Video: Mimaki Intros Leather Printer at virtual.drupa 2021
Mimaki has announced the launch of the Mimaki SUJV-160, a new high-quality inkjet printer that is designed to realistically reproduce prints whilst retaining the look and texture of natural and artificial leather. Available in the UK and Ireland this summer, the new wide-format solvent UV inkjet printer sports a print width of 1,610mm, making it ideal for decorating leather fashion accessories, furniture and even car interiors. The new solution is the result of two market-leaders’ ingenuity and cutting-edge technology – Mimaki’s print expertise and Fujifilm’s UVIQUE ink technology.
The SU200 thin film solvent UV ink, developed by Fujifilm and exclusively sold by Mimaki, provides outstanding flexibility, stretchability, and superior scratch resistance on natural and artificial leather. This results in the retention of the texture and feel of the material after printing, and the ability to boost productivity by instantly switching to post-processing without any drying time.
Bert Benckhuysen, Senior Product Manager at Mimaki Europe, commented: “Mimaki is committed to continued innovation, and adapting in tandem with the evolving needs of print businesses using inkjet, and this new model is a perfect example of that.
“The Mimaki SUJV-160 takes a previously challenging process, printing onto leather, and makes it straightforward and efficient, while simultaneously ensuring the end product retains the look and feel of the base material. This printer is the product of listening and responding to customer demands, world-class engineering, and exceptional originality. Add the Fujifilm-developed SU200 ink into the mix, and the SUJV-160 is an investment that is sure to give sign, display and print businesses a competitive advantage.”
The blend of these innovative print and ink technologies makes the system ideal for use with a range of high-end applications; for the fashion sector, the SUJV-160 can be used to produce bags, shoes, or personalised team sporting goods, interior décor applications, including floor mats and sofas, while cars and motorcycle seats can also be printed plus, users can also carry out in-mold resin decoration.
Benckhuysen concluded: “With the interest in luxury goods on the rise, statement leather pieces for fashion, interiors, and other premium markets that are easily customisable, durable, and visually appealing will only become more sought after. For print businesses targeting this lucrative opportunity, the Mimaki SUJV-160 can deliver on all these criteria and more.”
