Sepiax to launch AQ160 roll-to-roll printer

The 1.6m-wide machine, which is targeted at sign display and graphic production, has been designed to take advantage of the company's Aquares water-based inks.

Pitched as an alternative to latex printers from manufacturers such as HP and Mimaki, the AQ160 leverages Epson DX5 piezo printheads and prints on a wide range of flexible substrates.

However the manufacturer confirmed that exact print output speeds and resolutions possible on the machine are yet to be finalised.

Sepiax has partnered with parts and consumables supplier Reprographic Technology International (RTI) to broaden the machine's reach in the UK.

RTI business director for EMEA Peter Barton said the company is currently in discussion with a number of distributors with initial placements anticipated early next year.

He said: "I have been involved in the fascinating new technology of the Sepiax ink now for a couple of years, and I am excited by this new development in hardware.

"This is where the AQ160 comes in. Built in Germany, the AQ160 is a 1.6metre roll-to-roll printer with specialized heating systems to ensure perfect curing of the Sepiax Aquares ink."

According to Barton, the machine will appeal to print businesses that want to offer wide-format production while moving away from solvent print technology.

"In spite of the demanding heating requirements the standard machine will consume not much more power than a standard solvent printer," he said.

Barton added that the partnership with Sepiax would enable RTI to provide support to develop dealerships in the UK and Europe, with spare parts held in the UK.

Sepiax will showcase the new AQ160 at EcoPrint in Berlin tomorrow (26 September) and Thursday.

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