RP-720UV Printer from Raster Printers

The first wide-format printer from the
newly formed Raster Printers Inc. is the
RP-720UV, a 6-color (CMYKcm), 72-in.
wide, UV-curable printer, capable of printing
on uncoated rigid (up to 1.2 in. thick)
as well as roll-to-roll media.

Print speeds range from 140 sq ft/hr
for banner graphics to 100 sq ft/hr for
standard graphics, to 50 sq ft/hr for photo
quality. It features Spectra SE-128 printheads,
30 picoliter drops at true 720-dpi
resolution (1440-dpi apparent).

Raster chose UV-curable inks because
they are environmentally friendly and will
print on a wide variety of uncoated flexible
and rigid media. The additional light
cyan and light magenta colors provide
smooth mid-tone gradations. Raster
claims the inks also offer excellent faderesistance
for outdoor applications.

The RP-720UV also features a Dual UV
Lamp curing system for bidirectional
printing and curing of inks, as well as a
simplified printhead-maintenance system.
With the optional purchase of Onyx
PosterShop or Onyx ProductionHouse,
and an optional i-cut workflow module,
prints can then be automatically cut
using a Mikkelson Graphics i-cut system.

Raster Graphics Inc., Palo Alto, CA, was
formed by Rak Kumar, the former CEO of
Oce Display Graphics and Raster Graphics.
Raster is outsourcing the manufacturing
to an Asian partner and putting the final
touches on here in the US. The printer,
which made its debut at SGIA, is scheduled
to begin shipping in January 2005.
Price: $55,000. (Raster Printers:
www.rasterprinters.com)