Electronics For Imaging announces EFI VUTEk h3+, VUTEk h5+ hybrid flatbed/roll-fed LED printers

Electronics For Imaging, Inc., announced the EFI VUTEk h3+ and VUTEk h5+ hybrid flatbed/roll-fed LED printer series. The VUTEk h+ series is a re-engineered version of the high-volume, superwide-format hybrid VUTEk h series platform. The enhancements made for the VUTEk h+ series offer improved productivity, print quality, reliability, capability, and profits.

“We are excited to bring these new printers to market,” said Todd Zimmerman, SVP/GM Display Graphics & OEM Ink of EFI. “VUTEk printers have been the leader in the hybrid category in signs and display graphics for more than two decades, with more than 300 installations worldwide. The VUTEk h+ series answers some of the key pain points for our customers, all while improving ease of use and offering the LED environmentally friendly benefits you expect from EFI VUTEk technology.”

All new media hold-down rollers mount to existing Media Edge Guide (MEG) rails and the spring rollers force media into the vacuum, often eliminating the need for MEG skis entirely. When MEG skis are needed, they are now available in 0.063 in, 0.094 in, and 0.012 in thicknesses.

The VUTEk h+ series offers new optional color configurations as well:

• CMYKcmyk + W + Clear
• CMYK x 2 + 2W
• CMYK x 2 + Clear

Building on the success of the EFI UltraClear Coat flexible ink introduced for EFI superwide roll-to-roll LED printers, EFI extended the offering to the VUTEk h3+ and h5+ printers. A second clear ink, EFI VUTEk Endura Clear, which has a harder surface finish for increased protective qualities, is also now available for the VUTEk h3+ and h5+ printers.

Both UltraClear Coat and Endura Clear inks can be used for decorative applications – to enhance an entire image (full flood) or selected areas (spot) to add extra pop to colors or special effects to graphics – as well as for a final protective coating. They print inline, simultaneously with the image, with a gloss or matte finish.

In addition to the clear inks, an optional innovative Gloss+ print mode – a unique new software capability that regulates the curing process – can be used to add a flood or selective gloss effect to graphic prints. It’s the perfect way to add value to short-run, specialty jobs, without the use of clear ink.