Intended to be paired with the 2013-launched JFX200-2513 LED-UV cured flatbed inkjet, the CF22-1225 flatbed cutting plotter will become commercially available from Mimaki's UK and Ireland distributor Hybrid Services at the end of the year, at the same time as its new series of wide-format laminators and laminating films, which were unveiled last week.
Handling materials up to 1.2x2.4m and intended for on-demand production of seasonal displays of exhibition components, the CF22-1225 will be rolled out with Mimaki’s new ArtiosCAD Designer Solution software for packaging, which Hybrid national sales manager John de la Roche said will be available as free optional configuration. Hybrid did not disclose the price of the machine.
“The key point here is the size,” De la Roche said of the new plotter.
“There will be a synergy between a customer looking to buy a JFX200 and the CF22 cutting table. It is a seamless transition, from Mimaki printer to Mimaki cutter, for short runs, display graphics and creating packaging mock-ups.”
The entry-level JFX200 prints at speeds of up to 25sqm/hr on sheets of 2.5x1.3m and up to 50mm thick.
De la Roche added that the launch is demonstrative of Mimaki’s continuing focus on the packaging sector.
“Someone in packaging could print onto card and then use the various tools on this machine to create a set and it could be used for shorter-run production,” he said.
“Mimaki has always been in packaging but it’s really since the advance of the flatbed technology. Printing card isn’t easy on a solvent or latex roll-to-roll machine because it’s hard to get the card through so with the advance of UV printer over the last few years plus different ink types I think it's growing.”
Mimaki Europe general sales manager Ronald Van den Broek said the JFX200 plus plotter and Artios software would create an “end-to-end solution” for cutting and creasing coated cardboard and reciprocating cutting of foam material used for packing.
Mimaki has launched a number of other machines this year, including its first 3D inkjet machine and a new industrial textile printer.