What does the machine do?

Océ says the roll-fed CS9300 series printers deliver "high-quality, outdoor durable prints". The series comprises two models: the CS9360, which has a print width of 1,615mm, and the 1,361mm-wide CS9350. Both use the same Océ eco-solvent ink formulation that, according to the manufacturer, delivers outdoor durability of up to three years.

Capable of printing at up to 1,440dpi using drop-on-demand, micro piezoelectric inkjet heads, both models offer four-colour production.

When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
The series was officially launched in May 2012 and is aimed at the visual display indoor and outdoor market. According to Océ’s display graphics programme manager, Derek Joys, it is particularly useful for printers producing vehicle wraps, outdoor signage, banners and posters.

How does it work?
Driven by Océ’s Onyx RIP, the CS9350 and CS9360 are based on the the firm’s entry-level CS9050 and its CS9160 machines respectively. According to Océ, because each model uses CMYK inks and a variable drop technology, the result is high-quality images that use less ink than systems that add light cyan and light magenta to achieve smooth tonal gradations, solid colours and fine details. The machines are fitted with one printhead with four colour sections.

How does it differ from previous models?
With print speeds of up to 27.9sqm/hr, the CS9350 nearly doubles the output of the 14sqm/hr entry-level CS9050. Meanwhile, at 29sqm/hr the CS9360 is 60% faster than the mid-range CS9050’s 18sqm/hr.

Joys adds: "This is really building on the existing proven workhorse and the improvements are really significant. The menu is also much more user-friendly and the interface is much easier in terms of operator intervention.

"Normally we would use six colours for near photographic quality, but the down-side is that you use a lot of ink. By adopting the variable dot we use 35%-40% less ink than the six-colour process, while still maintaining the quality." 

What is the USP of the product?
Joys says that the machine offers high productivity for affordable prices on a proven platform. But, he adds, it isn’t just about the machine. "This is also about the expertise that Océ brings; the after-sale service, our support packages. Our products are very reliable and easy to keep in production in terms of maintenance and there is also the environmental benefit of using eco-solvent inks. It makes it possible to get more up-time than standard solvent machines, which do need a lot of care and attention."

How easy is it to use?
According to the manufacturer the machines are very easy to use, requiring minimal operator intervention during production and featuring automated cleaning.

What support is on offer?
Both machines come with full operator training, a 12-month warrantee including 12-hour call-out and after-sales support.

How much does it cost?
Excluding the RIP, the CS9360 costs from £15,900 while the CS9050 is priced from £11,699

SPECIFICATIONS

Max print speed CS9350: 27.9sqm/hr, CS9360: 29sqm/hr
Max print width CS9350: 1,361mm, CS9360: 1,615mm
Ink eco-solvent CMYK (CS9350: 200ml cartridges, CS9360:  200/440ml cartridges.)
Resolution 1,440dpi
Price CS9360: from £15,900; CS9050: from £11,699 (prices exclude the RIP)
Contact Océ 0870 600 5544 www.oce.com

ALTERNATIVES

Epson SureColor SC-S range

The three 64in SureColor inkjet printers are the entry-level SureColor SC-S30600, the super-fast SureColor SC-S50600 and the SureColor SC-S70600 with white and metallic ink for demanding, added-value applications. A single operator can easily load media with automatic media tensioning and printhead alignment. 

Roland VersaArt RE-640
The Roland VersaArt RE-640 offers, says the vendor, drop-on-demand, micro piezo-electric inkjet technology and eight-channel mirrored ink configuration (CMYKKYMC). Its variable drop control feature produces seven different sizes to accentuate the finest details, adds Roland.

HP Designjet L26500
HP’s water-based latex inks produce no odours or hazardous air pollutants and so require no special ventilation. Combined with the Designjet L26500, these inks also offer sharp, vivid results on a wide range of media and long lasting quality, claims HP.