NEW PRODUCTS

MIMAKI FULL-COLOUR 3D PRINTING AT FORMNEXT 2022

Mimaki demonstrated its latest solutions at Formnext 2022 last month in Frankfurt, Germany, designed to break new ground for full-colour 3D model makers.

Mimaki - trail blazers for 3D printing in exceptionally accurate, high quality colour — is presenting its newest innovation, Pure Clear ink MH-110PCL. The clear 3D printing material delivers improved transparency and negates any yellow tint, allowing artists, product designers, architects, and medical professionals to 3D print accurate models with transparent features.

The MH-110PCL clear material is intended for use with Mimaki’s flagship UV curable, full colour 3D printer, the 3DUJ-553. When mixing MH-110PCL with any one of the Mimaki 3DUJ-553’s over 10 million colours, 3D model makers can also create translucent colour materials. This expanded creative possibility for designers or increased true to life accuracy for the medical and architectural industries, is what Mimaki aims for when developing its 3D solutions.

“We’re constantly looking to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to developing our technologies, and our solutions for 3D printing are no exception,” explains Mark Sollman, Sr. Product Manager at Mimaki Europe. “We have channelled our expertise in high quality, true colour reproduction into these products so that our customers can break new ground when it comes to 3D model production. An example of someone who is doing just this is 3D specialist and renowned Japanese artist, Taketo Kobayashi. A collection of his vivid, intricate works can be seen for the first time at Formnext on our stand, and these perfectly demonstrate the beauty and creativity that can be achieved when innovative technology meets expressive art.”

Mimaki’s latest 3D printing system, the Mimaki 3DUJ-2207, will also be printing live on the stand and powered by Mimaki’s 3D Print Prep Pro cloud based software, designed to streamline and optimise 3D model production with increased automation. Intended to simplify the 3D printing process, the software platform helps user prepare and finalise their 3D files before printing. This cutting edge subscription based software autocorrects file errors and optimises 3D data used in 3D printer modelling, ensuring that the final 3D printed objects look exactly the same as the ones visualised on the screen.

The models printed on the Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 will then be finished with the Mimaki 3DCS-322 — an intelligent support materials removal unit developed in collaboration with AM Solutions.

This end to end solution not only enhances and automates the 3D printing process, but it makes it more affordable. Its attractive price performance ratio is enabling more entrepreneurs, model makers and designers to enter the creative world of full colour 3D printed model production. BRINGING ANOTHER DIMENSION TO DIGITAL ARTWORK

Taketo Kobayashi’s art juxtaposes the beauty, culture and the lessons of the past with a passion for driving change and desire for humanity to learn and grow in the future.

Having lived through the Tōhoku Tsunami in 2011 which caused the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Kobayashi knows all too well how fragile our lives and circumstances are, how we can take simple joys for granted and how important it is that we build a better future. He believes that while technology can often be seen as the enemy in the pursuit of this goal, it can in fact be a tool that is used to change our thinking and create new, positive outcomes that make the world a better place. It is this theory that he aims to illustrate in his artwork.

By taking inspiration from the ancient Jōmon civilisation, a time in history when the people were believed to live peacefully and spiritually, Kobayashi wants to use 3D printing to bring their thinking and his messages to the next generation. Working with Mimaki technology, Kobayashi’s latest pieces evoke feelings of the exquisite serenity of the past, whilst also conveying his activist message. The colours and transparent elements of his pieces are so crucial to his artwork and the possibilities enabled by Mimaki technology ensure he achieves the maximum intended impact of every model.

“Visitors to Formnext should not miss Kobayashi’s important and inspiring art and see how robust, cutting edge technology can be used to make something very delicate and beautiful. The models deliver a powerful message for the future, but also show perfectly how our solutions have been designed to put colour at the forefront, unleashing creativity and opening doors for new thinkers in various industries to produce something different, and possibly even game changing, with full colour 3D printing,” says Sollman. www.hybridservices.co.uk

NEW MIMAKI TS330-1600 DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTER

Mimaki has added the TS330-1600 sublimation transfer inkjet printer to its headline ‘330 Series’ platform. Enabling both volume production and high image quality printing for the textile and dye sublimation industry, and equipped with new functions to improve stable operation, the TS330-1600 can achieve a print speed of 69sq m/h in high speed mode, with its fastest mode reaching up to 135sq m/h.

An improved take-up system featuring dual motors distributes the load and increases the power, enabling stable winding of printed paper even for long runs, and new heaters enhance the paper transport through the device. With a retail price of £23,995, which includes Mimaki’s TxLink4 dedicated textile RIP software, along with a standard MBIS bulk ink system, the TS330-1600 has optional add ons to further increase efficiency. These include a larger 10kg ink tank supply unit which reduces ink costs compared to the standard 2L ink pack and allows for longer continuous printing, as well as a mini jumbo roll unit to load large quantities of transfer paper and further reduce running costs.

The TS330 is one of three models that make up the Mimaki 330 Series, developed to offer mid to high end printing models, focusing on premium image quality and high productivity. The 330 Series includes the JV330 solvent printer, the CJV330 printer/cutter and the TS330 dye sub model, and all three feature ‘Mimaki Weaving Dot Technology’ (MWDT), a Core Technology that changes the order of ink droplet placement depending on the printing conditions. ‘Mimaki Remote Access’ (MRA) is also incorporated across the series, improving ease of use by allowing users to remotely access the machine and check the operation status. The Mimaki TS330-1600 dye sublimation printer is available now through Hybrid’s network of authorised reseller partners. For more details, visit www.hybridservices.co.uk or call 01270 501900

WHY THE TIME IS RIGHT TO SET YOUR DESIGNS ON WALLPAPER

By Phil McMullin, Pro Graphics Head of Sales, Epson (UK) Ltd

The post-pandemic world is presenting a wealth of opportunity for the digitally printed wallpaper market.

As we increasingly return to many of the elements of our former lives, while adopting some new ways of working, organisations are considering how to create attractive spaces to welcome us back.

Retail environments are looking to tempt customers into their refreshed stores and corporate office environments are seeking to create thriving workspaces. Then there are those of us who have been stuck at home that now want to do something really special within our own environment.

All three of these present a huge increase in the opportunities for bespoke wallpaper and décor production.

At the same time, brands, businesses and consumers have become adept at using digital print to create unique and impactful communications, promotions, and products.

Now they are increasingly turning their attention to the creative possibilities that digitally printed, customised, wallpaper offers.

Everybody is looking for something different. Something exclusive. Something that is added value.

Customisation and personalisation with digitally printed wallpaper, that makes short print runs and print on demand economic and viable, can deliver this.

The result is the creation of the perfect environment for market growth in both decorative wallpaper and functional advertising. I discussed the opportunities and growth markets more here www.youtube.com/watch?v=hES0s79hLSM

We also spoke to two thriving designers to get their thoughts on this here www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kC4x03rvH0o and here www.youtube. com/watch?v=zZLsBupR5uQ:

For Charlotte O’Reilly, Founder and Head Designer of luxury interiors brand Charlotte Jade, the biggest opportunities are presented by commercial clients and interior designers. She explains: “I think people want to put something different in hospitality spaces. Generally, they have the space to do it. I think a lot of people are putting designs on ceilings now which is really unique. They are also looking for something a little bit different in their homes. We have started doing a lot of large scale wall murals which are printed on a wide width. Just to kind of immerse people and take them to a different place.”

Katja Behre, Creative Director of unique wallart design agency Elli Popp adds: “For me where digital printing has always been the big big winner is that I never had any limitations to the colours, the textures and the size. I just love the fact that I have got total freedom.”

The quality, flexibility and freedom digital technology delivers is vital for creatives.

Charlotte states: “My designs are very detailed and I like to capture all the textures in pencil. Digital print is essential for me because it allows you to capture every detail. It also allows me to add colour to my very monotone drawings which are brought to life with digital printing.”

Katja adds: “To me digital print has totally opened up the way I am creating my designs and the scale to which I can produce my designs. What I am most excited about is the technology which gives the colour consistency and to get the vibrant colours out of my patterns and to also be able to make the changes in a quick instance and know that what I want to achieve is going to come out of the machine. When I am abroad on holiday I can snap away at a landscape and know I can use it in an instant in design. I am not limited to the amount of colours to be used, the amount of layers, the amount of textures. Everything is possible.”

Responding to these drivers are the latest technology developments in digital printing focusing on the production of highly customisable, durable print, that: • Supports the production of wallpaper for one or many walls. • Eliminates the need for an expensive screen or cylinder required for analogue wallpaper production. • Allows the use of fast drying ink for quick application. The technology’s ability to deliver vibrant on demand results enables designers to be more creative. Crucial too is high quality, accurate, colour consistent, quick drying and scratch-resistant print. This is something Epson’s first resin ink large format printer, the SureColor SC-R5000 can produce on a wide range of substrates. Its odourless water-based ink means printed applications can be used in sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals, and hotels. The inks, combined with uncoated media, also support sustainable production and recyclability for a more environmentally conscious process than was previously possible.

Other Epson solutions suitable for wallpaper production include the SureColor SC-S606710L with is sophisticated substrate handling system for class leading performance and the SureColour SCS60600L that offers increased productivity through innovative, high-capacity 1.5 litre ink pouches.

All components of these systems are manufactured by Epson to ensure consistently high quality construction and durability. They combine low maintenance, and fast print speeds with no loss of quality. Epson Edge Print Software, Epson Edge Control Dashboard and access to over 250 ICC profiles help enhance productivity. To discover the opportunities that wallpaper printing can offer, contact us www.epson.co.uk.

NEW MUTOH XPERTJET 1682SR PRO SIGN & DISPLAY PRINTER

Mutoh Europe has unveiled the XpertJet 1682SR Pro (64” – 1.6 m) high productivity twin head sign and display printer targeted at long term outdoor/indoor sign and display and commercial print applications. The new XPJ-1682SR Pro carries two AccuFine HD print heads, each with 3200 nozzles, a new weaving algorithm and Mutoh’s genuine VerteLith RIP software to deliver a significant improvement in both print quality and print speed. The XPJ-1682SRP is ideally suited for high productivity environments, delivering high quality production speeds up to 35 m²/h. The new printer also integrates automatic alignments to ensure uninterrupted production and consistent quality.

Particularly interesting to users is that the printer will be launched with Mutoh’s new MS51 quick dry CMYK inkset. Mutoh MS51 inks fulfill the requirements of today’s sign professionals with regards to indoor and outdoor signage applications, yet do not require health and safety pictograms and are also gBL free. As such they can be used in office, home and retail environments. Compared to traditional sign and display inks, they offer the same colour gamut, excellent gloss preservation and weather resistance, abrasion and chemical resistance with UV durability up to three years without lamination. There is also no additional printer maintenance required.

Mutoh MS51 inks are also GREENGUARD Gold certified. Certification was obtained for the category Wallpaper, which means that output can be used at full room coverage, even in sensitive environments such as schools and hospitals.

Engineered and manufactured in Japan, the XPJ-1682SR PRO brings together the very best of Mutoh proprietary technologies for drop accuracy and therefore print quality: • Mutoh’s new AccuFine HD extra wide 3200 nozzle print head technology • i-screen weaving, Mutoh’s fourth generation Intelligent Interweaving technology • Mutoh’s genuine VerteLith RIP software

These technologies have been designed to work seamlessly together to give users the most accurate drop placement in the industry and they are all on-board the new XPJ-1682SR PRO. The new print head guarantees improved droplet quality, along with more accurate drop positioning. The i-screen weaving algorithms as implemented in the firmware of the Mutoh Pro class engines exploit the increased droplet quality to suppress banding even more. The VerteLith proprietary Mutoh screening, called Clear Tone, employs the improvements to the printer and print head to deliver even better gradients and released in January. The printer will be marketed by Mutoh Europe throughout the EMEA business area through its existing network of certified distributors.skin tones, even in four colour setup, free of any noise.

Key fact is that users will gain significant quality and speed advantages over the previous models in all production print modes.

The XPJ-1682SR Pro twin head printer is an addition to Mutoh’s existing XPJ1341SRP and XPJ-1641SRP single head models For more info on Mutoh EMEA and its products, visit www.mutoh.eu

EASY CUT STUDIO SUPPORT FOR MIMAKI PLOTTERS

EasyCut Studio, a leading developer of sign-making and specialty graphics solutions, has announced that its market acclaimed vinyl cutting software has been fully tested and can be used with Mimaki vinyl cutters including the newly Released CG-AR series and the CG-SRIII series. For users, this provides the assurance that the latest version of Easy Cut Studio software will seamlessly integrate with their Mimaki cutting plotter.

Mimaki is proud to offer a range of vinyl cutter plotters that can meet a wide range of application needs. The CG-AR Series is the entry model of roll to roll and sheet fed cutting plotter with improved cutting performance, compatibility with a wide range of cutting materials, and enhanced usability. The CG-SRIII Series of roll based cutters are available in three widths. These models feature continuous crop mark detection for precise contour cutting.

Easy Cut Studio provides the ability to cut any shape and font with your Mimaki cutting plotter and support file format including SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, and so on. The software include key features such as Image vectorisation, rhinestone and contour cutting workflow, which enhance the performance capabilities of the Mimaki cutting plotters. Easy Cut Studio is currently available for all Mimaki CGAR series including CG-60AR, CG-100AR, and CG-130AR, As well as all new Mimaki CG-SR series models including CG-60SRIII, CG-100SRIII and CG-130SRIII.

All Easy Cut Studio users will benefit from the introduction of new OS support, which now includes macOS Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura and Windows 11. Additionally, new cutter models and drivers have been added. In addition to an impressive list of existing devices, users can now use V5.020 to drive Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus, MagicTransfer, JiaChen and Vevor KI series cutters. The new version also comes out with more effects, some other fixes and improvements as well.

“Software has to be fast, reliable, and easy to use in today’s printing and cutting environment, Easy Cut Studio is an innovative software solution that is constantly evolving to better meet our customers’ needs.” said Eric Lee, Product Manager at EasyCut Studio. “The tools, technology, intuitive interfaces and workflows for everyday use in Easy Cut Studio are designed for the modern user, and continue our vision in providing superior software solutions to print and cut businesses worldwide.”

Some of the new features included in Easy Cut Studio v5.020: • Adds support for Mimaki CG-AR series cutting plotter. • Adds support for Mimaki CG-SRIII series cutting plotter. • Adds support for Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus cutter. • Adds support for MagicTransfer cutter. • Adds support for JiaChen cutter. • Adds support for Vevor KI series cutter. • Improved image tracing algorithm. • Several new effects have been added, including Symmetrical Mirror, Bridge

Warp, Drop Shadow. • Added the “mirror H” and “mirror V” options for Graphtec cutter. • Fully compatible with the newly released macOS Ventura and Windows 11. More details can be found at www.easycutstudio.com