Inca Digital launches modular Onset X series as first customer revealed

Inca Digital has launched the new Inca Onset X series of wide-format flatbed UV inkjet printers.

The Onset X series comprises three models: the X1, X2 and X3.

Each Onset X series printer is based on a new common scalable architecture platform that features a larger 25-zone vacuum table and UV control system, to eliminate masking, as well as a carriage that can incorporate up to 14 ink channels.

Inca said this enables printers to configure their Onset X for the combination of productivity, colour and quality that best matches their production requirements, and enables them to upgrade as and when they need to.

The Onset X1 can print up to 560sqm/hr and 112 full-bed sheets/hr, the Onset X2 is capable of printing up to 725sqm/hr and 145 beds/hr while the Onset X3 can print up to 900sqm/hr and 180 beds/hr.

The speeds and productivity of the printers are dependent on the choice of Fujifilm Dimatix printhead and can be configured for each customer depending on their desired quality and speed requirements.

Each model in the Onset X Series can handle substrates in sizes up to 3.2x1.6m and thicknesses up to 50mm and is compatible with different types of automated media handling systems to optimise productivity.

The Onset X1 is suitable for companies producing a mix of fast-turnaround retail graphics requiring distance viewing as well as high-quality images for close-up viewing.

The X1 features eight active channels: four are for CMYK and the remainder can be configured as required using a combination of light magenta, light cyan, white and orange (LMLCWO). An additional carriage can be added to scale up to an Onset X2 or X3.

The Onset X2 has a second set of CMYK and an optional six LMLCWO channels while the Onset X3 features three CMYK ink channels plus the choice of white or orange, and 14pl or 27pl printheads.

“Since 2013 Inca Onset users have benefited from a highly flexible flatbed UV inkjet production machine that can grow and change with them,” said Inca Digital chief executive John Mills.

“Strong sales of the Onset have shown that the modular concept is right for the highly dynamic high-end large-format UV sector. The new Onset X Series is designed to remove the traditional compromise of quality and productivity and make the choice of printer the easiest decision they have to make.

“The whole focus of this platform is that a customer buys the machine and, as technology moves forward, our business model and our commitment to the customer is that we will try to make sure that what we produce in the future is then available on the machines that are bought today.

“The machine that is bought today is an investment not just for the next two to three years but for the next five to seven.

“Whatever stage the business is at, management can configure or re-configure an Onset X printer with the right productivity and colour performance to match their budget and evolving business needs.”

New features of the Onset X series includes a new user interface as well as a productivity pack that incorporates high-speed shuttering systems that protect printheads from UV damage when printing thick substrates, optional automated substrate cleaning using an adhesive roller, and a new-design roller for corrugated board printing.

London-based POS specialist SMP Group has installed the UK’s first Onset X3.

SMP Group managing director Bradley Slade said: “We bought the Inca based on quality, flexibility and speed. The speeds Inca are quoting on square meterage are the speeds we are seeing and, so far, we haven’t found a substrate that it doesn’t print on.

“It’s a very user-friendly machine. The benefits in terms of the set-up time and the turnaround speeds are all very good. This is the main workhorse machine in our factory now so we need maximum uptime from it, and so far we’re seeing that.

Slade added the business would consider replacing older kit with another of these machines in the near future if the Onset X3 continues to perform as well as the company hopes.

Pricing for the Onset X series ranges from £350,000 to more than £1m, depending on the model and configuration. The printers, which will be sold globally and exclusively by Fujifilm, are available to order with immediate effect.