The scalable M-series offers a choice of output speeds with the Colorado M3 or M5. The M3 has a "cruising speed" of 29sqm/hr and a maximum print speed of 111sqm/hr while the M5 boasts a cruising speed of 40sqm/hr and a maximum print speed of 159sqm/hr.

Users have the option to upgrade from one speed to the other either temporarily for production peaks or permanently, while both printers can also be upgraded with the new white ink option to M3W and M5W models, as well as equipped with the FLXfinish+ matt/gloss print technology option for CMYK prints.

Canon said the introduction of the new UVgel white ink option substantially expands the range of applications that customers can create, and is particularly suitable for window graphics, labels, and wallpaper.

Also with new media detection sensor technology for easy media handling, Canon said M-series users will be able to print on heavy structured, transparent, coloured, reflective, and magnetic materials.

Canon added the unique gel formulation of UVgel ink translates to fast build-up of dense and opaque images using white ink in fewer passes than conventional printing technologies, and the printed white output maintains its original whiteness over time.

UVgel’s properties, it said, would also eliminate many of the production, nozzle-cleaning, and maintenance issues commonly associated with white ink.

The FLXfinish+ option allows users to add matt, gloss, or mixed matt and gloss on the same CMYK print, without additional varnish.

High-volume customers can automate the print-to-finish process with a UVgel Print Factory or UVgel Wallpaper Factory configuration, which Canon said integrate the M-series printer with cutting, rewinding, taping, or sheet stacking to manage volumes of at least 50,000sqm per year with minimal operator time.

Jennifer Kolloczek, European planning, marketing and innovation senior director for Production Print at Canon Europe, said: “Ever since they burst onto the market, Colorado printers with UVgel ink have set the highest bar for speed, quality and all-round productivity.

“On top of these business-critical performance criteria, large-format graphics providers today want to make smart, environmentally responsible investments in printing solutions that can evolve with them and help them tap into lucrative creative applications, products and growth markets.

“With its modularity and the addition of an easy-care white ink option, the new Colorado M-series is the growth engine that businesses can rely on to level up their capabilities and turn ideas into reality.”

Canon said UVgel ink delivers “pin-sharp image quality and consistent colour”, while its instant drying properties enable immediate cutting and finishing, and its ultra-durability removes the need for lamination.

Compared to other ink technologies, such as latex or eco-solvent inks, Canon said UVgel technology consumes up to 40% less ink to build up the same image quality and colour intensity.

The low-heat, energy-efficient LED curing system and ‘instant-on’ operation reduces energy uses and enables printing to high-quality, heat-sensitive materials. Users can also print on more environmentally responsible materials such as PVC-free and paper-based media, even uncoated, Canon added.

Pricing for the Colorado M-series was not disclosed, but during a press webinar held by Canon this morning (30 March) to launch the technology, Mathew Faulkner, Canon EMEA director, marketing and innovation, Wide Format Printing Group, said pricing would be in line with the current models.

Canon also confirmed that the Colorado M-series would replace the current Colorado 1600 series, upon release.

“The new devices are of course modular, so in the existing series we had the Colorado 1630 and the Colorado 1650, the 1630 being our entry-level model. Now with the new modular series we have one single unit that can be configured with speed licenses so can grow with our customers’ needs in terms of productivity, but also with that single system we can then update with an extra speed license to cover a peak period,” said Faulkner.

“And then the modular system enables us to add options to that, whether it’s the white ink option, the speed licenses, the magnetic media kit, or the inside printing.

“But at its core, the pricing is in line with what you would see from our current model series, but then with those options of the upgrades that can be done either with a very simple service visit in the field, or in some cases remotely activated as well.”

Commercial availability, both direct and via Canon’s accredited partner channels, will start from Fespa Global Print Expo, which is being held from 23 to 26 May at Messe Munich, Germany, and where the machine is also being demonstrated.