Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced the launch of six new models in its imagePROGRAF Series of large-format inkjet printers. The new models are specifically designed to meet the high-speed, large-volume printing needs of the CAD drawing and poster markets, offering improved color quality, enhanced productivity and labor-saving features over previous models. The new models include the imagePROGRAF TZ-32000, imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 MFP Z36, imagePROGRAF TX-3200, imagePROGRAF TX-3200 MFP Z36, imagePROGRAF TX-4200 and imagePROGRAF TX-4200 MFP Z36.

The new imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 is tailored for the architectural, engineering, construction, design and manufacturing sectors, designed to high-speed output to help accommodate the demands for high productivity. Meanwhile, the new imagePROGRAF TX-3200/4200 caters to a broader range of printing needs, including the production of distribution and retail posters, corporate and government bulletin boards, and technical drawings. Each model is designed to further boost productivity, enhance poster quality and support vibrant color outputs, helping businesses to expand their print production capabilities.

These new models are equipped with advanced image processing capabilities and an enhanced magenta ink, designed to deliver deeper, more vivid colors than previous models. This helps enable printing posters, perspective drawings or bulletin boards with exceptional color reproduction. All five-color pigment inks allows sharp black lines and text for technical drawings.

The new imagePROGRAF TZ Series and TX Series now feature advanced color calibration capabilities. This new functionality is designed to allow users to calibrate their printers, maintaining uniform color output over time and across multiple imagePROGRAF devices within the same printer series. By implementing this feature, users can achieve reliable, high-quality results, whether producing a single print or managing a fleet of printers.

The TZ-32000 stands out as the fastest printer in the new imagePROGRAF series, capable of printing up to four D-sized pages per minute. It features a Top Delivery Tray, allowing for the easy retrieval of both posters and drawings from the front of the unit. The TX-4200/TX-3200 models also offer impressive speeds, printing up to 3.3 D-sized pages per minute. All models come equipped with intelligent media handling, including automatic media loading and detection of media type, length and width. This media loading process has now reduced paper setup time by approximately 30% compared to previous models, significantly improving workflow efficiency. Additionally, an ink sensing system helps maintain high image quality by monitoring ink ejection and automatically adjusting alignment, designed to help provide consistent and reliable printing.

The imagePROGRAF TX Series provides an optional Multifunction Roll System that enhances both flexibility and efficiency. This system can be utilized in two distinct ways: users can load a second roll of media, allowing for automatic switching between different media types and sizes without disrupting workflow. Alternatively, the unit can be configured by the operator as a bidirectional take-up unit, providing additional versatility in handling media.

For added versatility, the imagePROGRAF TZ and TX MFP Z36 models include a lightweight scanner, designed to sit atop the printer, creating a compact, all-in-one device. Capable of scanning monochrome drawings at speeds of up to 13 inches per second and color drawings at up to 6 inches per second, the Z36 scanner offers fast and intuitive functionality. Users can optimize their document management processes and boost productivity with these Z36 MFP solutions.

Designed to help safeguard confidential information, the new imagePROGRAF TZ Series and TX Series printers are outfitted with robust security features. Key protections include PIN Printing, which restricts access to sensitive documents, and a self-encrypting hard drive that protects stored data. Additionally, the printers allow for the disabling of USB ports, Ethernet ports and USB direct thumb drives, providing an added layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. These measures are designed to help ensure that your documentation remains private and secure.

Complementing the hardware, the new imagePROGRAF models are equipped with a suite of powerful software tools designed to optimize printing processes. Direct Print Plus allows for drag-and-drop file handling, batch printing, and status monitoring across multiple imagePROGRAF printers. PRISMAproduce Tech offers comprehensive job management, including monitoring printer status and ink levels, with operator alerts for low ink or empty media rolls. Accounting Manager tracks ink and media usage and costs. PosterArtist (available in Online and Lite versions) provides a user-friendly, template-driven solution for creating professional posters, banners and flyers. Free Layout Plus supports nesting, tiling and custom layouts with direct printing from Microsoft Office programs.

In line with Canon's dedication to sustainability, the new models do not use polystyrene foam in the packaging of the printer and have reduced disposable plastic usage. The TZ-32000 has achieved a 29% reduction in power consumption during operation, while the TX-4200/TX-3200 models have reduced power consumption by 25% compared to the previous mdoels. All models are registered as EPEAT Gold products, recognized under the international eco-label EPEAT by the Global Electronics Council (GEC).

These new imagePROGRAF models embody Canon's ongoing commitment to innovation, designed to deliver high-speed, high-quality output with a strong focus on sustainability and ease of use to meet the evolving needs of the CAD and poster printing markets.

"The introduction of these new imagePROGRAF models underscores Canon's commitment to providing our customers with high-quality, efficient and sustainable printing solutions," said Shinichi "Sam" Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. Inc. "These printers are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the CAD and poster markets, offering speed, vivid color output, and innovative features that streamline the printing process and help reduce environmental impact."

In other news, Canon U.S.A., Inc. has announced that the Arizona 1300 series will now offer FLXflow technology, following its successful integration into the Arizona 2300 series. This advanced technology, designed to enhance productivity and ease of use, builds on the original FLOW technology by the ability to add the optional "Float" and "Instant Switch" functionalities, which are designed to significantly improve media handling. Additionally, the optional Automation Interface Kit for third-party automation systems is now available for the Arizona 1300 series. The Automation Interface Kit option further supports continuous media loading and unloading, which is designed to help drive efficiency and productivity gains.

Designed for the mid- to high-volume large format graphics market, the Arizona 1300 FLXflow series is versatile enough to handle a broad range of substrates and applications. This adaptability is designed to allow both in-house operations and commercial print service providers to meet the rising consumer demand for customized, made-to-order products, while designed for cost-effectiveness even for short runs and prototypes.

FLXflow technology offers a unique, patented approach to media handling by incorporating one standard function, "Hold," alongside two optional features that can be added on, Float and Instant Switch. The Hold functionality, a cornerstone of FLOW technology, uses a patented airflow technique to help users securely position media, reducing the need for extensive masking.

The optional Float feature creates an air cushion by releasing air upwards from the table, making it easier to position heavy or challenging substrates while helping to reduce the risk of media damage or waste. This option also allows for precise registration of multiple media pieces at once. The Instant Switch option simplifies operations by enabling quick toggling between Hold and Float modes using foot pedals, making media removal from the table more efficient.

When used with the PRISMAelevate XL v2.1 software, the Arizona 1300 FLXflow series can print up to 4 mm, allowing customers to produce standout, tactile prints for elevated applications. This software, which has worked with the Arizona 1300 series since the beginning of the year, opens up possibilities for creating high-value textured signage, product decoration, awards, décor materials and packaging prototypes, as well as applications for the visually impaired. PRISMAelevate XL v2.1 also enhances production efficiency by limiting the need for additional finishing processes like lamination or coating, thereby reducing waste and costs.

The Arizona 1300 FLXflow series also includes an optional accounting interface that allows for virtually seamless integration with popular accounting software such as ONYX Hub or OneVision, providing users with great visibility into their operations by feeding printer data directly into their accounting systems.

Equipped with VariaDot Gen 3 technology, the Arizona 1300 FLXflow series offers Classic and Plus print modes, providing users with greater flexibility to help them achieve higher quality at the same speed or maintain existing quality at faster speeds than previous generations. Additionally, an elevated lenticular effects script helps enable the creation of lenticular effects with a height of 1 mm to 1.5 mm, expanding the printer's versatility and creative possibilities.

Advanced Image Layout Controls allow for last-minute adjustments directly at the printer, which is designed to help minimize waste of expensive materials. Canon's PRISMAservice support tools can further enhance productivity by offering predictive maintenance and remote assistance from qualified technicians, designed to help maximize uptime.

Current Arizona 1300 users can upgrade their printers to include the latest FLXflow functionalities and options, including the optional Float and Instant Switch features. The upgrade also includes features like Advanced Image Layout Controls. Additionally, users can subscribe to the PRISMA XL Suite workflow software, which offers a preview function that allows users to visualize complex, multilayered, textured jobs before printing, which can help save time and reduce material costs avoided by having to print more than once.

"Canon is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of our flatbed technology through strong collaboration with the industry and our partners," Yoshida said. "Our focus on refining our printer offerings and enhancing our software demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation. The Arizona 1300 FLXflow series is a testament to this dedication, providing outstanding flexibility, amazing quality and enhanced workflow efficiency. We are excited to see the innovative uses our customers will create with these advanced features and options."

In other news, Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced collaborations in digital inkjet label printing with software leaders Esko, Hybrid Software, OneVision and Ultimate Tech for the upcoming LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press. The LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press' open architecture provides the integration of the Factory 4.0 process of deploying intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes.

The LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press, designed to serve the surging demand for digital, high-quality label converting, implements many newly developed Canon technologies, such as high-density aqueous ink, printhead, advanced fixing system and a variety of automation features designed to support efficient production.

Workflow leaders include:

Esko: A global provider of integrated software and hardware solutions that accelerate the go-to-market process of packaged goods. Serving more than 25,000 customers in more than 140 countries, Esko is dedicated to providing an innovative, integrated platform and comprehensive portfolio of tools that intelligently, connect, automate and accelerate the concept to market processes for packaged products.

Hybrid Software: Through its operating subsidiaries, Hybrid Software Group PLC is a leading developer of enterprise software for industrial print manufacturing. Its subsidiary companies are color technology experts ColorLogic, printing software developers Global Graphics Software, enterprise software developer Hybrid Software, 3D design and modeling software developers iC3D, the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet and prepress workflow developer Xitron.

OneVision Software AG: Serves as an international software manufacturer for automation of production processes in the printing and publishing sectors, as well as numerous other industry segments. For almost 30 years, the company's automation solutions have helped more than 3,000 customers worldwide. As a globally active company, OneVision comprises entities in Germany, the United States, Great Britain, France, Brazil, Singapore and India.

Ultimate Tech: Print service providers worldwide can benefit from increased productivity in a digital and hybrid environment thanks to Ultimate Tech's automation-driven software solutions. Ultimate Tech and its imposition software, Ultimate Impostrip, supports the print industry community, bringing unique and proven capability to centralize and simplify through performance and flexibility with automation of print production workflows.

"We are excited to preview the capabilities of the upcoming LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press that is designed to help meet the ever-changing demands for digital, high-quality label converting," said Shinichi "Sam" Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. Inc. "We look forward to Labelexpo Americas and demonstrating how our products can contribute towards efficient and versatile label production."