Canon Middle East Displays New Print Applications at SGI 2021

Canon Middle East is all set to engage the graphic arts audiences in the applications of its wide format printer (WFP) product portfolio across the Middle East during its participation in the Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI) Middle East 2021 as a Platinum Sponsor. The imaging and printing solutions provider will utilize the event’s first ever virtual edition platform to highlight the artwork production capabilities of its Arizona UV flatbed printers, and the Colorado series, which is ideal for wallpaper application.

Known for their superior quality and versatility, Canon’s Arizona UV flatbed printers combine a true, stationary large format flatbed printer design with an optional, separate, yet dedicated roll-to-roll capability. It features VariaDot imaging technology, which is capable of delivering near-photographic image quality even at high print speeds, thanks to its ‘Express’ and ‘High Key’ modes. Furthermore, the series supports Varnish that can add decorative effects and/or double-white allowing for more versatility, which is ideal for artwork production.

The Arizona flatbed printing models also support additional standard or light colored Cyan and Magenta channels for enhanced image quality, that too at production print speeds. In addition, all Arizona series flatbed printers offer White Ink printing capability to help print service providers (PSPs) expand their revenue-generation opportunities. All these factors make it the most preferred flatbed printer model for artwork production.

Meanwhile, Canon Colorado series addresses the need for radical innovation in the roll-to-roll market to keep pace with customers’ evolving productivity requirements, while also exceeding their expectations of quality and application diversity. It was launched at a time when growing opportunities in the intérior decor market began to expect more from technology – particularly the ability to print matte alongside gloss with strict size and color consistency within one job cycle and repeatable color reproduction over time. To address this challenge, Canon introduced a more comprehensive technology solution – the UVgel technology – that allows more freedom to PSPs while choosing from among latex, eco-solvent or conventional UV solutions. The ink used by the UVgel technology is essentially a gel that has been developed according to UV curing principles, enabling an innovative, instant dry, ‘print-then-cure’ process.

The Colorado printer series fully capitalizes on the advantages of Canon’s UVgel technology, in addition to providing automation features that further adds to their productivity. Boasting a top speed of 159 m2/hr for applications such as billboards or outdoor banners, the Colorado series is faster than any other printer in this category.

Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East, said: “The rapidly evolving nature of digital technologies is prompting PSPs to keep pace by being able to address the need for near-perfect artworks and graphics that customers expect from PSPs today. A recent study conducted by Canon and ME Printer, the region’s first-of-its-kind and titled ‘State of the Printing Industry’ further highlighted the promising growth applications of wide format printing as it found that 75 per cent of PSPs are witnessing significant growth in wide format graphics. Globally, this market is currently growing at 3.8 per cent CAGR and is expected to be valued at USD 11.2 billion by 2025. This growth can be attributed to its ability to enable a range of high-value applications, from photo to POS signage and from vehicle wraps to interior decor.”

Ayman Aly, Senior Regional Marketing Manager, Canon Middle East, said: “What sets our Arizona and Colorado series of printers apart is the fact that they have been developed after studying the gaps in the market, created mainly by technological advancements. The dual-roll configuration of the Colorado series enhances productivity by simultaneously enabling users to switch media quickly when producing mixed applications and decreasing the time required to load media. Additionally, the continuous nozzle monitoring feature of the UVgel print heads allows for unattended printing and cutting down wastage of prints.”

“As for the Arizona UV flatbed printers, they have been designed to match the majority of standard-sized graphic arts media to reduce or eliminate manual masking, thereby minimizing operator intervention and increasing productivity. Our participation at SGI 2021 is set to raise more awareness on the unique features of our WFP portfolio, particularly the Arizona and Colorado family of printers,” he added.

Apart from showcasing its product innovations, Canon Middle East will also be hosting industry experts to talk about the latest trends in WFP over the three days of the latest edition of SGI Middle East that will take place from January 18 to 20, 2021.