Seiko I shows its artistic side.
By Chris Morrison, Kathi Morrison
Seiko Infotech, with its pair of new, dynamic printers, made a big splash at the Atlanta SGIA ’08. Branded as the Seiko ColorPainter™ H-Series line, these new printers incorporate innovative upgrades, as well as the best features of Seiko’s previous printers. In our opinion, they bring Seiko into the limelight.
The line comprises two models; printing width is the primary difference. The smaller H-74s will handle media widths up to 74 in. wide, and the larger H-104s prints up to 104 in. wide, which qualifies it as a grand-format printer. Both are available in eight-color or four-by-two color configurations.
It also includes Seiko’s new-for-2008, updated printhead that’s designed for both quality and industrial, high-speed production. With eight offset heads per machine, and working in conjunction with Seiko’s Smart-Pass Technology, both systems reduce (and often eliminate) banding. They also ensure precise dot placement.
Fast or fine
Past Seiko-made printers have had two memorable features: fastest in class and saturating (intense) inks. We think the earlier models also produced the best reds in the wide-format printer stable. Seiko now features its EGO-GX mild-solvent ink, which is friendlier than the earlier solvents.
We worried the new inks wouldn’t be as vibrant, but they are. Seiko has maintained the color richness and added a few mystical twists. The ink color’s high intensity is readily apparent.
Further, you can choose between near photographic output or opt for production-quality high speed. How? The printers use a bulk-ink tray and bag system as opposed to the traditional cartridges or boxes; thus, they lodge eight, substantially sized bags of ink. You can install a graphic-art ink mix (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, gray, and light gray) or two sets of CMYK inks. The dual, CMYK ink set applies the colors twice as fast; it allows production schedules for commercial-grade work.
The graphics-color ink set allows subtle shading and true black and gray shades, at speeds up to 538 sq. ft./hr. Several steps are required to switch color configurations; thus, the manufacturer recommends you choose the configuration prior to ordering the printer.
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to the magazine.