Gemini

Gemini X10/1080UV from Grapo Technologies is a brand-new next generation printer featuring unique technology with new variety of possibilities for the development of new printed applications in the sign and display graphics market. The new flatbed is capable of printing on rigid substrates as well as roll-to-roll, and will bring to market higher speeds, improved quality and a number of new innovations. Grapo Technologies is located in Hall B2, Stand 460 at the show.

With speeds of up to 90 square meters per hour, the new Gemini also offers double the speed of previous generation Manta printers when printing with white ink, at 15 to 30 square meters per hour. This new printer features CMYK, white ink and environmentally friendly UV printing. Gemini is ideal for screen printers seeking to move to more efficient digital technologies as well as digital sign printers wishing to migrate their operations away from less environmentally friendly solvent printing solutions. Offset and flexo printers can also effectively use Gemini for the cost-effective production of short-run samples and/or to diversify their product offerings. In addition to its fast speeds, Gemini offers:

• 10 Xaar 1001 printing heads with a unique Through-Flow system and variable drop sizes from 6 to 42 picolitres for grayscale printing

• Single-pass printing of CMYK, white ink and CMYK, unique in the industry and especially important when printing on transparent substrates, such as acrylics, where images must be displayed on both sides

• Very high quality printing of skin tones and higher quality flat colors

• Energy-efficient operation

• Ability to print on a wide range of substrates, from irregularly shaped items, wood, and glass to all types of plastic, vinyl and paper materials

With the new design, the white ink heads are specifically positioned to print in one pass.

Previous generations of Grapo Technologies' printers used a binary printing technology with a single drop size. In the Gemini X10/1080UV, grayscale printing is enabled by eight different levels of drop sizes ranging from six to 42 picolitres, with extremely precise drop placement. The ability to jet small droplets produces sharp images with smoother gradients and quartertones, while larger droplets produce dense, uniform solids. The result is a near-photographic image quality and also results in more efficient ink consumption, saving up to 35 percent in ink usage depending upon the application.

This variable drop capability especially affects white ink printing and allows the opportunity to produce more interesting images with much finer detail. The precise drop placement also contributes to both the improved quality and speed of the printer. Grayscale printing can either simulate additional colors, such as light magenta and light cyan, in a CMYK printing process, or additional specialized colors can be utilized if needed.

Orders will be taken for the Gemini X10/1080UV at FESPA, which will be commercially available in August 2010.