The eight-channel LXi6 and LXi7 will be released in January, advancing on the technology of the KX6 and KX7 units, which will gradually be phased out of InkTec’s portfolio by the new additions. The LXi6 takes media up to 2.5x1.28m and the LXi7 up to 2.5x3.06m.
In February, the pair will be followed by the addition of the 1.9m-wide LXiR190, which is a narrower alternative to the LXiR320 already in the market. Its unconventional width was chosen in order to accommodate two 914mm rolls at once, doubling the speed of jobs.
Head of UK sales Ben Woodruff said: “While the machines demonstrate an update to the design and look of our existing machines, the key advance is the introduction of LED technology.
“It is more environmentally friendly and its benefits over mercury-based technology are becoming well known in the market. One main benefit is that the same lamp will last the lifetime of the machine and never need replacing, which saves on costs.
“With the LXiR190, there has been a big demand from solvent printers in our Asian markets looking to move over to UV for similar reasons. We are moving into new market spaces as we bring these to the UK, but the feedback has been strong so far and we expect the introduction of these roll printers to dramatically increase our presence here.”
Both the LXi6 and LXi7 print at top speeds of 78sqm/hr with a maximum resolution of 1,080dpi. The machines are set to be priced at approximately £100,000 and £130,000 respectively, with the LXi6 described by Woodruff as an “entry-level” device for commercial printers transitioning into wide-format.
He also recommended the machines for the signage and packaging markets.
The LXiR190 is set to be priced around £55,000 and has been teed up to fulfil applications for textiles, wall coverings, banners and indoor graphics without the need for coated media.
It prints at speeds up to 45sqm/hr with a maximum resolution of 720x1,440dpi.
Aiming to enter the market alongside established UV tech developers such as Canon, Mimaki and HP, Woodruff said InkTec currently has “more than 100 machines” installed in the UK – a number he anticipates increasing when the new devices reach the market.
