Versatile new Inkcups printer hits the market
Inkcups announces the commercial availability of an innovative new printer which can print directly onto reusable bags as well other items, such as hard products.
Inkcups XJET Switch flatbed printer has four rotating plates. It prints in CMYK plus two whites, using UV inks and with the white described as “highly opaque”.
The new device is available now, with the first units just arrived at Inkcups’ European HQ in Germany.
“We are prepping those machines now for the first installation in Europe,” explained Inkcups Europe managing director Bobby Grauf.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic machine because you can be continuously printing with hardly any makeready time at all, and you can very quickly switch from one product to the next.”
The XJET Switch has customisable platens and can print onto a variety of products including the extra-sturdy ‘bags for life’ that are found at many supermarkets and retailers, and the clear PVC bags required by large event venues.
The bed size is 650x350mm and the maximum height of the part is just under 200mm.
Grauf says that the digital, on-demand, production will lend itself, for example to seasonal or local promotion.
The XFLEXX UV ink is cured “instantly” using two 16W adjustable lamps.
“It’s an extra flexible UV ink,” he added, which avoids issues with cracking or distortion.
The Switch can print onto polyester, PVC, nonwovens, canvas, a variety of plastics, “and more”.
The device can be operated in three shifts.
Pricing is from around £155,000.
The device was previewed at last year’s Printing United show in the US and will be shown at the upcoming Printing United in Atlanta, Georgia, which takes place from 18-20 October.
CEO Benjamin Adner said the manufacturer hoped to exceed customer expectations with the new device: “This direct-to-bag printer generated a tremendous amount of excitement among our customers, who have been eagerly seeking a consistent and sustainable way to decorate reusable bags.
“We enthusiastically anticipate the creative possibilities that our customers will bring to life with the XJET Switch.”
Nick Macfarlane has been appointed as the regional sales representative of the UK and Ireland by Grauf.
Grauf said: “Inkcups’ strategic growth plans for Europe are well underway, and the addition of Nick Macfarlane to our thriving European team is further evidence of that. We are thrilled to be strengthening the support and service we provide in the UK and Ireland and delighted to have an experienced and results-driven salesperson like Nick serving an important region for Inkcups Europe.”
Macfarlane spent eight years as Ricoh’s UK Sales Manager before that. His previous experience in direct to garment printing will be a valuable asset for his new role.