The device will be sold alongside EFI's existing 5m-wide GS5000r and while it is based on the same chassis, it features entirely different printheads, curing system and electronics.
EFI territory manager, UK South, Simon Casajuana said that maximum print speed of the Vutek GS5500LXr was "virtually identical" to the 288sqm/hr GS5000r and that both devices offered the same 600dpi or 1,000dpi true resolution.
However, he added that the GS5500LXr was capable of a much higher print quality thanks to the native 7pl drop size, four grayscale levels and two ink density levels enabled by EFI's UltraDrop technology, which was launched at Fespa 2014 in May.
The technology is said to offer high apparent resolution as well as smooth shadows, gradients and transitions, four-point text in both standard and knockout with fewer 'satellite' droplets, and more clarity in all print modes.
"UltraDrop Technology provides an important new competitive advantage," said EFI Inkjet Solutions senior vice-president and general manager Scott Schinlever. "With UltraDrop and LED on the new Vutek GS5500LXr Pro printer, we have eliminated barriers businesses face producing greener, high-volume and high-quality roll-to-roll graphics."
EFI's 'cool cure' LED curing system, which has previously only been available on its 3.2m roll-to-roll devices, cures the GSLXr 3M SuperFlex inks at a lower temperature than standard curing or drying methods.
This reduces both the energy cost and environmental footprint of printing wide-format graphics, while enabling production on a wider range of substrates that are more sensitive to heat, including cheaper, thinner substrates down to 0.79mm thick.
EFI said the new 5m printer, which was debuted this week at Shanghai Ad and Sign Technology and Equipment Exhibition, was "ideal for nearly all roll-to-roll graphics uses, including textile and mesh print jobs".
The Vutek GS5500LXr Pro, the first order for which has already been placed by China-based Baicheng Group, has a UK list price of £419,400.
