Agfa Graphics have announced the :Dotrix TransColor, an inkjet colour printer that adds high-quality colour to high-speed printing. A powerful IPDS (Intelligent Printer Data Stream) controller combines with single-pass printing engines, high-resolution inkjet technology (900dpi), 650mm width and UV curable inks and print both side simultaneously. Not for the traditional wide format market, just yet.
The :Dotrix TransColor processes pages in real time. A powerful IPDS FS45 controller uses scalable data-processing technology to provide nearly unlimited processing power. By distributing processing tasks to a "cluster farm", the controller can "rip" in real-time regardless of project complexity and colour density.
"Adding full colour to already complex database printing has been a stumbling block for transactional, transpromotional and direct mail printing because it slows down the processing. When designing the :Dotrix TransColor, Agfa made eliminating bottlenecks a top priority," said Agfa Graphics vice president of inkjet solutions, Jan Vangeel. "The technology that comes together in this system delivers high-end colour at the lowest cost-per-copy and highest return on investment."
The system's printing engine, SPICE (Single Pass Color Engine) is another reason the :Dotrix TransColor can deliver full colour at high speed. It is configured with a static array of inkjet heads that span the entire printing width. Using the maximum paper width (65cm), it can print A4 pages, 3-up, on both sides of the paper (duplex) in a single pass to produce nearly 500 A4 pages per minute/ 30,000 per hour. The system is configured with a roll-to-roll feed for uninterrupted printing. A third-party in-line finishing solution can be added for even greater productivity.
Agfa Graphics' drop-on-demand piezo inkjet heads use the greyscale principle to vary the sizes of the droplets that create the printing dot. The heads generate multiple levels of "grey" for each ink colour that makes a single dot. This produces the smooth colour tints and gradations normally seen only on high-end printing presses.
The :Dotrix TransColor uses Agfa Graphics' :Agorix Nova inks, which are different from standard inkjet inks. With similar characteristics as UV offset inks, they are scratch, smear and water resistant. They can print on any standard paper with the lustre and vibrancy of magazine-printing inks. The ability to use standard papers further reduces cost-per-copy.
The :Agorix Nova ink and drop-on-demand inkjet technology combine with non-linear (stochastic) screening to deliver perceived 900-dpi resolution. The result is a level of colour quality not seen in other high-speed printers.
Agfa Australia Pty Ltd
www.agfa.com.au
