EFI's UltraDrop technology features a native 7pl drop size, four grayscale levels and two ink density levels and is said to enable smooth shadows, gradients and transitions as well as "superb text quality" down to four-point text in both standard and knockout.

It was launched at Fespa and was initially available for EFI's high-volume Vutek GS series printers, although chief executive Guy Gecht revealed in July that it was the company's plan to phase the technology in across its wide-format portfolio.

EFI's Vutek H2000 Pro is the first mid-volume machine to feature UltraDrop. It can print sheeted media up to 2m wide and 50mm thick and features optional roll-to-roll production via the installation of unwinders and rewinders.

Maximum output ranges from 21sqm (four 1.2x2.4m boards) per hour in 1,000dpi best quality mode to 98sqm (20 boards) per hour in 600dpi highest speed mode. POP quality output (600dpi, light smoothing) is 66sqm or 14 1.2x2.4m boards per hour.

The six-colour device features EFI's Orion operating system and is available with Fiery proServer or Fiery XF digital front ends as well as JDF integration to EFI web2print and MIS/ERP software.

Available inks include CMYK as well as white and clear in either single- or dual-channel configuration.

The Vutek H2000 Pro costs from £139,000 and is aimed at wide-format signage and graphics companies as a "more affordable entry point into high-end production printing. EFI has launched the machine at SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, NV this week (22-24 October).