Designed for sign makers, print service providers (PSPs) and in-house printers, a new industrial-grade printer is said to be ideal for companies that specialise in large format printing.

Built for maximum uptime and quick turnarounds, the Colorado 1630 from Canon is designed to be robust, reliable and easy-to-use.

The company asserts that its new model delivers superior print quality of 1 800 dpi, durable, odourless and instant-dry prints on almost any media for a wide range of applications. In its fastest print mode, for applications such as outdoor banners and billboards, it can attain a maximum print speed of 111 m²/hour and in high quality mode, it is able to deliver at a speed of 29 m²/hour.

Canon emphasises that its new versatile printer offers the same high productivity features, output quality and media versatility as its Colorado 1650 model and uses the same UVgel 460 inks. The printer’s efficiency, combined with reduced waste and a 40% lower ink consumption compared to other technologies, helps to ensure that operating costs are minimised.

On-the-go ink replenishment and a number of automation features such as nozzle monitoring, printhead maintenance and media feed winding allow for uninterrupted production. In addition, a remote control application is available for remote monitoring of all printers, sending alerts such as printer status updates, warnings and errors to a mobile device.

The printer is designed to allow additional modules to be added to the base model depending on business needs. For example, if the printer is installed with one media roll but run lengths are increasing, a second media roll option can be added. Canon further asserts that the precise media handling of the Colorado 1630 ensures near perfect registration for double-sided printing. A ‘print side in’ option also allows for printing on both the inside and outside of the roll for maximum media versatility. All options can be enabled remotely and on demand.

The optional FLXfinish module uses an LED curing technique designed to add visual impact to applications such as banners, wall coverings and point-of-sale materials without changing inks or media. This technology also supports printing on porous substrates, such as uncoated papers and soft signage materials.

The new printer is an extension of the company’s existing range of UVgel roll-to-roll printers. In addition to the 1630, the product portfolio includes the Colorado 1640/1650 for customers with higher volumes.