What is it?
It’s a conversion kit that lets wide-format eco-solvent inkjet printers run a solvent-UV (SUV) hybrid ink called UV Light. It can be used on new and old printers.
This ink cures almost instantly on self-adhesive vinyl and other plastic media. There is no outgassing after curing, so it is immediately available for post processing.
Colorific managing director Nick Wintle said that the hybrid ink contains much less solvent than an eco-solvent type. “There is less to evaporate so less ink is needed to print the same density, with savings of up to 30% per square metre compared to traditional counterparts,” he explained.
There are two other SUV printers on the market, from Fujifilm and Mimaki. Both are purpose-built, in a choice of two widths. Rumour has it that the ink for all three suppliers is made by Fujifilm in Broadstairs, but this is unconfirmed.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Colorific introduced its first conversion system in 2013. It can convert existing printers onsite, or supply new printers ready-fitted. Conversion cost of an old printer is considerably less than buying a new SUV or latex printer. The latest ready-fitted model is the UV540PC, a converted Roland SP540i print-and-cut inkjet.
It can be fitted to any 54in or 64in eco-solvent printer or printer-cutter that uses Epson DX4, DX5, DX6 and DX7 printheads. These heads have been widely used for years in Mimaki, Mutoh and Roland DG (plus some old Light Brigade) printers.
According to Wintle, it offers “the best of both worlds of solvent and latex ink printers. The durability and abrasion resistance is excellent and the ink is suited to a wide range of materials, including vinyl, banner, paper, pop-up materials and textiles.”
Anecdotally there’s some question over stretchability of the ink for vehicle wraps, so test before you buy if you print these.
How does it work?
UV Light combines solvent and UV-curing elements. It is available in CMYK plus light cyan and light magenta.
The solvent is the carrier for the pigment and also gives the initial ‘bite’ that keys it to plastic media. The printer’s standard heated platen evaporates the solvent, pinning the ink. The media is then passed under the Lightbar lamp, initiating the final cure. At this point the print is completely dry and ready for application.
By contrast an eco solvent ink will continue to outgas for 24 to 48 hours, preventing lamination or tight re-reeling. However, conventional UV-cure and latex inks don’t outgas either.
The Lightbar is a lamp unit with shielding against UV leakage, plus cooling fans. It is bolted onto the front of the printer frame, although a standalone unit on castors is available for some models. It uses a low-energy UV strip lamp.
What are the adaptations?
Conversions are carried out onsite. Installation involves fitting the Lightbar, replacing clear ink feed lines with UV- safe black ones, and flushing the ink system to take the new UV Light ink and cartridges.
What’s the USP?
Several, according to Wintle. No degassing allows immediate application, lamination or re-rolling of media; the durability and gloss reduces the need to laminate; low ink odour; ink saving over eco solvent; and the ability to access ‘next-generation’ ink technology on an older printer.
What training and support is on offer?
“The big part of the product is training,” says Wintle. “Each install is two days: one to install the conversion and the second for training and profiling.”
What does it cost?
When fitted to a new printer, the price depends on the base unit. For example the new UV540PC costs £10,495. For an onsite conversion (called Lightbar Revive), both the 54in and 64in conversions cost £2,500 including fitting, training and two profiles. Ink costs £80 per 440ml cartridge.
How many are installed currently worldwide and in the UK?
There are around 50 installations in the UK, and about 15 in Europe. Colorific has been appointing dealers this year.
SPECIFICATIONS
Widths 54in (1,371mm) or 64in (1,625mm)
Suitable printers Anything fitted with Epson DX4, 5, 6, 7 printheads, mainly supplied by Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland DG
Inkset Colorific UV Light CMYK, light cyan, light magenta
Ink cartridges 440ml/£80
Price From £2,500 (installation on an existing printer)
Contact Colorific 01628 560894 www.colorificink.com
ALTERNATIVES
Fujifilm Vybrant F1600
Fujifilm’s take on hybrid solvent-UV was launched in May. It’s a CMYK machine based on the 1.6m Mimaki JV400-SUV, running Fuji’s Uvijet VN hybrid inkset.
Print width 1,610mm
Max resolution 1,200dpi
Inkset Fujifilm UviJet VN CMYK
Ink sacks 600ml/€130 (£102)
Speed Up to 18m2/hr
Price €19,800 (£15,499)
Contact Fujifilm 01234 572340 www.fujifilm.eu/uk
Mimaki JV400-SUV
Introduced last year, JV400 models are built for either SUV inks or Mimaki’s own latex water-based outdoor ink. The price is the same for both, but you can’t swap between them. SUV is the bigger seller and is fitted with a UV strip lamp similar to Colorific’s.
Print widths 1,361mm or 1,610mm
Max resolution 900x1,200dpi
Inkset Mimaki SU100 CMYK
Ink sacks 600ml/£125
Speed Up to 18.1m2/hr (high speed)
Price 1.3m: £17,995; 1.6m: £19,995
Contact Hybrid Services, 01270 501900 www.hybridservices.co.uk
HP Latex 300
SUV inks were developed to counter HP’s Latex ink, which are water-based with no volatile solvents or odour, but suited to indoor and outdoor applications on plastics and other media. The latest 300 series are the lowest cost to date, with new inks that use primer to cure at lower temperatures, with better scratch resistance.
Widths 1.3m (330), 1.6m (330 and 360)
Max resolution 1,200dpi
Inkset 3rd-generation HP Latex (CMYK, light cyan, light magenta)
Ink cartridges 775ml/£107
Throughput Up to 48m2/hr
Price About £10,500 (1.3m 310) £13,750 (1.6m 330), £17,600 (1.6m 360)
Contact HP 0330 587 5113 www.hp.com
USER REVIEW
“We bought a Roland 64in printer with Lightbar two months ago. It helps us speed up our production, plus we’re getting really good quality print that lets us make good quality products.” 4/5
Alex Cunliffe Managing director, Inkthreadable, Darwen
