Sun's Inkjet Press Is 20% More Efficient

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team May 1, 2007

The quality of print and the functions of Sun Chemical Screen's Project 37 (P37) commercial UV inkjet press have improved the machine's performance.

The Project 37 (P37) inkjet press, developed by Sun Chemical and Copytrax Technologies, is said to have created great interest in the optical disc replication and duplication markets, according to Sun Chemical Screen.

P37 will be demonstrated at the Mediatech 2007 exhibition in Long Beach, California (USA) - stand 1104 - from May 15 - 17.

Since the press's launch at Mediatech Frankfurt (Germany) in 2006, a number of customer evaluations have shown potential print efficiency increases of greater than 20 per cent, payback periods of less than 12 months and additional savings, said the company.

Print quality improvement results from a bespoke software RIP (raster image processor) and printer driver from K-Flow, which Sun said is an expert company in that field.

The K-Flow print server is claimed to allow users to import any electronic file format, RIP and spool the file to the press in a few seconds.

There are additional benefits of the K-Flow system, which include full colour profiling, calibration and management, all of which can be set up to match results from existing print equipment, added the company.

The use of K-Flow software for P37 also allows users to benefit from the other workflow and colour management modules offered by K-Flow to the optical disc industry.

P37 also features a screen printing station for pre-printing the white base ink.

Discs are loaded on to standard spindles, where they are ID checked before being screen printed with the Digital White Base (DVDDWB) cured, then digitally printed and cured again before unloading on to industry standard spindles.

Robin McMillan, product manager at Sun Chemical Screen, said: "This fully integrated system is generating enormous interest from replicators and duplicators alike and we expect to announce several new customer signings soon." He continued: "Customer evaluations have shown considerable savings, including over 20 per cent increase in efficiency, payback periods of less than 12 months and a print speed in production of 1,200 per hour or greater.".