Canon debuts imagePROGRAF GP Series printers

Canon USA debuted new imagePROGRAF large-format printers. The introductions include two GP S series printers – the 60-inch GP-6600S, and 44-inch GP-4600S– and three large-format imagePROGRAF Series – the imagePROGRAF 60-inch PRO-6600, 44-inch PRO-4600 and 24-inch PRO-2600 models.

The new imagePROGRAF GP Series features a new seven-color ink configuration designed for the creation of high-quality graphics and vivid posters at high speeds while working to suppress scratches on the printing surface that can arise via post-processing. Featuring newly developed LUCIA PRO II pigment ink, designed to provide improved image permanence from the previous generation, these printers can be utilized for a variety of applications, including signage and advertisements. These new models replace the 8-color PRO S series printers.

The new GP S printers are an expansion of the current GP Series lineup. The seven-color ink system used in these printers includes orange ink and can reach 96% of PANTONE FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated, enabling a wide range of color reproduction for more vivid and accurate poster prints, the company claims. This new ink configuration can also work to help produce and preserve prints as wax has been added to the ink giving the printed surface better resistance to abrasion-caused scratches on glossy and semi-glossy media, according to Canon.

Designed for photography and fine art, the new imagePROGRAF PRO line features the newly developed LUCIA PRO II pigment ink designed to help improve the image quality from previous models while also enhancing resistance to light. Improved black density on art paper was achieved by changing the formulation and material of matte black ink, the color gamut of the dark region was expanded by the adoption of a newly designed image table, claims Canon. The new ink set can also work to help produce and preserve prints as a crystalline wax has been added to the ink, giving the printed surface better resistance to abrasion-caused scratches on glossy and semi-glossy media. The reformulated Chroma Optimizer is designed to give the surface a clear coat of transparent ink that helps suppress bronze phenomena and helps reduce uneven glossiness.

“The additions of the three printers to the imagePROGRAF Series can be very helpful in regard to delivering exquisite print and impeccable details while providing excellent light resistance,” said Larry Chen, a professional car and automotive photographer and a Canon Explorer of Light since 2020. “As a photographer and imaging professional, producing the highest quality images is the upmost importance to me and my business.  The PRO models can favorably recreate expressive prints while also reproducing a wide color gamut range that helps produce excellent image quality in the imagePROGRAF Series.”

The new series includes a newly developed ink sensing system that periodically monitors ink ejection conditions and optimizes ink landing positions by detecting deterioration of ejecting conditions and automatically performing alignment adjustments. The intelligent media handling function automatically detects the paper type, width and estimated remaining amount of paper, plus it completes the paper feeding process in a shorter time than previous models.

Additionally, Canon is launching two new fine art papers, Fine Art Etching 315 gsm, which enables fine photographic art prints that feature deep black colors, and a Fine Art Baryta 310 gsm which includes a 100 percent barium sulfate (baryta) layer with elegant smooth finishes that are ideal for images with deep black and rich colors, dark room prints, and fine photographic reproductions.