BATH, UK - June 2, 2006 - Sun Chemical has launched a new UV inkjet printer designed specifically for the optical disc industry. The printer will enable optical disc decorators to handle short runs more effectively and economically as well as delivering the benefits of variable image capability disc to disc, thereby freeing up their existing printers to do what they were designed for – fast long runs. Innovative technology and design creating a commercial solution Known simply as “Project 37”, the printer is the result of close collaboration between Sun Chemical and Copytrax Technologies, a specialist manufacturer of printing and coating equipment for the professional CD/DVD duplicator market. Operating out of its headquarters in Cambridge, UK, Copytrax Technologies has been able to leverage the worldwide centre of inkjet technology excellence in and around Cambridge, in order to develop an optical disc printer with an impressive specification. Project 37 is controlled by proprietary software, and incorporates a unique fixed inkjet array using 24 of Xaar’s proven OmniDot 318 piezoelectric, drop-on-demand, multi-pulse greyscale heads, which ensure unrivalled photo-quality resolution. The discs are presented using a linear motor driven carriage with robotic handling from input to output spindles. Project 37 runs with an average output of one disc every three seconds using specially formulated UV curing inks, therefore delivering a truly commercial solution. Digital disc printing – A World of possibilities opens up As with most digital print processes, the printed image is not a replication of an imaged plate or screen, but a streamed digital file which can be changed from disc to disc. The possibility to print every disc uniquely creates exciting opportunities for the industry in security and brand protection, promotional editions, mass customisations and novelty applications. It also makes on-press proofing economically feasible. Once printed and cured, Sun Chemical UV inkjet inks are as durable as screen or offset inks and therefore not effected by humidity or ambient conditions, and usually do not require any post processing such as varnishing or laminating that other digital techniques require. Richard Martin, Corporate Vice President, Sun Chemical Screen, said: “Project 37 delivers to the optical disc industry the quality of digital printing on a commercial scale that has long been in demand. We believe it will transform the economics of short and medium run processing. Just watching discs pass under the print heads and coming out fully cured in seconds, each with a different image, is amazing.” Steve Woods, Managing Director, Copytrax Technologies added: “Project 37 represents a significant investment for Copytrax. Through the partnership with Sun Chemical, we are confident we have a winning combination of their leading digital ink technology together with our own market-leading engineering, which has resulted in a printer capable of taking the optical disc world by storm.” Project 37 will be available globally from June. For further information, contact [email protected]