splash of Color (www.spashofcolor.com) includes a trio of direct-to-fabric sublimation printers: the 64-in. DFP-64 v2, the 74-in. DFP-74 v2, and the 104-in. DFP-104 v2. All of the HeatWave models can print directly onto coated or uncoated polyester fabrics and offer a high-capacity bulk-ink system (8 bottles, 1000 ml each). Top resolution is 1440 dpi on the DFP-64 and DFP-104; 720 dpi on the DFP-74. The DFP-74 can reach speeds up to 548 sq ft/hr (at 270 x 360 dpi). A Roland VersaWorks RIP is standard.

Summa
Summa USA’s (summausa.com) 54-in. DC4 print-and-cut system utilizes thermal-transfer technology. Features include an eight-station ribbon changer; variable-width vinyl handling; a range of special print modes (including Double Density for backlit images); and more. Top print speed on the DC4 is 92 sq ft/hr (spot); 35sq ft/hr (process). Maximum cut speed is 24 in./sec. SuperControl RIP+Cut software is included. Also available is the DC4sx, in 24- and 30-in. widths.

Teckwin
Built for high-volume, continuous production, the TeckPro UV3200 from Teckwin USA (www.teckwin-usa.com) offers 6-color (CMYKcm) + white capabilities, 800-dpi resolution, and speeds up to 990 sq ft/hr (8-pass hi-fidelity speed is 237 sq ft/hr). The UV3200 can output onto one or two rolls of media (64 in.) and one or two files at a time in any combination, up to an oversized print width of 130 in. Features include: dual UV systems with shutter controls; an LED light table for backlit printing; Caldera GrandRIP+; and AuroraTeck Flex UV pigmented inks. A white-ink kit is optional.

ZBE
ZBE’s (www.zbe.com) Chromira 5x 50 is a digital RA4 printer with the ability to image 50-in.-wide prints full bleed. Designed for custom and commercial imagers, the Chromira 5x 50 features: the ability to handle any RA4 media (including backlit display films); easy and fast loading and unloading; 300-pixels/in. image resolution (425-ppi visual resolution with ZBE’s Resolution Enhancement Technology); integration with many workflows; black-and-white support; and more. Speed is approximately 16 in./minute (at 50-in. wide).
Other ZBE roll-to-roll printers include the Chromira 5x 30, the 1x 50, and the 1x 30.