What does it do?
MonoCube is a very compact monochrome inkjet web press with a choice of web widths and speeds, but no click charges. Its single-unit simplex or duplex format is designed to fit into restricted spaces. Graph-Tech is a Swiss developer of inkjet components and controllers, acquired last year by Domino Printing Sciences. It had previously developed the Domino N600i colour UV inkjet label press, launched in 2010. MonoCube will be sold through Graph-Tech’s new Cube Inkjet Division. In the US, Kern will sell the MonoCube under its own name, iMpres, to run with its mailing systems. So far this deal only covers North America.
When was the machine launched and who is it aimed at?
MonoCube was first shown at Drupa 2012 and is just starting to reach customers. It is designed for direct mail, transactional, book-on-demand and security work, emphasising high-speed, high-quality and low cost-per-page. Additional print bars for MICR ink can be fitted.
How does it work?
Four web widths are offered (446mm, 558mm, 670mm and 783mm) in both simplex and duplex. Speeds are up to 75 or 150 metres per minute, but can be slowed to match inline feed and finishing systems. Print bars, with Kyocera heads, are the same as the Domino N600i. The 600dpi resolution with four droplet sizes give a "perceived" resolution of 1,200dpi. The water-based black ink is suited to uncoated papers for transactional and book markets. Plans to use a primer for coated papers have been dropped in favour of finding compatible inks. A UV-cured ink configuration can be ordered. Graph-Tech develops its own printer controllers. Initially these accept PDF workflows, but IPDS/AFP is close to release.
What’s its USP?
Bryan Palphreyman, commercial director of the Cube Inkjet Division, believes that the main USP is the very compact duplex format, so it can replace toner presses and offer lower running costs. The machine’s footprint is 1.7x2.5m and it stands just 1.5m high, making it handy for data centres with low ceilings. Palphreyman says that in restricted spaces it may be easier to install several lower speed, lower cost MonoCubes than just one of the larger rivals.
What support is available?
Operator training will be given by Graph-Tech. Most components are user-replace-able, with remote diagnosis and support from Switzerland. "Inkjets are more reliable than toner presses," states Palphreyman. "Most of the issues are likely to be in software, and that can usually be fixed remotely."
How much does it cost?
An entry-level 446mm-wide simplex machine running at 75m/min will cost around £237,000. A 558mm, 150m/min machine will cost around £416,000 for simplex or £706,000 for duplex. The 780mm, 150m/min duplex model will be about £980,000. None have click charges.
How many users are there already?
MonoCubes are still at the beta stage and user sites are operating under non-disclosure agreements. One is in Morocco and used for cheque printing. An earlier machine in the US is used for bingo cards and the like. Kern has one in its demo suite in Ohio.
SPECIFICATIONS
Web widths 446mm, 558mm, 670mm, 783mm
Speeds 75m/min, 150m/min
Resolution 600dpi (1,200dpi equivalent)
Inks water-based with UV option
Format simplex or duplex
Price from £237,000 (for a 446mm-wide simplex 75m/min machine) to £980,000 (for 780mm-wide duplex 150m/min machine)
Contact Graph-Tech +41 62 746 06 50 www.graph-tech.ch
ALTERNATIVES
Canon Océ JetStream 2300/3300/4300 mono
Océ adapted its full-colour JetStream inkjet web presses into mono-only models for book work, costing 30% less than colour-upgradable configurations. The 200m/min 4300 is faster than the MonoCube but is three times the price and has a much larger footprint.
Web width 762mm
Speeds 100m/min, 150m/min, 200m/min
Resolution 600dpi greyscale (1,200 dpi equivalent)
Inks water-based
Format simplex or twin-unit duplex
Price from £1.6m to £3m (click rate charging)
Contact Océ (UK) 0870 600 5544 www.oce.co.uk
Canon Océ VarioStream 8750
The price and performance of the VarioStream 8750 is comparable to the entry-level MonoCube. There’s a choice of all-in or toner-exclusive click charges.
Web width 495.3mm
Speeds 105m/min
Resolution up to 600dpi
Format single-unit duplex
Price around £300,000 (click rate charging)
Contact Océ (UK) 0870 600 5544 www.oce.co.uk
