Mimaki’s new Ink-jet Offerings Greatly Applauded

NAGANO, JAPAN—June 18, 2008—Mimaki Engineering Co., a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, industrial markets and textile/apparel, is delighted that its innovative offerings for traditional print markets have been very well received by the respective communities. The company which already made a name for itself in the sign/graphics market displayed a single pass label press, the IPH-300-L as well as the UJF-605RII press for short run packaging and proofing on original media among others.

Mimaki’s booth at drupa bustled with activity and interest by printers from all areas of the graphic arts. The JPP 60-12, a new professional inkjet CtP system featuring high registration accuracy and low running costs was the center of attention for commercial printers who were looking for an affordable processless platemaking solution. As the plates generated by the JPP 60-12 are press ready, this real chemical-free and processless system is the attractive alternative for many.

Label printers were amazed by the speed and technology of Mimaki’s new IPH-300-L label press. It employs single pass inkjet technology enabling it to reach speeds of up to 12.5 m/min on a web width of 30 cm at standard resolution of 600 x 600 dpi and offers a high resolution mode of 600 x 1200 dpi. The press is modular and was demonstrated in roll to roll configuration. In addition the print unit as well as the transport unit together or only the first can be implemented into existing lines enabling variable printing on preprinted stock or other substrates such as plastics. In addition the UV inks instantly dry enabling immediate finishing.

The UJF-605RII made great impact on flexo and gravure printers especially. Apart from being able to print on original substrates which are used in flexo presses it enables proofing with six colors and white over and underprint. The UJF-605RII also is used for short run production as well as sampling. Gravure printers were favorably impressed at the possibility to proof files containing white before the cylinders are engraved. The machine employs UV inks and accommodates roll-to-roll and sheet materials up to a width of 64 cm such as OPP, PET and shrink film among others. Its vacuum table ensures high accuracy. Vivid and colorful proofs of all kinds of jobs calibrated to the respective press profiles are easily achieved.

The UJF-605CII, a UV inkjet system able to print on even and uneven surfaces such as plastic cards, pens, wood or metal to name just a few was enthusiastically received. Many visitors expressed great interest in this unique device that prints with six colors (CMYKLcLm), white and gloss on a wide variety of materials. Both the UJF-605RII and the UJF-605CII print with a resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi.

As far as white proofing is concerned, commercial printers were impressed with the cost-conscious solution for proofing and producing images with white, both under and over, on transparent media on the JV33 large format solvent printer.

Another innovation on show was the prototype UJV-160 UV LED large format printer. While conventional UV curing is by UV lamps UV LED technology uses UV LED (Light Emitting Diodes) that at light frequencies between 365 and 395 nm cure the specially sensitized inks. UV lamps need a high level of energy and need to be cooled in order to cure the inks thoroughly such that they emit excessive heat as well as sometimes ozone and VOC (Volatile Organic Components). All these negative effects of UV printing are reduced or eliminated with UV LED technology. The LED, which in contrast to conventional UV lamps can be switched on and off without any warm-up or cool-down time, only create low temperatures. Thus, only a small cooling unit is needed and cooling fans etc. are unnecessary. In case of a shorter print width than the full width of the printer, the UV LEDs are only switched on when they are needed thereby reducing energy. Printers employing the UJV-160 can make energy savings of up to 75 per cent. In addition UV LED technology does not emit ozone or VOC, which makes it far more environmentally friendly in comparison with conventional UV lamps. Danger from radiation is reduced as UV LEDs emit neither UV-B nor UV-C rays. He UJV-160 employs flexible UV inks, jointly developed with 3M to prevent cracking when folded or bent. Mimaki is also developing another flexible ink to be used for current UV-curable inkjet printers.

“We are very pleased that our entry into the traditional print markets has made such a favorable impression on visitors at drupa. Mimaki is and will always be at the forefront of innovation. Our experience in inkjet and the broad acceptance of this technology enables us to offer all printing industries the solutions they need in order to fulfill and enhance their business activities”, says Akira Ikeda, President Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd. “Apart from the first pillar (sign/graphics products) and the third (textile and apparel), the presentation of our new mainstream products for printing lays the foundation of a new era in which these products will strengthen the second pillar the so-called industrial products portfolio in Mimaki’s strategy.”

Also on show at drupa were:

The JV5-160S featuring its new AMF (Auto Media Feeder) unit that accommodates media up to a weight of 130 kg was presented. Consequently longer rolls of standard weight media for long uninterrupted printing can be employed. The JV5 series is a very productive large format solvent printer family that is also available in a dye sublimation version for transfer printing. The JV5-160S can print up to 1.6 m in width,

with a top speed of 58 m2/h at 540 x 720 dpi in 4-color mode. The JV5 series is equipped with a nozzle check and recovery system to support continuous production. In addition to the ecosolvent ink, Mimaki has just developed aggressive, yet low-odor, environmentally friendly EcoHS1 ink for ultra-fast print. The JV5 series can print in 4-color or 6-color mode (CMYKLcLm). In addition the JV5-160S on show was equipped with the new air purifier unit AF-360.

The JF-1610 UV curable flatbed inkjet printer offers users the possibility of direct digital printing on large uncoated substrates, such as corrugated plastics, polyacrylics and uneven or irregular materials with resolutions of up to 1200 dpi, all at an affordable price. The JF series takes full advantage of its large-size vacuum flatbed and UV curable inks in order to print precise details on uncoated large-sized and thick materials. The JF series incorporates seven color printing, including white ink (CMYKLmLcW) plus clear coating. Both, JF-1631 and JF-1610, can be used for on-demand production of smaller items for various industries or larger jobs for applications such as PoS displays. The effective maximum print area is 1602 x 3100 mm (JF-1631) and 1602 x 1016 mm on the JF-1610. At the show printers were greatly impressed with the possibility of “relief-printing” with white on this exceptional flatbed printer.

About Mimaki
Mimaki is a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, textile and industrial markets. Mimaki develops the complete product range for each group; hardware, software and the associated consumable items, such as inks and cutting blades. Mimaki excels in offering innovative, high quality and high reliability products, based upon its aqueous, solvent and UV curable inkjet technology. In order to meet a wide range of applications in the market, Mimaki pursues the development of advanced on-demand digital printing solutions. Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., (President: Akira Ikeda) Nagano (Japan), is publicly listed on the JASDAQ Securities Exchange, Inc.