Mutoh announces new ValueJet X-series wide format printers

Mutoh Belgium has announced a new range of wide-format printers - branded the ValueJet X-series - incorporating the ValueJet 1638X and ValueJet 1638WX.  Available immediately, the 64" wide X-series ValueJet printers are the successors of Mutoh’s award-winning ValueJet 1638 and ValueJet 1638W dual head printers introduced in 2012.

The new ValueJet 1638X is targeted at long term outdoor and indoor sign & display applications and can be configured with Mutoh Eco Ultra inks as well as Universal Mild Solvent (UMS) inks.  Utilising Mutoh’s new DS2 series dye sublimation inks, the ValueJet 1638WX model is destined for digital transfer applications - soft signage, apparel and gadgets.

Integrating a newly developed mainboard allowing faster data communication and data processing as well as advanced print automation features, the X-series printers are specifically targeted at volume users who at the same time put constant high quality and image definition on top of their wish list.

ValueJet 1638X’s production print speeds start at 10 m²/h at 1080x1440 dpi and go up to 15, 20, 29 and 36 m²/h, the latter still at 720x720 dpi.  The ValueJet 1638WX dye sub model offers production speeds of 11 m²/h at 1080x1080 dpi, 25, 42, 50 and 65 m²/h, the latter at 360x360dpi.

“With our new X-series ValueJet printers, Mutoh underlines its technological leadership in the development of wide-format roll-to-roll printers and our passion for perfection”, says Arthur Vanhoutte, Mutoh Belgium’s General Manager.  "The new robustly built ValueJet 1638X and 1638WX printers will set new benchmarks in terms of high productivity at the highest resolutions, attractive cost per print scores as well as an unrivalled level of ease of use.  Our new DropMaster technology allows getting constant and uncompromised print quality effortlessly, even for first time users.”

Key product features include:

• Micro Piezo Print Heads: Both printers incorporate two latest generation micro piezo heads, mounted in a staggered configuration.  The area over which the printers actively spread the ink dots covers nearly 2 inches, which allows increased print speeds with preservation of image quality.  Depending on the Mutoh ink used, the heads produce droplets as small as 3.5 picoliters up to 35 picoliters for ValueJet 1638X and 5.9 up to 45.3 picoliter for the VJ-1638WX.
• New Mainboard: To deliver best-in-class speed and superior print quality, the ValueJet X-series printers feature a high-precision mechanical design and a new mainboard including a powerful 64-bit RISC processor.  The mainboard will allow faster data communication and processing and last but not least the possibility to use the integrated heads to their full capacity.
• New DropMaster Technology:Specifically developed for Mutoh’s dual head ValueJet models, DropMaster is a revolutionary print automation technique which eliminates the need for cumbersome and time consuming media dependent head adjustments.  Knowing the media thickness and consequently the drop-throw distance between print head and media surface, DropMaster is capable of automatically recalculating and adjusting the uni/bi-directional fire timings.  The technology does this regardless of resolution and print speed.  In combination with Mutoh’s award winning Intelligent Interweaving technology, DropMaster will provide a huge improvement in overall dot control, leading to better output at all print speeds.

The VJ1638X can be configured with two different ink types.  Mutoh Eco Ultra inks, available in 220 ml and 440 ml cassettes, are Mutoh’s third generation eco inks featuring improved ink fixation, better drying and improved scratch resistance.  Mutoh Universal Mild Solvent (UMS) inks are available in 440 ml cassettes and litre bottles, for use with Mutoh’s bulk ink system.  Mutoh UMS inks combine the key benefits of resin-based, eco solvent and mild solvent ink chemistries.  They offer an unrivalled colour gamut, covering 83 % of the Pantone C® colour chart.

For the ValueJet 1638WX dye sublimation printer model, Mutoh is introducing a new generation of cost-effective dye sub inks called DS2 series inks, which are 100 % VOC-free and do not require any risk labelling.  The inks offer a wide colour gamut with bright and vibrant colours as well as comfortable light, washing and perspiration fastness properties.

Different optional motorised take-up systems for roll weights up to 30 kg are available for the ValueJet X-series printers.  Mutoh also offers fully motorised roll-off/take-up systems for rolls up to 80 kg and 100 kg.

Engineered & manufactured in Japan, the new ValueJet X-series printers are available immediately through Mutoh’s network of authorised resellers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

[Image shows Mutoh ValueJet 1638X wide format printer]