It is available free to all current JV33 owners and will be included as standard with new installs for no added cost.

The firmware upgrade, complemented by downloadable software, consists of Mimaki’s Advanced Pass System (MAPS) technology, which alters the way ink is laid down.

“With an ordinary print pass ink is discharged almost in the way of a paintbrush going up and down,” explained John de la Roche, national sales manager at exclusive UK distributor for Mimaki Hybrid Services.

“But when MAPS is turned on the ink is ejected sparsely almost in a spray pattern, it doesn’t have a defined edge. That prevents banding when printing faster.” 

This technology allows a 10%-plus speed increase, added de la Roche, and was rolled out to Mimaki’s UV wide format printers around a year ago.

A new JV33 still has a starting price of 11,995 depending on which of the eight models in the range is ordered. This price includes a two-year warranty, 3.5 litres of ink, a powered take-up unit and RIP solution.

The outdoor durable printer uses Mimaki’s “almost odourless” SS21 solvent, ES3 eco solvent and dye sublimation ink sets.

The JV33 upgrade is being showcased for the first time at Lyon’s C!Print, running 4-6 February.