Canon, the leader in imaging technologies, is enhancing the appeal of its modular 1.6m roll-to-roll Colorado M-Series printer with optional UVgel white ink, launched last year, by introducing several new features. These updates offer new and existing customers a broader range of applications, opening opportunities to enter different market segments such as packaging and industrial printing.
FLXture Micro Texturing for Special Effects
A new feature available on the Colorado M-Series printer, FLXture, uses five ink layers to add micro texturing to large-format prints, replicating the luxurious and tactile feel of materials like wood and leather. FLXture eliminates the need for complex processes to combine different materials, whether it’s creating a subtle background texture, elegant embossed lettering, or highlighting parts of premium packaging, labels, or images. This technology strengthens print applications with additional surface textures and is available to both new and existing users of the Colorado printer through the latest software versions of PRISMAguide XL.
New UVgel Packaging Production System for Packaging
The new UVgel Packaging Production system is an excellent option for businesses in the textile sector seeking a cost-effective alternative to outsourcing printed packaging at very low volumes or for print service providers looking to diversify their offerings by adding packaging applications. This system creates custom-printed liner materials designed for lamination onto corrugated substrates, bringing the benefits of on-demand digital printing to this opportunity-rich market. It enables impactful printed packaging for retail, consumer products, and high-value items.
The integrated UVgel Packaging Production system includes a Colorado M5W roll-to-roll printer, a Fotoba jumbo roll media loader, output cutter, and stacker. It processes jumbo rolls up to 2,000 meters long, prepared like media used in litho lamination, and delivers high-quality, instantly dry, highly scratch-resistant prints at speeds of up to 159 m²/hour. With the FLXfinish+ option, the Colorado M-Series allows matte, gloss, or mixed matte and gloss effects on the same print without additional varnish, providing more design creativity.
Maximum Productivity for a Wider Range of Media
The new printer maximizes efficiency by reducing the need to change rolls for longer jobs. The improved Jumbo Roll Interface Kit now enables the Colorado printer to handle jumbo rolls of various media types, including transparent, textured, metallic, and dark-colored materials.
UVgel Advantages in Industrial Printing
The capabilities of the Colorado M-Series and UVgel extend to industrial printing applications, such as producing graphic overlays for membrane switches, which are printed electronic circuits activated by pressure. UVgel technology stands out for its durability, often eliminating the need for lamination, and its specially developed flexibility ensures crack-free printing.
Canon’s Commitment to Innovation
Mathew Faulkner, Marketing and Innovation Director of Canon EMEA’s Wide Format Printing Group, commented:
“From the outset, Colorado has been designed to deliver the ideal combination of quality, productivity, automation, application options, operating costs, and sustainability through the unique benefits of UVgel technology. The system’s market success has highlighted these advantages and, along with customer feedback, inspired us to enhance the modular Colorado M-Series.
The M-Series, launched last year, set a new standard in productivity and significantly expanded the range of applications our customers could create. The advancements we are announcing today focus on application diversity and automation, leveraging UVgel technology’s benefits and the modularity of the Colorado M-Series. With our customer-focused innovation strategy and commitment to continuous technological development, we aim to empower our customers to expand their capabilities, enter new profitable markets like packaging and industrial printing, and provide them with innovations that give them a competitive edge.”
Showcasing at drupa 2024
The new Colorado M5W with FLXture technology and the UVgel Packaging Production system will be showcased at the drupa 2024 trade show at Canon’s booth in Hall 8A. Canon will collaborate closely with partners Fotoba (Hall 9) and Lamina (Hall 12) to demonstrate the entire process from printing to lamination and final packaging application, using Zünd flatbed cutting systems. Additionally, UVgel Packaging Production will also be featured live at Fotoba’s booth in Hall 9.
