CrystalPoint technology combines the advantages of toner and inkjet technology to produce monochrome and color waterproof documents for large-format printing applications. On May 14, Océ demonstrated the first device to adopt this new technology, the Océ ColorWave 600. This press was also listed globally on the same day.
The CrystalPoint process uses microsphere toner, which Océ calls TonerPearls. This toner can be converted into a gel. The toner glue is then printed on the paper surface in an ink-jet manner, including recycled paper and uncoated paper. The effect of printing is half-light, and the image does not change with water.
Océ ColorWave 600 focuses on two customer groups: one is CAD design printing for architecture, engineering, and civil engineering; the other is printing of retail posters and store promotion advertisements.
The Océ ColorWave 600 can output a sheet of A0 in half an minute in economic mode, and only 3 minutes in high quality mode.
Neil Westhof, international product manager for Océ large-format printing systems, said that the trend in large-format color printing is now “the boundaries of application are becoming increasingly blurredâ€. He believes that this brings about a new growth in equipment demand, especially when the equipment “can be used for high-quality, fine-line printing, and also for rough printing such as poster printingâ€.
Océ also stated that CrystalPoint technology is a product that “has a completely sustainable concept†because TonerPearls colloidal toner used in this technology is printed in an ink jet manner without producing ozone or odors. In addition, the semi-gloss finishes used in this device can also make up for the small need for paper glazing.
The Océ ColorWave 600 will ship from July, starting at $30,000.