InkTec shows new LED UV flatbed at Fespa

InkTec is demonstrating the capabilities of its recently unveiled 3.2m LED UV flatbed printer on its Fespa booth.

The LXi8 can print at resolutions of up to 1,080x720dpi at speeds of up to 205sqm/hr and features the latest Konica Minolta i-series printheads. It can handle rigid media in formats up to 3.2x2.03m and 100mm thick.

The machine is available in 12-, 14- and 16-channel colour configurations: 12 is double CMYK, light cyan, light magenta; 14 is double CMYK, light cyan, light magenta and white; and 16 is double CMYK, light cyan, light magenta, white and coating.

InkTec head of national sales Ben Woodruff said: “This is the fastest UV printer that we’ve produced to date – we believe this is going to become our flagship machine.”

The device, which can print up to seven layers in two to 16 passes to create raised print, is suitable for applications including short-term outdoor signage, clear film window graphics, interior decoration, furniture decoration, industrial applications, industrial keypads, spot varnishing and wood prints.

The printer’s LED curing system boasts an extended LED lamp lifetime of up to 20,000 hours and more eco-friendly printing with energy consumption of around 35% less than a printer using mercury lamps.

The manufacturer said this curing system eliminates risks associated with the impact of heat, such as media deformation.

The system is powered by the Jetrix Graphical User Interface and features a zonal vacuum system with automated pin registration and automatic head cleaning. An automatic anti-head crash system protects head damage.

The LXi8 is commercially available immediately with a starting price of around €237,000 (£200,000) for a basic configuration. The first installation will be to an as-yet-unnamed UK customer in around mid-July.