Today, Canon announced the next edition of its UVGel line, the Colorado M-Series. Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to take an up-close, in-person look at the M-Series and found it to be impressive for many reasons—which is not surprising as Canon is offering the new line with modular options that “cover all the angles.” Let's unpack the highlights of this 4th generation Colorado series.
How the Modularity Model Works
The new M-series design incorporates the latest printhead technology found in the Colorado 1630 devices, which (relative to the Colorado 1650 devices) have double the nozzles, a higher firing frequency, increased durability, and a reduction in the number of printheads from eight to four. Based on this single platform, the M-Series can be configured in-field with multiple options to help meet customer needs.
- M3 Base: Starting with a standard model, the M3 Base module offers CMYK UVGel 460 ink in 700 ml bottles, producing gloss finish prints with pin-sharp image quality and consistent color.
- M3 Pro: Moving up from there, the M3 Pro module adds in FLXFinish+ option, allowing the ability to add matte, gloss, or mixed matte and gloss on the same print without additional varnish as well as the ability to run double-sided printing and inside wound rolls.
- M5 Pro: With the M5 Pro Module, you get all of the features of the M3 modules plus speed enhancements and the use of 1,000 ml and 750 ml ink bottles.
- White Ink Options: The M-series devices can be easily upgraded to “W” versions for white ink so customers can purchase the white ink option after their initial printer purchase.
The M-series white prints have 2-3 times faster output than the competition, using 50%-70% less ink. Non-evaporative UVGel ink helps keep white pigments suspended, and the printer's automated maintenance features ensure that the ink and nozzles are always ready to print.
Canon UVGel formulation allows for the fast build-up of dense and opaque white images with up to five layers in fewer passes than with conventional printing technologies. Printed output also maintains its original whiteness over time.
With GREENGUARD Gold-certified UVGel inks, customers can print on PVC-free and paper-based media for use in environments like schools and healthcare facilities that serve sensitive populations.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
Among many other features, the white ink option is very impressive—particularly the opacity produced at a much faster rate than competing ink technologies. Allowing PSPs to expand into new applications without cutting into production times is a strong offering for this segment of the market. Additionally, the ability to load two rolls at a time, run inward wound media, and a double-sided printing workflow is an intelligent way to address pain points many press operators face daily.
The Colorado line has long been known for being a workhorse for PSPs with an ample print volume of 12,000 ft2 to 16,000 ft2 (1,115 m2 to 1,486 m2). With the addition of the M-Series, this reputation will only grow.
The M-Series starts on a solid foundation of speed and quality and, with modular upgrade availability, can add up to a more efficient workflow that will only help to increase the bottom line.
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