The wide-format printer manufacturer said the core of the new generation 4 machines is “cutting-edge printhead technology along with advanced mechanical features that promise a quantum leap for users – especially when it comes to output quality”.

The company’s Impala, Nyala, and Oryx ranges have all received a boost as part of the upgrade.

The new machines include Konica Minolta 1024i or 1280i printheads, delivering a maximum resolution of 1,350dpi and ultra-high-precision droplet placement that are said to significantly boost the print quality of the Impala and Nyala models.

“Both printers also benefit from an impressive increase in output for certain production print modes,” SwissQprint stated.

The company’s entry-level Oryx model, meanwhile, is almost 40% faster than its predecessor.

SwissQprint said it has incorporated various mechanical improvements into generation 4, including the patent pending Tip Switch Vacuum. The table is divided into as many as 256 segments that users can quickly and easily switch on or off at the touch of a finger.

This eliminates time-consuming masking, as well as the gap between boards and dual rolls. Because there is no air leakage, the vacuum develops its full force and reliably holds down hard-to-handle media.

The new range also offers a raft of options for individual configuration. SwissQprint said users can have their printer assembled exactly in line with what they require today, and if their needs or requirements change, they can add “a diverse range of options” to the printer at any time.

Speaking to Printweek at Fespa, which is taking place at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam until tomorrow (15 October), SwissQprint UK managing director Erskine Stewart said the new printers immediately replace the Impala, Nyala, and Oryx generation 3 models.

These cannot be field upgraded due to the major mechanical changes, so users wanting the generation 4 models would need to buy a new system altogether.

On pricing, Stewart commented: “The big difference would be on the new higher resolution printheads where [customers] will see a marginal increase in price compared to the generation 3 printers.”

The generation 4 printers, some of which are being shown live at Fespa in Hall 1 on stand 1-G30, are available now via SwissQprint’s worldwide distribution network. Demonstrations can be arranged either face-to-face or via live streaming.

“We like to do launches at shows, we work in a very tangible industry, and you need to see and feel print. The experience of customers on the machine is really important for us, which is why we wanted to show off the new machines at the show,” said Stewart.

“The feedback [on generation 4] has been excellent so far, we’re just trying to finalise our first sale to the UK.”

SwissQprint switched to a direct sales model in the UK in autumn 2019, with a transition period with former reseller partner Spandex running until the end of April 2020, and it has reported a buoyant performance at its UK business since.