SGIA Expo Marks the U.S. Debut of Durst's Rhotex 500 Digital Printer

LAS VEGAS — September 14, 2016 — At this week’s SGIA Expo, Durst, an industrial inkjet specialist, is exhibiting several large-format digital printing solutions that deliver today’s most innovative, most demanding, most wanted display applications — soft signage, interior decor, fine art prints, backlit and more — efficiently and at production speeds. The event runs through Sept. 16 in Hall C of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For the first time in North America, Durst — a world leader in production digital inkjet printing systems and a proud Platinum Sponsor of SGIA Expo 2016 — is exhibiting its five-meter Rhotex 500 soft-signage digital printer, which employs the company’s Durst Water Technology. Also on display in Durst Booth 401 are the flexible, high-productivity, offset-quality Rho 1312 hybrid printer, and the award-winning Rho 312R roll printer.

In addition, Durst sponsored the “Retail 2020” Part IV — the latest in a series of informative presentation and discussion sessions. Part IV featured marketing and print buying expert Martin Padilla. During her 30-year career, Padilla has worked on behalf of such high-profile clients as Toyota and Sprint. This event took place today, and included breakfast and networking.

Also, members of the press and industry analysts also were invited to attend a press conference, at which Durst representatives discussed the company’s latest products and technology innovations, and answered questions about Durst and the state of production digital imaging. The press conference took place today.

On hand from Durst will be Fabian Sottsas, worldwide product manager, Roll Products; Kevin Currier, application solutions manager, Durst U.S.; Larry D’Amico, director of sales, Rho Products, Durst U.S.; and Christopher Guyett, sales and marketing coordinator, Durst U.S.

“The innovative Durst printers we’re exhibiting at this year’s SGIA Expo can respond to a customer’s demands for the highest quality large-format display — whether it’s soft signage, textile or POP/POS applications,” D’Amico says. “Durst printers here at SGIA are the most efficient, flexible and productive imaging systems we have ever offered. They allow our customers to meet every challenge.”

D’Amico also adds, "Not only do we have the solutions the industry needs in our booth, we have the ideas and advice the industry needs at our ‘Retail 2020’ event featuring Martin Padilla, a talented professional who has a great deal of knowledge about understanding and meeting client needs. As a Platinum Sponsor of SGIA Expo 2016, we’re very pleased to offer a variety of solutions at this event and on behalf of the show’s attendees.”

The Rhotex 500 soft-signage digital printer.

Rhotex 500
Soft signage has fast become the advertising medium of choice, because it is easy to fold, transport, install, wash and recycle. The Rhotex 500, designed for fabrics-based advertising and information media, is the first digital production printer to produce unparalleled, seamless soft signage and other large-format fabric output — for point of sale, trade shows, arenas, event venues, public spaces — up to 16.5 feet (five meters) wide.

The Rhotex 500 utilizes Durst’s innovative Durst Water Technology – based on eco-friendly, odorless, water-based dispersion inks and an advanced imaging process that delivers rich, photo-realistic print quality, brilliant colors and high fidelities on uncoated and coated polyester fabrics. It prints in a variety of selectable drop sizes (7, 14 and 21 picolitres) and achieves output speeds of more than 3,300 s.f. / hr., with quality production mode exceeding 1,300 s.f./hr. Besides standard CMYK inks, Durst offers light cyan, light magenta, light black, plus its Process Color Additions (orange and violet) for use with the Rhotex 500.

The Rho 1312.

Rho 1312
The 98" (250 cm) Rho 1312, whose print speed tops an astounding 6,600 s.f./hr., represents an ideal digital printing alternative to offset. It offers improved image quality, increased efficiency during printing, and unparalleled media handling flexibility, particularly with difficult and heat-sensitive media. The Rho 1312 is capable of consistent three-shift operation thanks to its overall reliability and level of automation — including a highly intuitive user interface, and ¾ or fully automated feed alignment and stacking units developed by Durst.

Durst's Quadro Array print head technology, applying very small droplets of only 12 picolitres, enables the Rho 1312’s high printing speed without compromising output quality. Images are crisp, clear and visually striking. The 1312 also incorporates "Gradual Flow Printing" for the smoothest tones over large areas and a high gloss finish, even at the highest speeds.

The Rho 312R roll printer.

Rho 312R
The award-winning, 10.5-foot (three-meter) Rho 312R features Durst’s high-performance 12-picoliter Quadro Array print head technology — complete with the company’s Variodrop and grayscale innovations. When the co-branded Durst Rho Roll 3M Premium UV Ink Series is used, print providers can offer 3M MCS Warranty Certified graphics upon completion of the certification process. The 3M MCS Warranty is the most highly regarded finished graphics warranty in the industry.

Output speeds for the Rho 312R exceed 2,900 s.f./hr. The printer is well suited for digital and offset printing companies entering the large-format market. Its high flexibility, productivity and print quality make the Rho 312R a profitable solution for POP, banners, wallcovering / façade decorations, backlit and fine art prints. The color configurations available with Rho 312R include four-color CMYK, and six-color CMYK + Lc, Lm, Process Color Additions (orange and violet), or white.

About Durst
Durst Phototechnik AG is a leading manufacturer of professional digital imaging systems. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Brixen, Italy, and Lienz, Austria, and has major offices in the U.S., France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Singapore. Durst’s reputation for quality, precision, innovation and reliability spans more than 80 years.

Source: Durst.