The new 204sqm/hr, 3.5m-wide EFI Vutek D3r and 244sqm/hr, 5.2m-wide D5r LED inkjet both offer 1,200dpi and sit between the Matan and higher productivity Vutek 3r+ and 5r+ roll-to-roll machines in EFI’s portfolio.
The D series machines feature the same core technology as their faster siblings, but rather than running seven colours (CMYK plus lights) plus white or varnish with 18 heads in a double row configuration, they run 12 heads with CMYK plus both white and varnish in a single row, with two heads per colour channel.
"The 'D' in the name for these new printers is for 'Design', and they are absolutely designed to offer the right mix of features, productivity and cost to create new opportunities for signage and graphics professionals," said Ken Hanulec, EFI vice-president of worldwide marketing.
"We listened very closely to our customers for feedback to create a mid-volume solution that will be the technology of choice for print providers seeking to profitably grow their businesses with high-end applications."
The new machines are aimed at users looking for mid- to high-productivity, who don’t need the ultra-high productivity of the flagship r series or its additional light cyan, magenta and black for extra demanding applications.
The two D machines feature the same chassis as the r series, however, due to a different carriage design, are not upgradable to r series specifications.
They feature EFI’s variable droplet UltraDrop greyscale technology with native seven picolitre droplet size, which is capable of running 5 picolitre ‘Museum’ print mode.
The D3r and D5r also offer multi-roll functionality, two and three 1.6m-wide rolls respectively, and can run a range of EFI inksets, including the SuperRange XF Inks for multipurpose applications and SuperFlex 3M inks for vehicle wraps and fleet graphics.
Options include: inline X-cutter; inline Y-slitters; automatic backlit and blockout printing; super duty winder; and factory installed vacuum plate for thin substrates.
EFI is running a D3r this week at the Connect event in Las Vegas, and will also be showing the machine at its EFI EMEA Ignite event next week in Brussels, Belgium.
While the customer events mark the formal unveiling of the machines, they were soft-launched in the tail end of 2019, with five machines already sold, 5m-wide D5rs to including units to Thomas Printworks in the US and Allgraf in Italy.
"The printing resolution, the possibilities of white printing and the inline clear ink are unique features and they give us a competitive edge,” said Agostino Allegris, Allgraf CEO and president.
“Now, we have the ability to print a full flood or selective clear ink in glossy or matte. We are excited of the possibilities of printing a whole series of innovative applications and materials.”
