Changing the face of printing

Launched at the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s 2006 Annual Convention, Océ’s range of Arizona UV flatbed printers has been an unmitigated success. It is the most popular UV flatbed printer series on the market, with more than 3,000 models sold to customers all over the world. Able to print on a variety of materials using Océ’s UV-curable inks and VariaDot imaging technology, achieving almost photographic quality images, it’s no wonder the printers have been so successful.

“The innovation of this product platform has certainly been proven over the last few years,” says Thomas Egelund, Océ executive vice president. In fact, since the product launch six years ago, the range has won a total of 28 industry awards for its quality and versatility, including eight DPI/SGIA Product of the Year awards and a Viscom Innovation award. The range has also grown, and it is the fifth and newest model that looks set to change the face of printing.

Launched in February of this year, the Océ Arizona 318 GL is capable of bringing high quality, sellable output to low-volume environments that may previously have been unable to invest in flatbed technology. At an affordable price-point, the Arizona 318 GL is accessible to companies with smaller budgets and lower print volumes.

Increased options

The new model is able to print on a variety of rigid media up to 1.25m x 2.5m, and 48mm in thickness, giving users a high degree of flexibility and choice. Alongside other printers in the range, the new model is also capable of printing onto glass, wood and uneven surfaces, providing a wide range of user options. This will enable companies to introduce new products and services to their portfolio, taking them into new markets and potentially attracting higher margins.

As with the other Arizona models, a Roll Media Option can be added to the Arizona 318 GL, which allows for printing on flexible materials. Thanks to the innovative new-style vacuum tabletop, it can also print directly onto thin, delicate media without distortion, opening up the number of options. The addition of a factory-installed White Ink Option enables printing directly onto background colours too, allowing users to increase the number of services available to their clients.

Equipped with an Express Mode, the print speeds are incredible too. Able to handle up to 18m2/hr, printing more than 20 70x100cm boards an hour, the Arizona 318 GL will improve productivity in any environment.

All of these features mean that it is the perfect printer for sign-makers, small print shops and reprographers where time is of the essence, allowing for the production of a wide variety of stunning, eye-catching displays for their customers.

Photo quality

As with larger models, the Arizona 318 GL is equipped with Océ VariaDot imaging technology, which means that the print quality is spectacular, producing smooth curves, crisp lines and consistent block colours. This is achieved by varying the amount of ink used across a job; Océ VariaDot imaging technology allows Arizona printers to dispense from 6 to 42 picoliters of ink simultaneously, giving the best possible result.

Océ VariaDot imaging technology is also better for the environment than standard print technology; by intelligently using the optimum amount of ink, the printer is environmentally friendly and cost efficient. Océ’s UV-curable inks are free of harmful chemicals too, so users can rest assured that the Arizona range will meet their environmental credentials. The printers only need office-grade ventilation too, so there is no need to install and run expensive cooling systems in the workplace.

The Arizona 318 GL is compatible with Onyx PosterShop X10 Océ Edition de-facto market leading software, which gives users increased control in the printroom, with improved file handling and print-and-cut workflows. By combining print hardware with specially developed software and Océ expertise, the Arizona product range will help companies to expand into digital large-format colour printing, especially with the launch of an introductory model.

Repeat contracts

Océ Display Graphics Systems is a leading provider of professional, wide-format solutions for both indoor and outdoor display graphics applications. By working closely with each customer, Océ can develop a solution that meets individual needs, helping customers to increase revenue and profit opportunities. Dedicated account managers will then work closely with their clients to help them to optimise the print environment, while providing training, demonstrations and technical support.

Because there is such a wide range of printer options available from Océ Display Graphics Systems, it can meet the needs of most clients. The five Arizona models available on the market today are able to handle a range of volumes, meaning that no matter what the print capacity of the business, there is always an option available. The largest printer in the range, the Océ Arizona 550 XT, for example, is capable of printing media 2.50m x 3.05m, 48mm in thickness, at up to 65.9m2/hr.

In ‘Image Reports’ magazine, Tony Barnett, managing director and digital photo printing specialists, John E Wright, said: “The Océ Arizona 360 XT [a standard-sized model for mid-volume production] is a fantastic product to fill a gap we had in our signage and graphics business.”

Dominic Fahy, business group director of Océ Display Graphics Systems in the UK goes on to explain: “Customers are initially attracted to the Océ Arizona Series because of the superior image quality and the variety of applications that can be produced. Many of them are purchasing additional Arizona printers to meet production capacity requirements as their businesses grow. This latest edition to the series will enable us to serve a larger range of customers. But the products are only part of the story. We pride ourselves on the outstanding quality of pre-sale consultancy and post-sale service and training. The Océ team can make all the difference.”

In fact, Océ works closely with every client to make sure that they get the best solution for their business. Considering everything from workflows and budgets, to the individual working environment, Océ will do everything to make sure the printer fits seamlessly with the business.

Océ expertise

Océ is one of the leading providers of document management and printing for professionals. The Océ offering includes office printing and copying systems, high speed digital production printers and wide-format printing systems for both technical documentation and colour display graphics. Océ is also a foremost supplier of document management outsourcing. Many of the Fortune Global 500 companies and leading commercial printers are Océ customers. The company was founded in 1877. With headquarters in Venlo, The Netherlands, Océ’s innovations are being procured in over 100 countries.

In 2010 Océ joined the Canon Group of companies with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to create the global leader in the printing industry. Canon develops, manufactures and markets a growing line-up of copying machines, printers, cameras, optical and other products that meet a diverse range of customer needs. The Canon Group comprises over 198,000 employees worldwide. Global net sales in 2011 totalled USD 45.6 billion.

www.oce.co.uk

www.oce.co.uk

What the customers say

“Our two Arizona printers can handle any substrate: acrylic, wood, metal, we’ve even printed blinds. It’s opened a lot of doors for us, so we can pursue other revenue streams. In spite of the recession, we’ve been busier than ever in the last few years. The more people get to know what you can do with the machines, the bigger your client base gets. It’s been very beneficial to us.”

Graham Sharpe, Display Logic

“We chose an Arizona printer because we wanted quality. We handle some fine art projects, so all our work is judged from close up, meaning that quality is very important. I’ve got high expectations and I’m glad to say that I get great quality from my Arizona printer.”

Alan Smith, Kolor Skemes