EcoPrint is seeing the introduction of the AQ160 printer, a 1.6m roll-to-roll printer with a specialised heating systems for curing of the Sepiax Aquares V3 range of ink.
Sepiax, maker of water-based resin surface-bonding ink, said it was always only a matter of time until it brought out a purpose built printer to use the ink for general sign-making and graphical applications.
In the UK a partnership is planned with Reprographic Technology International, a Canadian-based company with global reach supplying parts and consumables to the digital print sector, including wide-format display graphics, plan print and labelling. It is hoped that this partnership will provide the support needed to develop dealerships in the UK and Europe, with spare parts being held in the UK.
Peter Barton, EMEA business director for RTI said: "I have been involved in the fascinating new technology of the Sepiax ink now for a couple of years, and I am excited by this new development in hardware. After various successful modifications to existing solvent printers being used in a range of semi-industrial processes, from the production of skis, flooring, room dividers, credit cards and even coffee mugs, the focus is turned to the signmaker and graphic arts printer, who wants to produce a wide range of media on a dedicated machine. This is where the AQ160 comes in.
“Built in Germany, the AQ160’s heating systems ensure perfect curing of the Sepiax Aquares ink. These precisely-controlled heating systems include pre-heat, under-platen heat, post-heat and even an infrared heating device on the carriage. There is also the option of a scanning ‘super’ dryer to assist with speedy drying of highly hydrophobic materials. In spite of the demanding heating requirements the standard machine will consume not much more power than a standard solvent printer. Even the optional superdryer is using infrared scanning technology to minimize power consumption. The use of permanent piezo printheads also reduces costs and the consumption of raw materials."
Karl Ebner, sales and marketing director of Sepiax, said: "The EcoPrint show is the perfect platform for our company since we have been one of the first ones in this business defining 'ecology and green chemistry' as our company's principles. The latest market developments prove that moving away from harmful solvents and reducing power consumption are major steps for the graphics industry."
Erik Norman, VP of sales and marketing for RTI, added: "Although we are traditionally seen as a supplier of spare parts and consumables to the digital print sector, the rapid changes in this marketplace are leading to our clients to ask for advice on new print technologies and this has naturally led to the creation of our Print Solutions Division. We have elected to work with leading print technology companies like Sepiax, the driving force behind this resin technology for inks, and you will be seeing other announcements from us regarding more leading-edge technology products, like solutions utilising Memjet engines. We see these type of products changing the way our clients look at their print methodology."
www.sepiax.at