First previewed at Drupa last year, the device is now available for sale through Mutoh’s resellers and partners in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
The HydrAton 1642 uses Aquafuze, an advanced UV-curable water-based ink technology developed by Fujifilm. This hybrid ink system combines the benefits of water-based and UV-curable inks, utilising Fujifilm’s proprietary dispersion technology to offer low-VOC, low-odour printing.
Aquafuze adheres to a wide range of substrates, including non-porous materials, without the need for primers or adhesion promoters.
“The thin yet durable printed ink film offers excellent scratch resistance without requiring an overcoat, making it ideal for wallpapers, retail décor, indoor signage, and public space applications,” Mutoh stated.
In the development of this ink, Mutoh said specific attention had been given to the ingredient selection, ensuring compliance with the highest safety and environmental standards.
With a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than 15%, the formulation is designed to minimise emissions.
Additionally, the ink is free from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), aligning with regulatory standards aimed at safeguarding both operators and the environment. It does not require any GHS hazard markings.
Aquafuze is also Greenguard Gold certified, and Mutoh said it was working towards additional certifications for interior and building materials in Europe.
Furthermore, Mutoh said the HydrAton 1642 operates at significantly lower temperatures (30–50°C) compared to conventional industrial latex and water-based resin ink printers.
This, it added, ensures compatibility with heat sensitive substrates while also reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Meanwhile, with its optimised ink film formation system, which combines a three-way heater, a blower fan, and a UV lamp, prints achieve “enhanced durability and superior image quality”.
“Equipped with two AccuFineHD printheads, the HydrAton 1642 delivers high speed and high-quality prints with improved ink placement accuracy, reduced banding and ensuring sharp details like fine lines and small text,” stated Mutoh.
“AccuFine printheads differ in the fact that they have an increased nozzle row length and high-density nozzle pitch.”
The HydrAton 1642 uses Mutoh’s VerteLith RIP software and includes automation features including DropMaster 2, which automatically adjusts bi-directional alignment for perfect registration; FeedMaster, which automates media feed correction using built-in sensors; and Media Tracker, which prints and scans barcodes to track remaining media length, reducing material waste.
