Able to print up to seven layers in one pass, the KX6U-LED handles rigid media in formats up to 2.44x1.22m and 100mm thick.
The machine can print at up to 28sqm/hr and uses Konica Minolta 6pl printheads that enable printing at resolutions of up to 1,440x720dpi.
The maximum six-channel head configuration enables CMYK plus dual white inks while varnish and primer are also optional. An automatic anti-head crash system protects from head damage.
InkTec head of UK sales Ben Woodruff said: “There’s a big market out there from people that are transitioning over from roll-to-roll to flatbed printing and with the Jetrix range there was too big a gap between our first entry-level point and the money that people were looking to spend for their first UV printer.
“There’s a lot of people now that are realising that there’s a significant saving to be had by printing direct-to-substrate and we just wanted to plug that gap in our range and have a machine that is affordable.”
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 curing system also eliminates risks associated with the impact of heat, such as media deformation.
“It ticks a lot of boxes and we’re excited about the prospect of increasing the Jetrix customer base with this printer,” said Woodruff.
The machine is commercially available with immediate effect and UK InkTec dealers are Perfect Colours, Papergraphics and Mayday Graphic Products.
Pricing starts from £67,000 for the base configuration and Woodruff said the printer is also field upgradable with the maximum speed able to be doubled to 56sqm/hr for around £15,000.
The KX6U-LED will receive its global show debut at Sign and Digital UK, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 24 to 26 April.
InkTec will also showcase its Jetrix LXi8 LED-UV flatbed printer, which was launched last year, at the show as well as its latest inks and media, including a new LED-UV ink for Mimaki’s JFX200 printer.
