It achieves a speed of 17.6m2 per hour on coated media and 9.2m2 per hour on photo media in the new Production mode. This is thanks to new instant-drying media, a new print mode that cuts down the number of passes needed to build up the image and a thermal dryer. The new print mode is 25-50% faster than the 5000’s Productivity mode, with no loss of quality.
"Where HP is positioned throughput is important," said Art Systems business development manager Ted Freer. "This differentiates the 5500 from its competitors." The 5500 is available immediately, prices are slightly higher than the 5000 at £7,300 for the 42in dye-based machine and £12,300 for the 60in. Pigment-based ink upgrades cost £2,000.
The fast-drying media costs the same as equivalent HP media.
Epson’s new machine Stylus Pro 10600 adds the UltraChrome six-colour ink set that the firm first introduced earlier this year on its 7600 and 9600 printers to its flagship 44in wide 10000.
The UltraChrome ink set offers the wide colour gamut of dye-based inks, but with the longevity of pigment-based inks.
Epson will supply an EFI software RIP the Fiery Spark Professional itself and a range of third-party RIPs will also be able to drive the 10600. Most proofing and large-format RIP developers have already developed software to take advantage of UltraChrome for the 7600 and 9600.
Epson’s 10600 will be launched in the UK in October and will begin shipping in November.
The speed of the 10600 in its highest quality mode is 6.8m2 per hour.
Story by Barney Cox
