What does the machine do?
The Mimaki JFX500-2131 uses LED UV-curing technology to print direct to substrate on a bed size of 2.1x3.1m. It can print at a speed of up to 60sqm/hr in four-colour operation, or at a rate of 45sqm/hr when using white ink.

When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?

A prototype of the JFX500-2131 was shown at Drupa, with the machine receiving its official launch earlier this month at Viscom in Italy. Due to begin shipping in the fourth quarter, the machine marks the continuation of a busy 12 months for the manufacturer, which introduced its debut latex printers, the JV400s, earlier in the year.

Mimaki says it is targeting the flatbed printer at companies producing high-quality signage, display, POS and packaging, as well as commercial printers offering retail, cards and gift items.

How does it work?
The JFX500-2131 wields six new Mimaki Gen 5 printheads, which are arranged in a three-staggered configuration and are capable of printing at resolutions up to 600dpi. Mimaki’s newly-formulated LUS-150 inkset is claimed to offer high-speed curing properties and increased elasticity on a diverse range of substrates without cracking.

According to Mike Lewis, industrial products sales manager at Mimaki’s exclusive UK and Ireland distributor Hybrid Services, these inks adhere to non-porous substrates, so printing directly on to substrates such as acrylic, plastic, polycarbonate and foam core display boards is possible.

He says: "Mimaki has honed this technology to output at the very highest quality – with text achievable at just 2pt.

"Substrates are accurately held in place on the vacuum flatbed and materials up to 50mm thick can be used, thanks to the variable head height of the machine."

How does it differ from previous models?

When printing at maximum speed, the JFX500-2131 is nearly three times more productive than existing models, such as the Mimaki JFX-1615plus.

The printer is supplied with bulk ink bottles – benefiting the environment as well as the pocket – and Mimaki’s powerful RasterLink 6 PostScript RIP comes as standard, to ensure a seamless workflow, according to Lewis.

In addition to its newly-developed UV LUS-150 inkset, the machine features the Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS), which is claimed to reduce banding with multiple printing passes by using a gradational mask pattern.

The JFX500-2131 features Mimaki’s Intelligent Microstepping System, which controls carriage accuracy and dot placement. According to the manufacturer, this results in fewer banding artefacts and the ability to print legible 2pt characters on most media.

How productive is it?
Featuring 1,280 nozzles per head, with a total of 7,680 nozzles, the JFX500-2131 can print up to 60sqm/hr in four-colour operation, or at a rate of 45sqm/hr when using white ink. A print resolution of up to 600x900dpi can be achieved at a maximum of 24sqm/hr in CMYK, which drops to 17sqm/hr when using white ink.

How easy is it to use?
Lewis says the addition of new layout pins for aligning substrates and the powerful vacuum bed reduces the need to affix substrates, promoting ease of use.

"The JFX500-2131 is loaded with powerful new features. It’s a highly innovative printer that delivers substantial productivity, typically high Mimaki print quality and some important environmental advantages too," he adds.

What support is on offer?
Mimaki products are sold and supported in the UK and Ireland through Hybrid’s specialist resellers. These offer installation, training and support for the machine.

How much does it cost?
Neither Mimaki nor Hybrid Services would be drawn on pricing for the new machine. However, Mimaki Europe marketing manager Mike Horsten said that the JFX500-2131 would be "priced competitively" against Océ’s Arizona flatbeds.

SPECIFICATIONS

Océ Arizona 550 XT
This machine’s oversized table can be used to produce extra-large prints on rigid media or objects, and can print non-stop for boards and objects of 1,250x2,500mm in size or smaller.
Bed size 3.05x2.5m
Max speed 66sqm/hr
Price Basic model: £167,000; with white and roll-to-roll options: £197,000
Contact Océ UK 870 600 5544 www.oce.com

HP Scitex FB700
This printer boasts full-bleed printing; double-side printing; N-up printing; nested printing and can print on flexible substrates through optional roll-to-roll upgrade kit.
Bed size 1.22x2.5
Extension table 3.05x2.50m
Max speed 80sqm/hr
Price £99,000
Contact HP 07825 725496 www.hp.com

Agfa Anapurna M2050
A high-speed UV curable inkjet system suitable for 2m-wide prints for graphic screen printers, photo gift producers and sign shops.
Bed size 2.05x3m
Max speed 48sqm/hr
Price £120,000
Contact Agfa UK 020 8231 4929 www.agfa.com