Colordyne Technologies has launched 3800 Series UV – Retrofit, the company’s second-generation UV print engine technology.
The 3800 Series UV – Retrofit is a full-colour digital print engine for label and tag production, running up to 75m/min (246ft/min). The system can be configured for CMYK production with the option to add white, spot, extended gamut and dual white, for higher opacity. The engine is designed for additional colour channels, up to seven total, to be added at any time. In addition to the legacy equipment print widths of 216mm and 324 mm, 3800 Series UV – Retrofit is available in 108mm and 432mm configurations.
The retrofittable inkjet engine has been redesigned to deliver enhanced usability, quality and functionality. This has seen the previous technology’s clamshell chassis design transitioned into an automated vertical lift system. This change is said to provide users with more automated functionality, including print positioning and splice detection. Automated maintenance is another feature that can be added to the retrofit print engine during the initial acquisition or as an optional upgrade after installation.
To improve print quality, the 3800 Series UV – Retrofit uses pinning lamps between each colour channel, in addition to the previous model’s final cure lamp. Users have better control with inter-color pinning and receive higher quality results through the prevention of coalescing. Software upgrades to the system allow the operator to control each lamp, pinning and the final cure, ramp profile as well as their intensities.
John Urban, director of engineering at Colordyne Technologies, said, ‘We completely redesigned the ink deliver system (IDS) in this engine to deliver superior performance and reliability. To support the IDS upgrades we also implemented a standby mode in the software. Together these features simplify maintenance and reduce downtime due to nozzle outs, ink separation and lengthy morning start-up procedures.’
Mr Urban continued, ‘Digital print technology is continuously changing, and Colordyne Technologies’ goal is to help our customers adopt digital print using the latest technology. After nearly four years on the market, we knew it was time to evaluate and upgrade our UV inkjet technology. Using customer feedback, we improved the design and functionality of our 3800 Series UV – Retrofit by adding key automation features that make the system easier to operate, reduce human error and optimize production efficiency.
‘We are excited for the first installation of this unit, which is happening this month. We know the changes that were implemented will benefit our customers and help them produce high-quality labels and tags. Plus, we were able to execute these enhancements without increasing the cost to our customers, which means converters can continue to retrofit existing equipment at a cost-effective price point.’
