The new Mimaki JV400-130LX and JV400-160LX printers feature state of the art Mimaki latex inks and are the first machines to incorporate its cutting edge print engine. This paves the way for other ink types that will deliver a significant number of applications based upon the same platform. They include Mimaki’s pioneering SUV ink, which will be available shortly after the release of new latex machines.

Mimaki’s latex ink delivers significant advantages over alternative solutions, since it requires only a very low heat to cure, thus facilitating the use of a much great gamut of materials, while also consuming substantially less energy and therefore minimising running costs. It is also the first latex solution to offer a white ink, which sits along side six process colours to offer both a vibrant colour yield and an extended colour gamut. The Mimaki latex inks are quick drying and are supplied in 600cc ink packs, which, when used in conjunction with Mimaki’s eco-cases, reduce waste and enable long unattended print runs.

In addition, the 1.3m and 1.6m wide Mimaki JV400-LX printers feature a unique piezo printhead, offering the usual advantages over alternative technologies, in as much as there is no need for frequent user head replacement, a stunning four picolitre dot size, along with variable dot technology. The use of piezo heads further supports Mimaki’s environmental and sustainability credentials, with waste minimised and quality maintained throughout the printheads' life.

The Mimaki latex ink is an aqueous, resin based technology with proven eco friendly qualities and zero odour, thus making the machines ideal for installation in shops, educational establishments and office spaces, as well as in the traditional sign, print and graphic companies.

Pre, print and post heaters typically running below 60°C, in combination with built in drying fans, aid the fast curing of the Mimaki latex ink, which means that since there is no requirement for gassing off, any post print lamination can take place immediately, shortening ‘total job time’ and enabling print suppliers to respond to short lead times. Coupled with Mimaki’s class leading print speeds of up to 18m2/hour at 900 x 900dpi, the JV400-LX range delivers a compelling printing solution for a broad range of applications.

Commenting on this latest development, Miko Noguchi, President of Mimaki Engineering, said: “Mimaki is dedicated to bringing truly innovative and productive products to market and these new printers are a terrific example of that dedication. The JV400 product line achieves faster print speeds and higher print quality without compromise.”

Available soon after the Mimaki latex range and utilising the same impressive print engine will be Mimaki’s unique SUV ink set. Combining the flexibility of solvent with the durability of UV cured inks, the newly developed ink delivers a smooth, glossy result that is incredibly durable and vibrant. Featuring on the new Mimaki JV400-130SUV and 160SUV models, the SUV ink will enable users to enjoy the same headline speeds of 18m2/hour and high print quality as the latex models. The exceptionally high durability is the result of a unique ink recipe, in which components of the ink key to the ink-receiving layer of the media. The surface of the ink is then cured using a UV process that results in a vibrant, durable and flexible finish, making it ideal for banner production, roll-ups ups and display materials, or indeed, any application where a combination of vibrant colour and a long lasting, scratch resistant print is important.

Both new models in the JV400 family take full advantage of Mimaki’s powerful and user-friendly RasterLink6 RIP, which enables the deposition of three layers of ink in one pass, including a base layer of white ink for printers that support the white ink option. The new software also offers an improved user interface, new Pantone colour matching and Adobe Illustrator /Photoshop integration.

John de la Roche, national sales manager for Hybrid Services, the company which has served as Mimaki’s exclusive UK and Ireland Distributor since 1996, said: “The Mimaki latex and SUV inks that feature on the new JV400 line-up are an incredible achievement. Mimaki's level and quality of R&D delivers an ever-expanding range of solutions for our customers and armed with these new models, we’re even more confident that we are able to provide exactly what they need.”

The UK & Irish launch of the Mimaki JV400-LX latex printer will take place on Hybrid’s stand at the Sign & Digital UK 2012 exhibition, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham on 27th-29th March.

For further information, contact Hybrid on Tel: 01270 501900 or visit: www.hybridservices.co.uk