When was the Jeti 5048UV XL launched and what market is it aimed at? The Jeti 5048UV XL was premiered at Fespa in July. The first shipments of the wide-format press, which sits alongside Agfa’s Aquajet, Titan and the Anapurna range of UV-curable devices, are taking place this month. The press can be adapted to suit high-quality super-wide applications or billboard-type posters. "The product is aimed at companies that specialise in wide-format outdoor applications, such as billboards, backlit displays and building wraps," explains Steve Collins, wide-format inkjet account manager at Agfa UK.

How does it differ to Agfa’s previous equivalent presses? The 5048UV XL is the first 5m-wide UV press released from Agfa since the acquisition of the Gandinnovations business two years ago. The previous version is the 3348 Jetspeed, based on a 3.2m-wide UV printer. A major new feature is the ability to adjust the position of the UV lamps to give a more glossy or matt finish. When used with its own Jeti UV-curable inks, Agfa says the machine yields a wider colour gamut and superior adhesion, and can print on a variety of materials including fabric, canvas, vinyl, plastic film, paper, polyester and 100% eco-friendly polyethylene (PE).

How does the machine work? Like most wide-format inkjet printers, the 5048UV XL is a flexible beast. On the one hand, it can print directly on to a 5m-wide roll of media and, on the other, it has the ability to print on two or three individual rolls simultaneously. This, of course, means you are able to print three different jobs in one pass. A specially designed magnetic linear motor in the head compartment helps to keep dot placement accurate. There are 48 Spectra print heads in total.

What is its USP? Rather than one stand-out USP, Collins believes a number of features help give the 5048UV XL a competitive edge over its rivals. He says the graphical user interface (GUI) is highly visual, and the ability to position and rotate images within the print area makes the device extremely easy to use. Controls over the engine’s ink levels and UV lamp settings are graphical and are changed simply by touching the screen. Collins also points to the unique saddle rollers. He says they are designed to keep the media in position while printing, allowing the engine to print multiple rolls. Another feature is the vacuum plate, which is positioned where the print heads are printing on the media. The vacuum is able to keep thinner substrates such as PE securely in place and avoid rippling at high speeds. Finally, a facility for printing mesh comes as standard.

What are the speed and quality like? There are three main speed settings – express mode, which is 273.7m2/hr, billboard mode, which runs at 175.4m2/hr and production, which can achieve 132m2/hr. Quality-wise, the 5048UV XL prints in four colours at 300dpi.

How easy is it to use? As mentioned, the main strength of the machine in this regard is the user-friendly GUI. Collins claims, however, that job changeover is pretty straightforward as well. "Changing from a 5m roll to three 1.6m rolls takes no time at all," he explains. This is thanks to the optional removable loading and unloading system, which is designed for maximum production output. It’s also worth noting that, because the machine features UV curing, substrate pre-treatment isn’t required.

What training and level of service support can users expect? Agfa says it has a support structure of Jeti-trained engineers covering the country. "We also have a team of three applications specialists, who are focused on RIPs and profiling," explains Collins. Agfa says all of its applications come with a wide choice of RIPs, tailored to the customer’s job demands and existing workflow. In the event of any problem, call-out times are based on a ‘best endeavour’ eight-hour target, which is covered under warranty or a service contract.

SPECIFICATIONS
Speed
up to 273.7m2/hr
Max printing width
5m
Resolution
300dpi
Inkjet technology
48 Spectra (piezoelectric) heads
Media types
reinforced vinyl, pressure sensitive vinyl, canvas, fabrics, mesh, paper, 100% PE material
Printer dimensions
2. 06x2.60x8.93m (hxwxl) (with front and rear saddle rollers)
Price
£350,000
Contact
Agfa UK 020 8231 4929 www.agfa.com

ALTERNATIVES
Durst Rho 500R
With Quadro Array 30DM heads and Rho VOC free ink, the 500R has six colours and white as upgradeable options. Like the Jeti, multi-roll configurations of three 1.6m rolls, two 2.5m rolls, or even one 1.6m and one 3.2m rolls are available. Automatic double-sided printing and in-line cutting are possible.
Speed 200m2/hr (high-speed mode)
Max printing width 5m
Price £349,000-£549,000
Contact Durst UK 01372 388540 www.durst-online.co.uk

EFI Vutek GS5000r
EFI says this is the only 5m-wide UV printer around that has its output covered by the 3M MCS warranty when you use co-branded EFI and 3M inks and print on 3M flexible media. In addition, it offers multi-roll printing on two or three rolls simultaneously, comes with an ultra-high resolution of 1,000dpi for premium value indoor graphics, and can print with up to eight-colours plus white.
Speed up to 288m2/hr
Max printing width 5m
Price from £385,000
Contact EFI Vutek 01753 283676 www.efi.com/vutek

HP Scitex XP5300
According to HP Scitex, the XP5300 can produce everything from durable outdoor signage to high-quality, point-of-purchase displays. One of its main assets is its output, running at a top speed of 300m2/hr. The inclusion of an HP Scitex XP5300 shutters control kit as standard allows means glossy prints can be easily customised.
Speed up to 300m2/hr
Max printing width 5m
Price £275,000
Contact HP Scitex 0845 605 6013  www.hp.com/scitex

As there are no completed installations, we have been unable to give the XL a star rating