Cactus Imaging is the first printer in the southern hemisphere to offer Durst Haptprint 3D technology for its customers.
Durst Haptprint is a specific printing mode available on Durst P5 350 D4 high speed printers that delivers a printing process with up to 12 layers for raised printing surfaces and simulated textures, such as oil paintings, wallpaper and even brail.
“We are excited to own the first Durst P5 350 D4 with varnish and white ink, which combined delivers the haptic 3D printing capability,” Cactus Imaging co-founder and general manager – operations, Keith Ferrel, said.
“What we can now offer our customers is something completely unique in terms of innovation. It is another opportunity for our high-end clients in sectors such as fashion, cosmetics as well as for artistic purposes as we can replicate the brushstrokes and texture of an oil painting for example.
“We can print with this new Haptprint technology on a multitude of substrates including PVC, Corflute, paper, alupanel, and even artist’s canvas and glass. We are experimenting all the time with this special option to investigate the opportunities it can deliver.
“The benefit of this investment in new technology is for our clients – so we can go to them with opportunities that world first technology can deliver. We have always been known as innovators, and always been known as one of the first in the world to purchase new equipment that we know will be of immense benefit to our clients and enhance our client base.
“After we purchased the Durst P5 350 D4, we found out there was a new option available from Durst as an in-field upgrade to add the varnish and the white to an existing machine.
“We have now had the machine for 18 months, and we are pleased to able to offer this new feature to our customers. Our foresight knowing that this technology was coming to market is one of the reasons why we travel so frequently to these manufacturers and talk with them and understand what it is they are working on and how it can work for our clients base and enhance it,” Ferrel said.
According to Durst Oceania managing director, Matt Ashman, the Haptprint technology is available with a specific configuration of both Durst hardware and software.
“To achieve this effect, Keith and the Cactus team have installed the white and varnish channels within the Durst P5 350 D4 machine as well as the Haptprint software which is part of the Durst software portfolio.
“With this configuration, the Cactus team are now able to print with relief and texture as well as super high glossy prints. Cactus is also able to create ‘Lens-free Lenticular Printing’. Lenticular printing is a technology in which lenticular lenses are used to produce printed images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move parts of the printed file as they are viewed from different angles.”
At drupa in 2024, Cactus Imaging confirmed it would be undertaking one of the largest Durst software implementation projects outside of North America.
“The installation of the Haptprint software and hardware at Cactus Imaging took place simultaneously as the global launch of this technology was demonstrated on the Durst booth during the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin this year,” Ashman said.
“Durst is always associated with quality and speed, but the most important thing about the P5 is its versatility. Sometimes you need to be fast to be able to run a race and at other times you need to deliver a special job at high quality for special high value applications.
“This technology is part of Durst’s broader ‘Pixel to Output’ strategy that aims to deliver comprehensive solutions for printers including workflow, analytics, automation and the world’s best ink solutions, all ‘Made In Durst’ at their flagship HQ in Italy.”
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