Screen stars in sheetfed inkjet

Screen continues its transformation into an inkjet press manufacturer with the launch of the Truepress JetSX sheetfed inkjet machine.

The JetSX handles a maximum press size of 530 x 740mm on a wide range of media – Screen claims it can print on all current offset stocks – from 80 to 400gsm (0.08-0.4mm thick).

The press outputs in CMYK using water-based inks at a rate of 1,620 sheets per hour simplex and 810 sheets per hour duplex, which equates to about 6,480 A4 pages per hour, on a par with most toner-based sheetfed colour presses.

Screen claims, however, that the added attraction of the JetSX is that it can print duplex in a single pass onto a B2 sheet, making it more productive and enabling the printed sheet to be handled with existing finishing and bindery equipment.

Screen is quoting a list price of €1.24 million for the JetSX and expects to have it ready for market by the end of 2010 with expectation of 300 units sold over the next five years.

While pricing on consumables is still to be decided, Brian Filler, Screen UK MD, said that it will “undoubtedly” be less expensive to run than a similar toner-based machine.

In continuous feed inkjet production, where Screen already has a healthy installed base, there are two new versions of the Truepress Jet520 unveiled at Ipex - the Truepress Jet520EX, a monochrome version targeted at the on-demand direct mail and book printing markets, and a new entry-level Truepress Jet520 CP package that Screen hopes will attract users with lower print volumes into the colour digital market.