Canon launches Océ Colorado 1640

Canon has announced  its long-anticipated UV gel wide-format printer, the Océ Colorado 1640, a 64-inch roll-to-roll printer, that it will make its European debut at FESPA 2017.

Designed for large-format graphic-arts and print providers, the Océ Colorado 1640 is designed for producing indoor and outdoor graphics, including roll-to-roll signage and displays.

The new machine is capable of running at speeds of up to 159sqm/hr in normal mode, while it can also hit 40 sqm/hr when operating in its higest quality mode. 

Customers will be able to easily handle peak periods with fully automated media loading of multiple online rolls, confidently print unattended with on-the-fly quality assurance, produce instantly cured prints on a wide variety of media including heat sensitive media, and help cut expenses with segment-leading low operating costs. 

"The  Océ Colorado 1640 delivers real ‘game changing’ possibilities, particularly in terms of productivity and quality," commented Canon executive vice president Jeppe Frandsen. "It is the most important product introduction for Canon in the wide format space in the last 25 years.”

“Canon is bringing radical innovation to roll-to-roll printing with this technology, offering PSPs producing lower volumes an affordable step up to true production printing with rapid ROI”, said Mark Lawn, director graphic and communications group at Canon Europe.

“For PSPs already handling high volumes, it offers a uniquely versatile technology at an affordable price point. For a wide range of signage and graphics businesses, UVgel technology holds the key to unlocking their full potential in terms of productivity and applications range, giving them a powerful platform for profitable expansion.”

UVgel Technology 

At the heart of the new Océ Colorado 1640 is Canon’s recently announced UVgel technology. This technology combines a new UV curable ink that gels inmediately on contact with the media, with Canon's latest-generation piezoelectric print-head technology.

The system uses acoustic sampling to monitor nozzle performance on-the-fly, whilst the LED UV curing system works without applying any heat to the substrates meaning ultra-thin and heat-sensitive media are suitable.

The LED UV curing system operates independently from the printing system, which the company said ensured identical jetting to curing for every droplet and gave better control of accuracy and size.

Automation features

The Océ Colorado 1640 features a heavy-duty drawer mechanism that holds up to two rolls of media at one time, each weighing up to 110 lbs. The two rolls can be of the same media type and size or different media, and once initialized, the print engine can switch jobs between rolls without operator assistance.

If an unknown media is loaded, the printer will automatically measure its thickness and adjust the print gap accordingly. This ensures the best possible print quality and reduces the risk of printhead crashes.  

This information is then stored in the media library along with other media parameters so that the next time this type of media is loaded, the printer knows exactly how to handle it.

The UVgel printheads also incorporate patented continuous nozzle monitoring to detect and correct any underperforming nozzles. 

During each and every printing pass, Canon’s nozzle monitoring technology automatically checks all nozzles using acoustic sampling and is said to even detect whether nozzles are going to misfire before they actually do. In the event of nozzle failure, corrective maintenance is automatically performed. 

Broad application range

According to Canon, the system produces a large colour gamut, similar to that of solvent inks, but combines this with the environmental benefits and safety profile of latex and UV-cured systems. The result is said to be nearly odorless, VCL-free, durable, colorfast, high quality prints even on the thinnest, most heat-sensitive media. 

The manufacturer claims the ultra-thin ink dispersion results in low consumption that could reduce print costs by up to 40% compared to eco-solvent and latex printing.

The new Océ Colorado 1640 will have its first public debut in Europe at FESPA 2017, from 8-12 May at Hamburg Messe in Hamburg, Germany. 

To find more about FESPA 2017, the companies that will exhibit and to sign up to attend as a visitor, please visit: www.fespa2017.com.

Delegates can save 70€ entry fee to the exhibition by registering via the website and quoting reference code: FESG702. Discover how a visit to FESPA 2017 can benefit your business and register today.