Mimaki Engineering has announced three new printers: the UJF-706 UV flatbed, the Tx400-1800D dye-sub/direct-to-textile printer, and the UV desktop UJF-3042 for narrow-format, short-run production.

The UJF-706 is a high-speed UV-curing flatbed designed for industrial applications, and is based on the company’s previous UJF models. It features a new Mimaki Spray Suppressor system, designed to prevent the satellite ink drops that can contaminate sensitive machine parts; simultaneous full-color and white printing; and an automatic four-point optical positioning recognition system for centering of prints on small objects for imprinting as well as variable data printing. A roll-media print mechanism is optional.

The UJF-706 has a maximum print size of approximately 28 x 24 inches, and can accommodate media as thick as 6 inches. Two different ink types—hard and flexible—are available. UV-curing hard-gloss ink is available for smooth finishes.

The Tx400-1800D is an 8-color (or 2 x 4-color) combination dye-sublimation and direct-to-textile inkjet printer that can accommodate direct-to-textile and dye-sublimation printing employing sublimation media (and can vary according to the print job). Three different inks—dye-sublimation ink, reactive dye ink and acid dye ink—are available (in 2-liter ink containers); the newly developed dye-sub inks feature low-vapor emissions. Mimaki has equipped the machine with its bulk-ink system and its Uninterrupted Ink Supply System for automatic switching of inks when one ink container runs empty.
The Tx400-1800D also employs a feature that enables the user to adjust the ink volume jetted by the printhead according to the type of cloth and design. This provides the user with the ability to print different color depths to achieve intriguing design effects, reports the company.

Maximum print width is 73 inches. Maximum resolution is 900 dpi. Raster Link Pro5 TA software RIP is bundled with the printer.

Availability in the US begins April 2010. Later this year, Mimaki reports, another model in the Tx400 series will ship that will feature an adhesion-belt carrier system to stabilize flexible materials that tend to stretch and contract during printing.

The UJF-3042 is a desktop UV LED printer for short-run production and imprints of industrial products, novelties, cards and nameplates, electronics covers as well as label and packaging applications. Prints in A3 size (approximately 12 x 16.5 inches) can be output in high-speed mode within 4 minutes in full color plus white (over and underprint), Mimaki reports; the UJF-3042 boasts a maximum resolution of 1440 x 1200 dpi; it can accommodate media up to 2 inches thick. RasterLink Pro 5IP RIP software is included.

MIMAKI
www.mimakiusa.com