The manufacturer’s new products include the JFX600-2531 flatbed UV printer and the CFX-2531 flatbed cutter.

The 2.5x3.1m JFX600-2531 printer responds to market demand for a larger print area, following the release of the JFX600-2513 in 2021.

Offering productivity of up to 200sqm/hr in four-colour mode and 120sqm/hr when configured with white ink, and a maximum resolution of 1,200dpi, Mimaki said the increased print-bed size of 3.1m in length opens up new possibilities, particularly in signage and architectural applications.

Printing on architectural substrates commonly involves applying a printed film onto the surface, so direct printing allows for the original surface texture of the substrate to remain, excluding the design area.

Another feature carried over from the JFX600-2513 is the 2.5D printing function, which creates texture to the surface of the print for added customisability and value.

Arjen Evertse, general manager sales at Mimaki Europe, told Printweek: “Another big benefit coming from the larger table is the Toggle Print Function, where we can operate the machine as one large bed printer but we can also operate it as if it would be two smaller machines next to each other. You load media on one side while it’s printing the other side, and when it’s finished it goes back to the other side. This all happens automatically, so it allows for non-stop printing.”

This feature also means that manual processes, like replacing, fixing, and cleaning the surface of a substrate, can take place while the printer continues to print on the other side.

Also new is the modular CFX Series of cutters. The 2.5x3.1m CFX-2531 joins two other models, the 2.5x1.3m CFX-2513 and the 2.5x5m CFX-2550. Mimaki said this field upgradable series is designed for companies looking to grow their offering, with customers able to expand their model from a smaller table size to a larger size at a later date should they wish.

Mimaki said that improved accuracy, with the inclusion of a table plane tracking function, helps to ensure minimal material is wasted and is critical when it comes to V-cuts. The cutter can also be equipped with up to four types of tools at once to reduce the time required for tool changing and adjustment.

The JFX600-2531 and CFX-2531 will be demonstrated together for the first time during Fespa 2024 at the nearby Mimaki Experience Centre in Amsterdam. EMEA shipping for the new machines is due around June.

Separately, following a preview of the technology at ITMA 2023, Mimaki is using Fespa to commercially release its textile pigment transfer printing system, Trapis, which will be demonstrated live on the company’s booth.

Available around July, Trapis is said to provide a simple two-step process, consisting of an inkjet printer and a calender. The design of choice is printed by the inkjet printer with a dedicated ink onto transfer paper, which is then transferred to the application via a calender.

Unlike both analogue and digital conventional dye-printing methods, Mimaki said Trapis generates almost no wastewater, only that which is produced during the printer’s automatic maintenance.

Due to no pre-treatment or washing of the fabric being needed, this saves around 14.5 litres per square metre of water when compared to digital dye printing. Additionally, this eliminates the need for wastewater treatment facilities.

As the process only involves printing and transferring, Mimaki said it does not require specialised skills to operate when compared to the more complex seven- or eight-step system for digital and analogue conventional printing. The lack of a fabric conveyor belt in the system further minimises the need for time intensive maintenance.

Also new and debuting on Mimaki’s Fespa booth is a more productive version of its Kebab, an optional system for Mimaki’s UJF Series of flatbed UV printers that enables 360-degree direct printing on cylindrical objects, such as bottles and tumblers.

Named ‘HS’ after its high speed, it is three times faster than the previous Kebab MkII, taking approximately 10 minutes to print per material, and is therefore more suited to handling medium volumes. Kebab HS can also print directly on tapered objects with sloping sides, including glasses and cups.

The option can be quickly installed, requiring only the attachment of the main unit to the UJF Series print table. The current Kebab MkII and Kebab MkII L machines will remain available and are recommended by Mimaki for customers printing on small diameters (50mm or less) and materials longer than 280mm.

Commercial availability for Kebab HS is expected around April.

Fespa is taking place at the RAI in Amsterdam from 19-22 March.