This new large-format hybrid flatbed/roll inkjet printer is the latest in a long line of Arizona models, originally introduced by Océ in 2007. They’ve been consistent sales leaders and other manufacturers tend to regard them as the benchmark to beat. Canon has owned Océ since 2010 and in October 2019 it dropped the Océ brand name in favour of Canon Production Printing.
The new Arizona 2300 models are mid-range flatbeds available in two bed sizes (the 1.25x2.5m GTF models and 2.5x3.08m XTF models), each with a choice of four, six or eight ink channels. Six and eight channel models can run white or varnish and the eight- channels models add light cyan and light magenta to the mix.
What distinguishes these from previous Arizonas is the new Flow zoneless and maskless technology for the vacuum bed.
Most previous Arizona models were also sold by Fujifilm with its own Acuity branding, inks and front-ends. However, Canon says that Fujifilm will not sell this or other models with the Flow technology.
When was it launched and what markets?
The Arizona 2300 series launch was delayed by the postponement of the Fespa and Drupa shows, so the official date was 1 September. According to Canon’s Wouter Derichs, Canon EMEA’s sales and marketing director for large-format graphics, the models are “designed for mid- to high-volume graphics producers”. They have been “developed to meet the needs of customers who are ready to upgrade their flatbed or hybrid printer and are looking for a more productive, high quality product built for maximum uptime, while seeking the versatility to handle a broad range of rigid media for diverse applications, with the ability to print roll-to-roll applications,” he says. “Most installations are expected in the volume segment of 15,000 to 40,000sqm/yr.”
How does it work?
The 2300 uses a familiar configuration of fixed flatbed with moving printhead gantry. A roll feed and take-up system is optional on both bed sizes. Top speed is 95sqm/hr, with “sellable” print quality, Canon says.
It has instant-on LED-UV curing lamps and the inks are Greenguard certified. Filtration can be specified for ozone and ink mist.
The new Flow technology uses vacuum blowers, which move a greater volume of air than conventional pumps and allow larger bed holes. The result, according to Canon, “combines a zoneless, multi-origin table layout with easy-to-use pneumatic registration pins to better secure the substrate in place on the table”. Pins provide alignment for double-sided printing or very large boards. Edge to edge printing is possible on any shape. The larger XTF version has two zones, for next-sheet loading while printing.
Pre-cut shapes can be printed without masking, by first printing a thin outline of the shape directly onto the bed (software ensures it avoids the holes) then aligning the item over that. The bed can easily be cleaned afterward, Canon says.
The pneumatic registration pins support 2-up, 4-up and 6-up sheets. A combination of pins and software give double-sided registration. Canon says you can “confidently print on unusual, heavy, smooth or pre-cut media”.
A high-resolution camera alignment system aids printhead alignment and flatbed table mapping.
The automated maintenance system offers hands-free printhead maintenance. Nozzle functionality is restored in seconds, says Canon – including for white ink, which is usually more difficult.
Canon supplies its Xpert software for automated job production. This includes self-learning capability so complex, multi-layered projects can be set up and repeated. There is also Touchstone, which can set up textured effects, such as reproduction oil paintings or architectural surfaces.
What does it replace?
The Canon Arizona 2300 replaces the Océ Arizona 2200 series, which was launched at Drupa 2016. The new model is said to give 20% greater productivity with target throughput of up to 40,000sqm/year. It also costs £9,000 to £11,000 less across the range.
What’s the USP?
According to Canon, the main USP is the tapeless and zoneless Flow technology, giving higher productivity, combined with easy registration and automated head maintenance.
How easy is it to use?
The Arizona Xpert 2.1 software helps the operator with new features, more automation and ‘recipes’ to enhance productivity, including self-learning of job recipes and the ability to print shape alignment outlines on the bed and raise the pneumatic positioning pins where needed.
It also helps the artwork designer, with easy recipe exchange between print supplier and designer, so they can preview the end product in 3D in Adobe Creative Suite.
What training and support is offered?
On-site and e-learning is offered. Derichs says that Canon is introducing a new service model for all Arizona printers.
What does it cost?
Depending on specification and size, the price range is between €150,000 to €225,000 (about £137,000 to £205,000).
Availability and sales target
“More than 10 printers had already been sold worldwide before the official launch date,” says Derichs. “Our goal is to maintain our number one market share position in this segment of the market. We aim for 50 sold machines in the remainder of the year.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Process Piezo inkjet with VariaDot greyscale heads
Drop sizes 6-30 picolitres
Colours 2340 GTF and XTF: CMYK; 2360 GTF and XTF: CMYK plus double white and/or varnish; 2380 GTF and XTF: as per the 2360 models plus light cyan and light magenta
Speed 11.1sqm/hr to 89sqm/hr depending on quality setting. Varnish is 7sqm/hr
Max sheet media size GTF: 1,250x2,500mm; XTF: 3,080x2,500mm
Max sheet thickness 50.8mm
Roll media width Up to 2,190mm
Front-end RIP Onyx Thrive v.19
Footprint GTF: 5x2m; GTF with roll option: 5x2.29m; XTF: 5x3.83m; XTF with roll option: 5x4.12m
Price Around £137,000 to £205,000
Contact Canon UK 01737 220000 www.canon.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
EFI Pro 24f
EFI’s first true flatbed was introduced to open up new, high-value markets and applications.
Ink LED-UV
Resolution Up to 1,200x1,200dpi
Throughput 57sqm/hr (outdoor distant viewing), 27sqm/hr (production)
Price £99,000
Contact EFI 01246 298000 www.efi.com
HP Latex R1000
This is a 1.64m-wide machine designed for signage and displays on both rigid and flexible media using HP’s versatile Latex thin film ink
Ink HP Latex R aqueous thermopolymer
Resolution Up to 1,200x1,200dpi
Throughput 30sqm/hr (CMYK indoor production), 27sqm/hr (white spot)
Price About £159,000
Contact HP 0800 408 4348 www.hp.com
Jetrix KX6U-LED
This entry-priced LED curing model is equivalent in size to the smaller Arizona 2300.
Ink LED curing
Ink drop size 6 picolitres
Resolution 1,440x360dpi (Production), 1,080x720dpi (Quality), 1,440x720dpi (Fine Art)
Throughput 30sqm/hr (Production), 15sqm/hr (Quality), 10sqm/hr (Fine Art)
Price £67,000
Contact InkTec Europe 01993 862 770 www.inktec-europe.com
Mimaki JFX500-2131
Mimaki’s largest flatbed offers a 2.1x3.1m bed, CMYK plus white, clear and primer inks.
Ink Mimaki LED-UV cured, hard or flexible
Resolution Up to 1,200dpi with variable drops
Max sheet size 2.1x3.1m, 50mm thick
Throughput Up to 45sqm/hr (production speed with 600x600dpi, four passes), up to 60sqm/hr (top speed with 350x400dpi, three passes)
Price £115,995
Contact Hybrid Services 01270 501900 www.hybridservices.co.uk
Ricoh Pro TF6250/T7210
Unlike the Arizona series these are listed as two models with different bed sizes, but they are closely related. They can take thicker, heavier media than the Canon.
Colours CMYK plus dual white, clear, primer
Max resolution 635x1,800dpi
Throughput (CMYK only) Draft: 110sqm/hr; Production: 64sqm/hr; Standard: 48sqm/hr; Quality: 32sqm/hr; High quality 16sqm/hr
Price TF6250: From £150,000; T7210: about £200,000
Contact Ricoh 01784 416900 www.ricoh.co.uk
SwissQPrint Impala 3
A flatbed with integrated roll feed and rewind. There’s an option for robotic load and unload.
Resolution 360-1,080dpi
Throughput Up to 180sqm/hr
Price From £169,000
Contact SwissQprint UK, www.swissqprint.com, 01344 929 580
