Seiko unveils new 2.5m-wide ColorPainter

Seiko I Infotech (SIIT) has released a new eight-colour wide-format printer aimed at the signage and indoor graphics markets.

The ColorPainter H3-104s, launched yesterday, uses SIIT's low-odour SX eco-solvent inks that were previously used in the ColorPainter M-64 range, launched at Fespa 2013.

The new ColorPainter H3-104s is 2.46m wide and runs at speeds of up to 56.6sqm/hr, the company said, adding that the high-speed printing capability of the machine was developed specifically to address the growing demand for high productivity from the signage and indoor graphics markets.

The ColorPainter H3-104s is the widest inkjet printer among SIIT’s ColorPainter product line. SIIT said the low-odour eco-solvent SX inks provide rich, bold colours that last longer outdoors.

It added: “The H3-104s also inherits the product concept of 'colour on time – fast, precise and reliable'. It delivers unmatched productivity and quality while reducing the impact on the environment, thanks to the integration of advanced technology to maximise the performance of SX inks.”

SIIT machines are distributed in the UK by Systems 2 Digital Graphics and resold by Signmasters, based in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Head of hardware sales Jay Fleming said: “We’re expecting a lot of interest. It’s a stunning machine, because of the speed and the quality. It has got very low running costs and uses the new ink type which has been shown in the M64, which has been a very popular machine.

"We’re just waiting on confirmation of price and we should know imminently. We should get the printers in a few weeks and will showcase them in October."

The most recent release by Seiko was its H2 Series, launched in 2011, which retails for around £40,000.

The ColorPainter H3-104s will first be shown in public by Australian distributor DES at Visual Impact Melbourne, from 17-19 September.