A new Chinese-made hybrid printer has been brought to the UK market by Repro Sales and Repairs in Rayleigh, Essex. The R180 is from Mei Tu, for which the company has the exclusive UK dealership. The first R180 will arrive in the UK this week, having been sold to a company that viewed it in China. Another will be with Repro Sales and Repairs in time for demonstration at Sign and Digital UK.
The 1.8m wide UV model - the MT-R180-UV - is equipped with a feed and take up system for roll printing, and also comes with front and back extension platforms for rigid substrates. Maximum media thickness is 30mm. It costs £30,000. An eco solvent model is also available, and costs £25,000. Both prices include including delivery, installation, training and a one year parts and labour warranty.
The printer, which uses Epson printheads, can print CMYK CMYK or CMYK and White. A vacuum system controls the whole printing platform for smooth edge-to-edge printing. An auto adjustable printhead means users can adjust the height of the cleaning system and carriage at the same time.