CANON
ImagePrograf iPF8300S
Using Canon’s eight-colour Lucia EX pigment ink system to deliver high-end quality, the iPF8300S provides the balance between quality and productivity, making it ideal for the production, proofing, photographic and in-house print markets. It is ideal for timely and high- quality production of proofs, photographs, posters and point-of-sale display material.
The model features high print speeds and broad workflow compatibility. A wide colour gamut enables the iPF8300S to be used in applications that require greater precision, while a colour profile designed for poster production gives them an advantage in producing vivid, eye-catching graphics.
The machine’s productivity is improved through a new mirrored nozzle layout and the option to print in ‘Fast’ mode, which enables the print speed to be as much as doubled.
Main specs
Width 112cm (44 inch)
Ink LUCIA EX Ink (pigment-based)
Number of colours Eight
Resolution Up to 2400x1200dpi
Feed (roll/sheet) 18m (without RIP); maximum print length on manual feed 1.6 metres
Media thickness 0.07–0.8mm (2.8mil–31.4mil)
Extras Media take-up reel (optional)
Price $9,999
Go wide for way less $4,999 will get you a 24-inch ImagePrograf iPF6300S
EPSON
Stylus Pro9700
If you’re looking for substantial value for money, Epson recommends the affordable Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700. These four-colour printers are engineered to deliver enhanced productivity and image quality for accurate reproduction of point of sale displays, poster work, corporate signage etc.
For applications that do not need the addition of orange and green, Epson also offers an alternate eight- colour version, the Stylus Pro 7890 and 9890, which still employs many of the Pro 900 series great features, but at a lower price point.
Main specs
Width 43cm, 61cm 112cm (17-inch, 24-inch and 44-inch)
Ink Epson UltraChrome HDR ink pigment ink technology; 11 individual high-capacity ink cartridges available in 150, 350 or 700ml capacity (7900/9900) and 200ml (4900)
Number of colours 10 colour ink set with orange and green
Resolution 2880x1440dpi maximum
Media thickness up to 1.5mm thick
Print heads Epson Micro Piezo TFP print head with variable sized droplet technology
Extras Automatic switching of photo and matte black inks
Price Stylus Pro 9700: $6,995
Go wide for way less $4,500 will get you an Epson Stylus Pro 7700
HP
Designjet T2300
The T2300 multifunction printer (MFPs) is the newest range of HP web connected MFPs to bring breakthrough innovation for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) market. Built for design professionals with HP’s “ePrint & Share” technology, this multifunction printer offers web connectivity to allow scanning, printing, and copying function-ality, making it easier than ever for teams to collaborate and share content online. The intuitive touchscreen offers the ability to preview documents, print or create PDFs, scan directly to the USB drive, and the ability to scan and print directly from the web, all without using a PC
Main specs
Width 112cm (44 inch)
Speed Up to 103 A1 prints per hour
Ink six-ink printing system
Resolution 2400x1200dpi (scan: 600dpi)
Feed (roll/sheet): Dual paper rolls
Extras One-click print, scan and copy functionality; Scan, and upload to web functionality; driverless printing
Price $15,790
Go wide for way less $1,872 will get you an entry-level HP Designjet 111 printer
KAYELL AUSTRALIA
Epson Stylus Pro 11880
Kayell says this offers an exceptional combination of high speed, wide colour gamut, high quality and value for money. Offering up to 64-inch prints at a max speed of 26m2 per hour, the Stylus Pro 11880 is versatile enough to meet the needs of sign-writers, photographers seeking large exhibition prints, as well as pre-press and printing departments that require ISO standard contract proofing. Key features include borderless printing up to 54-inches, thick media support up to 1.5mm, automatic take-up reel, Epson UltraChrome K3 ink, superb black & white printing, high-capacity ink cartridges and high print speed.
Main specs
Width 160cm (64 inch)
Speed 4.6m2 per hour at 1440x720dpi
Ink nine-colours pigment ink (C, VM, Y, Lc, Vlm, Llk, photo K, matte K) with 9 slots); active matte and photo black; 700ml ink capacity
Number of colours eight
Resolution 2880x1440dpi
Feed (roll/sheet) 406mm-1626mm; Cut-sheet: Manual insertion feeder for media up to 1.5mm
Media thickness 0.08mm-0.50mm;thick media support up to 1.5mm
Price $14,995
Go wide for way less $3,295 will get you a 17-inch Epson Stylus Pro 4900 printer
MUTOH AUSTRALIA
ValueJet VJ-1324
At less than $20,000, this machine is not an entry-level printer, it is a workhorse that is easy to run and economical, according to Mutoh. The device is also supplied by Fuji Xerox Australia, which has recently entered the wide-format arena. High speed, quick drying time, optional one-litre cartridges for longer unattended printing, Spectrovue colour measuring device option and wave print are the main features of the VJ-1324. The combination achieves excellent quality at high speed, allowing customers to print last-minute jobs for their customers, as well as more production which means more money.
Main specs
Width 137cm (54 inch)
Ink fourth generation Eco-Ultra Plus ink; 1 litre ink packs optional
Drying Pre, Platen and Post Media Drying system
Extras ‘FOG’ print eliminates banding lines in between passes; Spectrovue optional
Australian installations 18
Price $18,995
Go wide for way less $13,995 will get you a 48-inch VJ-1204.
ROLAND DG
VersaCamm VS-300
This 30-inch printer/cutter is part of the VS series, of which more than 250 have been sold in Australia. Roland DG says that the VS-300 is its fastest, most versatile VersaCAMM wide-format inkjet printer/cutter ever. Along with wide gamut CMYKLcLm, the metallic and white inks add impact to any graphic for attention-grabbing results that elevate your brand message. With integrated print/cut/crease capabilities along contours and superior media handling, the VersaCAMM VS printer/cutters achieve stunning results across a world of applications, including signs, banners, fine-art posters, packaging prototypes, labels, decals, POP displays vehicle graphics and wraps and apparel heat transfers for garments.
Main specs
Ink Roland ECO-SOL MAXTM Ink
Number of colours 4, 6, 8
Resolution Maximum 1,440dpi with variable dot
Feed (roll/sheet) Maximum 736mm
Extras Metallic silver ECO-SOL MAX ink
Price $18,995
Go wide for way less $7,995 will get you a VersaStudio BN-20, a 20-inch metallic desktop printer/cutter
All prices are recommended retail prices, ex GST
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