Digital wide format press manufacturer, swissQprint, is sharpening up its image after introducing a nine-picolitre droplet size for its inkjet system among with a new ‘efficiency-boosting’ print mode.
The Swiss manufacturer says the new droplet size gives users an additional production mode for ultra-exacting photo print work with fine colour gradations, suitable for subjects that require uniform expanses of colour without screening artefacts, and reproduction of fine detail.
According to swissQprint, the nine-picolitre droplet size can be integrated immediately and at no extra cost on all three of its wide format models, the Oryx, Impala and Nyala (pictured). However, the usual 14-picolitre droplet size will remain the default option.
With the new option, the output software automatically selects the nine-picolitre droplet size when RIPing print files for fine art applications. With light shades in use, the maximum visual resolution on the substrate reaches 2160 dpi. Small print runs and prototypes may be displayed confidently alongside offset reproductions.
The new droplet size was announced at Fespa 2013 in London late last month, along with the company's Nyala inkjet system featuring a new, reinforced roll-to-roll option. The 3.2m wide large format printer can now handle rolls weighing up to 180 kg. The roll retainers have a correspondingly robust build quality, with controller finesse and simplicity of material handling as further persuasive points.
The company also demonstrated its tandem print mode at Fespa 2013, which it says presented an efficiency-boosting print mode, which keeps the machine running non-stop and reduces waiting times. The mode is available for all three swissQprint inkjet systems; Oryx, Impala and Nyala – all of which are distributed locally through Positive Camtec.
According to swissQprint, the tandem function will be of interest to anyone wanting to achieve the greatest possible output for serial production in digital printing. With the tandem function, the print table is loaded as usual from the front and the print job is started. Whilst the machine processes the first job, the operator starts to load the rear half of the table.
The printing beam moves to the rear and continues the printing process as soon as the front job is finished and the operator confirms that the rear job is ready to start. The operator meanwhile removes the finished prints from the front area and prepares the next substrates for printing, so production continues until the series is finished.
The tandem function is designed for large series of smaller substrates. The print images can be identical or different. One conceivable use is the personalisation of direct marketing media produced using an offset process.