Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Printing United Expo, a pivotal event that showcases the latest innovations in the printing industry. The expo was an eye-opener, revealing the significant strides we've made in technology and how these advancements are shaping the future of printing.
One of the highlights for me was witnessing the widespread adoption and versatility of the Colorado M-Series, which was prominently featured not just at Canon's booth but across various exhibitors, underscoring its growing influence in the market.
In today’s blog, I’m excited to talk about the game-changing Colorado M-Series and how they’re revolutionizing wide format printing. I’ll also be sharing some cool insights from the Printing United Expo, focusing on the latest innovations and trends shaking up the printing industry.
The Evolution of Wide Format Printing
Wide format printing has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, transitioning from solvent printers to the more advanced and eco-friendly technologies we see today. The journey from eco-solvent printers, which were the industry standard due to their quality prints but had limitations due to VOCs, to the introduction of latex printing in 2009 marked a significant shift.
Latex printing, with its instant cure feature, revolutionizes the process by allowing prints to be used immediately without the need for off-gassing.
The Colorado M-Series Printer: Filling the Market Gap
The Colorado M-Series stands out in the wide format printing landscape, bridging the gap between latex and high-end UV flatbed printing. Its UV gel technology separates the printing and curing processes, allowing for instant curing without the need for heat.
This innovation not only ensures consistent color quality and media stability but also reduces media distortion, leading to significant ink savings and operational cost reductions.
Moreover, the UV gel technology used in the Colorado M-Series is more viscous, allowing it to sit on the media and achieve high-quality prints with less ink. This minimizes the need for reprints due to media distortion or color inconsistencies, offering distinct advantages over traditional latex printers. As a result, the Colorado M-Series is a valuable asset for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
In regions like the Twin Cities area, where there were once over 900 commercial print shops, market consolidation has reduced this number to around 300 to 400. Despite this reduction, the competition remains fierce, making it crucial for businesses to stay at the cutting edge of technology.
Key Features of the Colorado M-Series
- Instant Curing: Utilizes UV gel technology for immediate print use without off-gassing, allowing you to finish (laminate, cut, etc.) the job more quickly.
- Ink Efficiency: Offers up to 40% ink savings compared to latex and solvent printers, significantly lowering operating costs.
- Versatility in Applications: The addition of a white ink channel opens new possibilities for creative applications, such as three-layer and five-layer printing, enhancing the printer's utility for a wide range of projects.
- Breakthrough Productivity & Never Before Seen Automation: PAINT technology (Piezo Acoustic Integrated Nozzle Technology) uses sophisticated diagnostics and maintenance to overcome common nozzle issues, even while printing. It sends an acoustic pulse to check each nozzle and cleans it if needed, reducing maintenance and waste, and increasing system lifetime. This ensures consistent print quality and color matching, maintaining high throughput and productivity.
The Impact of White Ink Without Worry and FLXfinish Technology
The introduction of white ink and FLXfinish technology has expanded the capabilities of the Colorado M-Series, enabling more creative and diverse applications.
The white ink channel allows for printing on a variety of substrates, including dark and transparent materials, making it ideal for backlit signs, window clings, and other specialty applications.
Canon’s White Ink Without Worry
Historically, white ink has been challenging due to the tendency of titanium oxide flakes to settle and clog the ink bags. Canon’s UV gel technology solves this by keeping the flakes suspended, ensuring consistent and reliable printing without the need for shaking or extra maintenance.
This innovation, branded as “White Ink Without Worry,” prints two to three times faster than competitors and uses 50-70% less ink, producing smooth layers up to five layers thick.
The UV gel's higher viscosity prevents the titanium oxide flakes from settling, which is a common issue with traditional white inks. This means that the white ink remains evenly distributed and ready to use, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts. As a result, print service providers can achieve high-quality, consistent prints with less hassle.
FLXFinish Technology
FLXfinish technology offers both matte and gloss finishes, providing flexibility in meeting different customer preferences and project requirements. This ingenious technology maximizes the UVgel advantage with either a single or a two-step curing strategy.
FLXfinish+ allows you to print with a matte, gloss, or even a mixed matte and gloss finish in one print, without the need for special inks, media, or an extra varnish channel.
Additionally, the new FLXture technology allows for the layering of UVgel ink to add subtle surface detail to prints, creating a luxurious and intriguing feel for products. This five-ink-layer printing technology enables users to add micro-texture to large format prints, mimicking the luxurious and sensory feel of materials such as wood and leather.
Creative print applications can be designed with an easy-to-use recipe in the PRISMAguide XL software, which intelligently prepares the layers of UVgel ink for printing.
By combining these advanced technologies, the Colorado M-Series offers unparalleled versatility and creativity, allowing users to produce high-quality prints with a variety of finishes and textures to meet diverse customer needs.
Environmental Benefits and Cost Efficiency
One of the most compelling aspects of the Colorado M-Series is its environmental benefits. While UV gel ink does contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they are instantly cured using UV light rather than heat. This process eliminates off-gassing and the need for heat when compared to traditional solvent and latex printers.
Unlike latex printers, which produce VOC condensation that must be managed, UV gel offers a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative. This makes the Colorado M-Series a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious businesses.
Additionally, the reduced ink consumption translates into lower operational costs, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to enhance their printing capabilities without compromising on quality.
Real-World Applications
The Colorado M-Series is designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Here are a few ways companies can utilize the Colorado M-Series:
Vehicle Wraps
The Colorado’s instant curing and reduced media distortion allow for the production of high-quality vehicle wraps with less waste and faster turnaround times.
Additionally, the Colorado M-Series, including white ink, is now approved for the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty Program. This new certification on the 1650 series and the M series ensures that your vehicle wraps meet the highest standards of flexibility and quality.
Wallpaper Murals
For custom wallpaper murals, the printer handles large, intricate designs with consistent color quality and minimal media distortion. Check out the Colorado M-Series in action.
Retail Signage
In retail settings, the Colorado offers significant cost savings from reduced ink consumption and provides flexibility with the white ink channel for creating eye-catching displays.
Leading the Way in Wide Format Printing
The Colorado M-Series represents a significant advancement in wide format printing technology, offering unparalleled efficiency, environmental benefits, and new creative possibilities. As the industry continues to evolve, the Colorado is poised to lead the way, setting new standards for quality, efficiency, and innovation in wide format printing.
Attending the Printing United Expo reinforced my belief in the transformative power of the Colorado printer. Its innovative features and real-world applications make it a valuable asset for any print professional looking to stay ahead in a competitive market. I look forward to seeing how the Colorado series will continue to shape the future of wide format printing.
If you're interested in learning more about how the Colorado printer can transform your printing operations, reach out to Loffler Companies today. Our team of experts is ready to discuss your specific needs and help you find the perfect solution to enhance your printing capabilities. Contact us now to get started on your journey to more efficient and innovative printing.
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Erik Vinge is a Production Print Account Executive at Loffler Companies. He is a passionate and creative resource who designs custom solutions to help clients succeed. With expertise in the different equipment options needed to produce print and print-related products, Erik ensures that customers receive the best possible solutions for their needs. When he's not busy helping clients succeed, Erik enjoys golfing, bowling, and shooting pool. He's also an avid hiker and traveler, with a special love for the North Shore of Lake Superior, which he visits every summer. Whether he's on the green, at the lanes, or exploring the great outdoors, Erik brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to his personal passions as he does to his professional work.
