Océ has announced the launch of a new printing technology called Océ CrystalPoint. They claim it combines the best of both toner and inkjet.
The Océ ColorWave 600, also unveiled today in The Netherlands is the first product to incorporate the new technology and being debuted in the US at the IRgA 2008 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV, May 13-15.
The technology converts colour Océ TonerPearls toner into a gel. This tonergel is then inkjetted onto the substrate producing water resistant, high quality images with extremely accurate dot placement.
The printer can utilise low cost recycled paper and Océ claim the ColorWave 600 can print at least twice as fast as conventional inkjet systems. Prints dry instantly so they can be handled immediately.
"With the introduction of Océ CrystalPoint technology, we are unleashing an important wave of innovation that's changing the face of the wide format printing industry," says Rokus van Iperen, CEO of Océ N.V. "We will deliver high quality colour on plain paper and recycled paper. Since the mid-90s, we have been developing this groundbreaking technology. Océ has invested approximately Euro 150 million in developing this technology and anticipates for the coming 15 to 20 years it will be fundamental for developing new generations of Océ colour printing systems. Océ CrystalPoint technology represents a major milestone for our company in a market segment we have led since the 1920s. Customer trials with the Océ ColorWave 600 began in March of 2008. Based on these trials, market demand for the product is already very high."
The solid Océ TonerPearls used in tonergel jetting release no ozone, odor or fine powder. This makes Océ CrystalPoint technology ultra-low when it comes to emissions. Furthermore, because it prints an even semi-gloss finish on uncoated paper, the technology reduces the use of paper coatings that impact the environment.
Océ Australia
http://www.oce.com/
