It is the first new product to be launched since Kodak bought Encad in November 2001. It is claimed that the machine sets new standards for price performance and running costs, and will be distributed in the UK by Colourgen as part of an exclusive agreement.

Its one half to two thirds the running costs of a HP DesignJet, said Colourgens managing director Jeff Biggs.

It is also the first Encad to use Kodaks extensive ink colour and chemical expertise. Both dye and pigment inks are available.

The colour is fantastic, and the pigment inks are a really close match to the colour gamut of the Encad dye inks, said Biggs.

Cost effectiveness and productivity is helped with the rapid ink-drying time, which means that the stated production speeds can be used, rather than slowing down the printer to ensure that sheets are dry to handle.

It achieves this by the combination of a heated bed around the print head and an air dryer.

The biggest thing about productivity is the drying time, said Biggs. Its phenomenally productive.

Speed is 14m2 per hour in three-pass or 10m2 per hour in four-pass mode, which Biggs said would be the typical settings used in the UK.

Pricing has yet to be set, but the 60in-wide version will be around 10,000. It is also available in a 42in size.

The first UK showing of the machine, which launched at the PMA show in Las Vegas today (12 February), will be at Sign UK/Digital Expo in March.

Story by Barney Cox