The SurePress L-4033A was shown as a technical demonstration at Drupa and Labelexpo, and the company is now bringing it to market after a favourable response. Beta machines will ship later this year.

The six-colour narrow web press uses the same type of micro piezo inkjet head as Epson's established large-format machines, together with a new ink developed to print directly onto paper or synthetic substrates without the need for pre-treatment or special coatings. It can handle web widths of between 80-330mm, and can be seen running live during the show on Epson's stand (10/C260).

"Inkjet is not just about speed, it's about quality," said Marc Tinkler, senior business development manager, commercial and industrial printing, at Epson Europe. "If people are going to invest in a short-run device they need the flexibility to be able to switch between flexo and digital without compromising on quality."

An array of 15 one-inch (25.4mm) printheads images a ‘frame' of up to 914x330mm at a time, giving an average print speed of five linear metres per minute. Depending on the print quality required and the substrate type, the array can swipe four, six, eight or 16 times to achieve the desired quality. "For optimum productivity we expect people to use four or six swipes," Tinkler added.

Price is circa €220,000 (£188,000) including the EskoArtwork frontend, which is described as easy-to-use and includes Esko's Kaleidoscope colour management.

Tinkler described the ideal customer as an SME converter without digital or short-run capabilities at present. "We are looking to lower the barriers to entry through easy, reliable operation," he added.