During a press conference held this morning (20 April) on the opening day of the online event, the manufacturer first unveiled the JFX600-2513 and JFX550-2513.

Available “after summer 2021”, these new printers are engineered for high speeds and high productivity, and are said to offer users “a broader range of applications thanks to a wider range of ink types and increased media flexibility”.

Mimaki said it was too early to announce final pricing for the new machines, which will tackle the high-end UV flatbed market, but that more information is expected to be revealed at the manufacturer's Innovation Days virtual event, which will be held from 2-4 June.

The two new models build on the success of the JFX500-2131 large-format UV inkjet printer, which was launched in 2012.

They include more printheads, allowing the JFX600-2513, which has 16 heads, to reach speeds of more than 300% faster than its predecessor – up to 200sqm/hr in High Speed mode.

The JFX550-2513, meanwhile, has eight printheads and can reach speeds over 150% faster than the JFX500-2131.

The machines will be available in a six-colour configuration, increased from the four-colour JFX500-2131, and Mimaki said the wide variety of inksets “facilitates vibrant, intense colours perfect for striking indoor and outdoor signage and display graphics”.

Suitable for the production of large-scale decoration, sign displays, and interior materials, the two machines have a maximum printing width of 2.5x1.3m and can handle 60mm thick substrates.

Mimaki said both machines are compatible with standard size signboard production, and that their direct-to-substrate capabilities also allow for printing on resin, wood, glass, and metal.

Both printers are also capable of ‘2.5D’ multi-layered printing, enabling the creation of raised texture effects for high-value, tactile applications.

Greenguard Gold-certified UV inks have been developed in-house for the new printers. Both models also support Mimaki’s 'MDL command' which enables operators to control machines from external devices and makes it possible to determine ink levels, detect errors, and control table position and media height as well as manage printing, pre- and post-press processes, media feed, and output collection.

Mimaki Europe senior product manager Bert Benckhuysen said: “With more speed, colours, and media options, there is a whole world of opportunities with the new JFX600-2513 and JFX550-2513.

“Mimaki is driven by the creativity and resilience of our customers to keep innovating and improving what we do. The predecessor to these latest models, the JFX500-2131, gave us a strong foundation to build on, and we have pushed the boundaries of productivity and versatility to bring two more world-class LED-UV large-format flatbed inkjet printers to market.”

Additionally, Mimaki has launched the new SUJV-160, an inkjet printer designed to realistically reproduce the texture of natural and artificial leather.

Available in June, the wide-format solvent UV inkjet printer supports a print width of up to 1.61m. It can be used to produce bags, shoes, or personalised team sporting goods, and interior decor applications including floor mats and sofas. Cars and motorcycle seats can also be printed with the machine while users can also carry out in-mold resin decoration.

The printer uses Fujifilm’s Uvique ink technology. The SU200 thin film solvent UV ink, which is developed by Fujifilm and exclusively sold by Mimaki, is said to provide “outstanding flexibility, stretchability, and superior scratch resistance on natural and artificial leather”.

Mimaki said this results in the retention of texture and feel of the material after printing, and the ability to boost productivity by instantly switching to post-processing without any drying time.

Benckhuysen said: “The Mimaki SUJV-160 takes a previously challenging process, printing onto leather, and makes it straightforward and efficient, while simultaneously ensuring the end product retains the look and feel of the base material.

“With interest in luxury goods on the rise, statement leather pieces for fashion, interiors, and other premium markets that are easily customisable, durable, and visually appealing will only become more sought after.”