SolventJET II Printers Use Pentachrome Inks to Hit Key Spot Colors

Two major distributors of inkjet printers and supplies — Splash of Color and All Graphics Supplies — have teamed up to develop SolventJET II signmaking systems that combine the speed and efficiency of Roland's Pro II series of printers with the outdoor-durability and spot-color advantages of Lyson's Pentachrome solvent inks. The SolventJET II line-up includes 54- and 74-in. printers and a 54-in. printer/cutter. The Roland-engineered printers can be used either to efficiently output higher volumes of lower-res (450 dpi) signs at speeds of up to 300 sq ft/hr or photorealistic (1440 x 1440 dpi) posters. A 30 sq ft outdoor-durable banner can be output in about six minutes. Lyson's Pentachrome inkset replaces the light cyan and light magenta inks found in many other expanded-gamut six-color inksets with red and blue inks. The addition of red and blue inks makes it easier for signmakers who need to simulate popular spot colors such as Coca-Cola red or reflex blue on their inkjet printers. The inks can be used with a wide range of lower-cost self-adhesive vinyls, scrim banner materials, wet-strength paper and backlit films and are supplied in easy-to-use 310-ml refillable ink cartridges. Ink costs for a typical sign are estimated at $0.25/sq ft. The printers list for $36,995 for the 54-in. printer and $42,995 for the 74-in. model. The 54-in.printer-cutter model lists for $36,995. All Graphics Supplies, based in Missisauga, ON, Canada, supplies users throughout Canada with equipment, training, supplies and support in the fields of prepress, fine art, signage, large-format imaging, color management and lamination. Splash of Color, based in Dallas, TX, helps equipment resellers throughout the US differentiate themselves with innovative systems for large-format color scanning, printing and finishing. (All Graphics Supplies: www.allgraphicsupplies.com; Splash of Color: www.splashofcolor.com)