Graph Expo: A Digital Printing Redux
Having previously been shown as a technology demonstration, the Excelagraphix 4200 high-speed, wide-format inkjet printer was featured in the Xanté booth. It uses Memjet Waterfall print head technology to deliver print speeds up to 12˝ per second across a 42˝-wide format at up to 1,600 dpi. Making its worldwide debut was the new Impressia "multi media" digital printing system. The 50 ppm EP device supports a range of stocks in sizes up to 12x18˝ or 12x49.6˝ with manual feeding and offers a 2,400 dpi print resolution.
Back on the label side, OKI Data featured its ProColor series, including the 511DW web press for production of both static and variable print labels. The high-speed device is capable of printing on a variety of materials, including non-converted or pre-converted label stock, vinyl, PET and other substrates up to 330 gsm.
The Riso booth featured two of the company's ComColor 9050 color inkjet presses—one with a native IPDS controller for high-speed variable transactional printing and the other with a multi-function finisher for tasks such as in-line booklet making. The new IPDS controller allows AFP print data to be sent directly to ComColor printers.
Scodix drew considerable interest with its S-series digital presses, capable of adding "digital glittering" and other effects via inkjet.
John Parsons (john@intuideas.com), former Editorial Director of The Seybold Report, is an independent writer, ghostwriter, and editor. He is the co-author of the interactive printed textbook, Introduction to Graphic Communication, on the art, science and business of print, which has been adopted by Ryerson, Arizona State, the University of Houston, and many other schools and vocational training centers. Custom editions of the book are under consideration by major printing companies and franchises for internal training purposes.
