The new Flex33 printer is a desktop model capable of printing onto rolls of media up to 330mm wide, with a maximum print format of 317x3,048mm. Its micro-piezo inkjet heads can print at a maximum resolution of 5,760dpi.

The machine’s eight-channel printhead includes CMYK plus orange and light magenta, cyan and black, enabling it to produce a wide colour gamut. It also includes a user-adjustable heater for printing onto uncoated stocks, and suitable cutters can be driven directly from the ripped data.

Vinyl signage, vehicle graphics, labels and ‘skins’ for electrical devices are among the many potential applications cited.

The Flex33 was unveiled for the first time in the US last month, where it received an "excellent response" according to Direct Color Systems president Blair Allen.

"The beauty of this machine is its flexibility," he said. "It’s ideal for T-shirt transfer printing, and it’s also an affordable option for inplant signage requirements."

Direct Color Systems is working with a network of European dealers. The Flex33 is available immediately, priced at €3,000-€3,500.