Twice the quality at half the price : Mutoh ValueJet

With almost 20 installations after its launch at the Pamex exhibition in December 2006 in Mumbai by Negi Sign Systems & Supplies Co, Mutoh ValueJet has been creating waves with its unique “Wave Technology” printing, also known as “Intelligent Interweaving” (i2).

 ValueJet, the latest addition from Mutoh Industries Ltd, Japan, has already started making news in the printing and signage industry in India. The ValueJet is mainly available in 3 different sizes (48 inch, 64 inch & 100 inch) and incorporates a new generation “wide model” 1440 nozzle Piezo print head. Besides, the printhead can be adjusted to one of two heights, corresponding to the various types of media.

The printer has 10 pre-defined print modes split up in three groups, i.e. “quality mode” for photographic quality, “graphics mode” for sign printing on vinyl and “banner mode,” for high speed production of banners. Thus, the print resolutions offered are 540 x 720 dpi, 720 x 720 dpi, 1440 x 720 dpi and 1440 x 1440 dpi. Designed in a compact body, Mutoh ValueJet offers impeccable print quality (720 x 720 dpi, 4 pass) up to 15 m2 on banner and up to 8.5 m2 on vinyl, which is made possible through its new patent pending intelligent interweaving printing technology, called “i2.”

Mutoh has taken a totally new approach with its i2 technology (pronounced i squared). Ink is laid down in carefully optimized wave forms, not the straight lines used by all other wide-format inkjet printers. The result is a drastic reduction or even total elimination of the typical difficulties inherent in conventional digital inkjet printing, such as horizontal banding, step mismatch banding, ink bleed and mottle and the visible effects of missing or misfiring nozzles, even when prints are viewed close to <1 m.

Besides, the Variable Dot Technology in the ValueJet adjusts the ink discharge volume to one of three levels according to the image, achieving more natural gradations. Combined with the Wave Printing Technology, high quality graphic printing is achieved, resulting in images with natural looking light and dark colours and images with natural curved lines are clearly reproduced.

As another value-added feature, ValueJet has three heating elements as standard feature in order to maximize the performance of the inks and maintain print quality. There is a pre-heater to warm up the media before printing and enhance the way in which the ink takes on to the media. The platen heater boosts the fixing of ink that is ejected from the print head. And the dry-heater improves colour brilliance by quickly drying the media after printing. These heaters can be set to the optimum temperature according to the media, achieving reliable and fast print speeds.

 Moreover, ValueJet uses Mutoh’s third generation Eco-Solvent Ultra inks, which are based on non-aggressive solvents. As they do not spread any harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the working environment, there is no need for forced ventilation. As such, these inks are environmentally friendly and the printer can be placed in normally ventilated office environments. Prints made with Mutoh’s Eco-Solvent Ultra inks are UV and water resistant for up to three years outdoors, without lamination. Lamination is recommended for fleet, floor graphics and other applications where prints are exposed to intensive mechanical stress or abrasion.

Suited for indoor and outdoor applications, this new printer is specifically designed with sign makers in mind, both starting-out full colour sign makers and established businesses with water-based inkjet printers. Media range is not a problem anymore as you can print on wide variety of coated as well as uncoated media, thus opening up a whole new revenue stream with a limited investment and ease of use.

Slowly but surely, print businesses are looking to replace their existing water-based ink printer with this new Mutoh eco-solvent printer: ValueJet…true value for money.

Mutoh printers are distributed in India by Negi Sign Systems & Supplies Co. For more info, visit: www.negisign.com or email: sales@negisign.com