The new line, which was unveiled at HP’s Dscoop user conference last week (7 to 9 June), is intended specifically for Indigo users wanting to print on synthetics.
On show at the event in Lyon was KernowPrint Elite, a white synthetic paper, and KernowPrint Vivid and Pastel, a coloured synthetic media, with more materials in the range slated for release over the coming weeks, including a wall graphic, a window decal and a metallic board. Each range will be available in B2, SRA3 and SRA3-plus size.
The papers will be rolled out globally at the end of June. They were first planned for release straight after Dscoop but have been delayed by at least two weeks due to feedback from the show that highlighted a requirement for the entire range to be available in B2 sheets. Initially some substrates in the range were only going to be in SRA3 and SRA3 plus size.
Kernow business development director Dan Lawellin said the Cobalt Coating was necessary to the individuality of the products for three reasons, improving ElectroInk adhesion, having no static and overall ease of runnability.
“We wanted to create materials that set well, printed well and helped the blanket last longer, because they have good transfer of ink and deliver well into the finishing systems, those were our primary goals when developing the Cobalt technology,” said Lawellin.
“The other advantage with Cobalt is it gives us flexibility. We can take the Cobalt Coating and put it on anything and give that substrate those same properties no matter what we put it on. It is a very flexible system for us.”
Lawellin added that three of the products, the Vivid and Pastel, wall graphic and metallic board, would be unique in the market.
In the UK, the products will be available from one large distributor, soon to be announced.
Kernow is headquartered in Cornwall and has been using a number of beta-sites for the materials, which have been in development phase for around two years, including London-based FE Burman.
Lawellin did not disclose the price of the materials but said they had been “developed to be competitive”.
Kernow also unveiled a number of new coatings at Fespa, including KernowJet FloorShark, an easy-to-apply and remove floor graphic film.
