The manufacturer said the LED UV curing on these machines, as well as other structural improvements, gives greater precision, increases their versatility and makes them more environmentally friendly than comparable machines.
The Impala LED has a bed size of 2.5x2m and can print at a maximum speed of 180sqm/hr while the Nyala LED has a 3.2x2m bed and the machine can print at a maximum speed of 206sqm/hr.
Roll-to-roll functionality is also available for these devices as an optional add-on. The manufacturer said this combined with cool LED curing makes it easier to process heat-sensitive roll media because the material warps less.
LED curing reduces power consumption and heat build-up and expands the range of applications, enabling these machines to print on thin films, paper, board and delicate textiles.
Both machines use SwissQprint UV inks, which cure both under mercury vapour lamps and under the new LED system. With the latter, the output software automatically adjusts the UV output power to the material and the printing speed, which is said to help users achieve consistently optimal curing results.
Impala LED and Nyala LED are commercially available with immediate effect through the SwissQprint distribution partner network in 40 countries, including Spandex in the UK, and deliveries will start in around mid-June.
Spandex UK SwissQprint and Zünd sales manager Stephen Pridham said: “The LED UV curing is a new feature for SwissQprint – clearly other people have had LED for a while but to do it with this standard takes a lot of time and development to make sure it’s right.
“The UV will make living with the printer a lot easier because there’s an awful lot less heat. The instant on-off is also nice to have and the lack of consumables usage is great.”
He added: “I think it’s a case of evolution, which means more diversity and flexibility and lower cost of ownership.
“Mercury and LED options will now be available side by side because there will be some applications where mercury is a better solution. I think it’s crucial to be able to offer both.”
Pricing for the Impala LED starts at around €225,000 (£190,000) for a basic configuration, with the Nyala LED starting at around £215,000. The machines are modular and field upgradable, if users later wish to add options such as the roll-to-roll functionality.
