Canon has launched its Colorado XL-series platform of 3.4m printers powered by its UVgel technology, said to deliver ‘great versatility and exceptional productivity’ for flexible and rigid media applications, from signage and décor to point of sale and packaging.
Aiming to expand the UVgel technology to the 3.2m graphics market, the modular platform is available in hybrid and roll-to-roll configurations. The Colorado XL-series comprises two models: the Colorado XL7 roll-to-roll printer and Colorado XL7 hybrid printer.
Canon says the new series has print speeds of 70m² per hour in quality mode, 106m² per hour in production mode, up to 211m² per hour in express mode and accommodates substrates up to 52mm/2 inches thick for rigid applications. Apparently, the platform also provides UVgel’s benefits such as odourless and instant-dry prints; high mechanical and chemical robustness; dimensional stability due to low-temperature curing, matte and gloss finish without the need of a separate varnish and is said to be TPO and VCL-free.
The Colorado XL-series also introduces UVgel FullBeam Curing, which uses a 3.4-metre-wide LED curing array that, combined with a mirror system, delivers consistent UV light dosing across the entire print width, ‘guaranteeing exceptional print uniformity’ over large surfaces and enabling a wider colour gamut. Media handling is optimised by the new UVgel TRIdrive vacuum belt system, which features three interactive rollers and multiple vacuum zones that reduce wrinkling and skewing by automatically detecting and correcting the media positioning.
Optional features for the new series include FLXfinish for creative effects using matte or gloss or mixed matte and gloss on the same print without additional varnish, and FLXture for textured finishes that mimic materials like leather, wood or fabric.
In related news, Toyo Ink Europe revealed its Steraflex GIO flexographic printing ink in August, said to offer ‘superb’ print and press performance on most label substrates, sleeves and other applications where migration is a key priority. The new ink is said to demonstrate significantly improved bond strength compared to its predecessor, even on low surface tension substrates like BOPP, enabling converters and brands to have greater versatility in materials and applications without compromising on print quality or safety.
Last month Mondi announced that its six-colour digital printing range for corrugated board now includes water-based white inks for brown materials, facilitating high-contrast designs for primary and secondary packaging. Halftone printing can also be used for smooth gradients, differentiated shading, and chamfers that create three-dimensional image effects.
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