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(June 2008) posted on Sun Jun 29, 2008

Uses Gerber's Cold Fire Cure system UV cationic inks

By Chris Morrison, Kathi Morrison

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If you go to sign tradeshows or review new-product trends in the press, then you’ve seen or read about the new Gerber Solara ion UV printer. This, however, is its first critical look, and all we can say is “Wow!”

UV-cure printers are fairly common – Gerber sells its SOLARA UV2 – and the technology itself is no longer rocket science. So, what’s so special about the ion?

It’s radically different because its designation, Cold Fire Cure system, UV-based, cationic inks – GerberCAT UV inks – are key to Gerber’s ion system. Incorporated into the Solara ion printer, these two technologies help produce an extremely versatile and fast print solution that will image almost anything with vibrant colors. Gerber also said the ink has an excellent outdoor life of up to three years.

Curiosity piqued? Keep reading and discover the Cold Fire Cure solution.

One Solara, two Solara
As we mentioned earlier, Gerber already manufacturers and sells the Solara UV2. Therefore, you may think the Solara ion is an upgrade. True, both are hybrid machines that can print on both flexible and rigid materials, but the similarity ends there. The UV2 comprises a fixed printing mechanism that employs a removable table to handle rigid media.

The ion is a true, gantry-type, flatbed printer (Fig. 1). The UV2 prints six colors: CMYK, violet and green (the latter two extend the color gamut). The ion is a traditional, CMYK process printer (Fig. 2). Although both printers use UV-cure inks tempered by light sources, their chemistry and cure methods are radically different. So, Gerber’s Solara ion is a new printer, not a repackaged UV2.

Specifications
The ion, a true flatbed, requires some shop space at 104 in. wide x 54 in. high x 148 in. deep. Gerber says the crates pass through a 36-in.-wide door. The ion weighs approximately 1,000 lbs. It’s solidly built and looks like it could take a beating.

You’ll need a single-phase 230VAC (+ or – 10%) circuit that draws 15A continuous. The environment needs to maintain a 65° to 75° F temperature range. The operating humidity range is between 40 and 60% non-condensing.