EFI superwide format products garnered two key awards at SGIA, held in Orlando, Florida, USA in October.
"The launch of the QS3200r at SGIA was a huge success for us and continues to demonstrate QS product family leadership in the UV market,says Chuck Dourlet, vice president of marketing, EFI VUTEk.
"Not only did we have great reception from attendees to this breakout product, but it was also recognised as the DPI Grand Format UV Product of the Year for 2007."
The QS3200r is an exceptionally high quality, high-speed roll-to-roll UV printer that produces images up to 3.2 m wide with High Definition Print (HDP) at 1,080 dpi, and achieves speeds of up to 1850sq ft/hr.
The QS3200r uses specially developed VUTEk QS Series r UV inks ideally suited for roll-to-roll applications. The inks are available in eight colours (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Light Yellow and Light Black).
Alternatively, the printer can be operated in the VUTEk exclusive Fast-4 mode with two CMYK banks for faster speed.
The new VUTEk QS Series r inks have unique properties that allow printing on fabric, backlit materials, banners, adhesive backed vinyl, static cling, and a variety of different substrates.
In addition, the VUTEk QS Series r inks are designed to be flexible, making them especially suitable for projects with complex curves, such as kiosks, vehicle wraps and more. This new, highly pliable ink can conform to intricate shapes without damaging the image, including conforming to rivets.
EFI was also recognized for its VUTEk 3360 with BioVu inks, which was named the Grand Format Solvent Product of the Year.
EFI says the 3360 with BioVu inks is the only superwide format printer that offers a truly bio-friendly solvent ink, made largely of corn.
"When submitting products for consideration for these awards," says Dourlet, "all participating printer manufacturers are issued the same test image file by SGIA.
"The test file is composed of challenging contrasts, including flesh tones, detail, vector graphic elements, and colour gradients.
"The entries are judged in blind comparisons by an anonymous panel of judges who are printing professionals and members of SGIA. The criteria for evaluation include colour quality, sharpness, flesh tone accuracy, smoothness of gradients, highlight and shadow detail, and overall visual appeal of the print.
"We were thrilled that these qualified professionals chose to recognize EFI’s industry-leading superwide format solutions in this manner."
