PARIS--Sept. 20, 2006-- EFI today announced new configurations and expanded capabilities transforming the UltraVu II 3360 product line to the most versatile superwide solvent printing platform available today. The VUTEk 3360 is available in new lower cost, entry level configurations and is fully field upgradeable, making it easier than ever before for more print shops to step up to the legendary print quality, performance and reliability of a VUTEk digital inkjet printer. With an optional second ink delivery system, the VUTEk 3360 opens new market opportunities for solvent and dye-sublimation applications at the flip of a switch. Plus, the VUTEk 3360 superwide digital inkjet printer has been optimized for VUTEk's BioVu(TM) ink, offering print-for-pay shops increased methods for generating more revenue in environmentally conscious markets. With its unique, modular design, EFI's VUTEk 3360 digital printer breaks down traditional barriers to business growth by supporting a wider range of inks and flexible print applications than any other superwide printer. * Switches from traditional solvent to dye-sublimation solvent printing on fabrics in minutes. * Optimized for use with VUTEk BioVu inks. * Available in four-, six- or eight-color modes. * Optional kits for producing precisely aligned, double-sided and backlit signs and banners. * The VUTEk 3360 printer can be easily upgraded on the shop floor. All of these configurations are available in entry-level and full production versions, making it more affordable and easier than ever to grow new revenue streams by upgrading to a robust and proven VUTEk printer. With its ability to produce a broad range of applications, the VUTEk 3360 printer eliminates the need for multiple dedicated systems, added manpower and increased floor space. The need for additional operator training is also minimized, reducing start up time. EFI's VUTEk 3360 printer also offers: -- Up to 720 dpi resolution for brilliant photographic color reproduction on roll-to-roll substrates. -- Productivity up to 1,622 square feet (151 square meters) per hour on substrates up to 10 feet (3.2 meters) wide in outdoor quality mode and 600 square feet per hour in photorealistic quality print mode. -- Industrial-grade toughness and around-the-clock dependability -- ideal for producing consistent quality outdoor and indoor signs, banners, exhibition and display graphics, posters and other superwide applications. The highly productive VUTEk 3360 printer produces work faster and more efficiently than lower-priced, light-duty printers. The new dye-sublimation and double-sided backlit printing options also open new doors for business growth and the delivery of more jobs for existing customers. In addition to dye-sublimation and solvent ink capabilities, new formulations of VUTEk BioVu ink have been optimized to achieve excellent color density and adhesion to a wider range of substrates, increasing the number of flexible applications now possible with this revolutionary generation of environmentally friendly solvent inks. BioVu is the first solvent-based ink made from a renewable resource (namely, corn), and the only one recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). BioVu ink is made from food-grade ingredients, yet delivers all the benefits of traditional solvent inks without the compromises inherent in eco-solvent and aqueous inks. "Our goal is to provide all the capabilities of traditional solvent-based inks -- and more -- with BioVu. After a very positive first stage of beta testing, we have optimized the BioVu ink formulation to achieve excellent color density, improved shelf stability and adhesion to a wide range of substrates," said Robert W. Raus, Jr., vice president VUTEk marketing for EFI. "Color testing shows results with more vivid images, wider color gamut and dense blacks. In working with different media suppliers, we have reached very positive results of adhesion to a good selection of banner materials. The results are outstanding when printing onto pressure sensitive vinyl, papers and textiles. Improvements will continue throughout the beta stage, with a targeted commercial release in Q4 2006." The optimized formulation of BioVu ink is currently in beta test with Seattle-based The BIG Print LLC. "More and more of our large corporate accounts are concerned about minimizing their environmental impact when printing," said Jonathan Zinsmeyer, president of The BIG Print. "With the new VUTEk Bio-based inks from EFI, we are able to show them we care too. We are finding new applications everyday with the new BioVu inks, from car wraps to retail graphics and more. Our clients are impressed with the versatility of the ink and the color gamut. We believe Bio-based inks are the future of our industry." Like other solvent-based inks, BioVu provides extreme durability, strong bonding to uncoated surfaces, and great resistance to UV light and mechanical wear. BioVu inks are designed specifically to run in high-production environments and provide high print quality. "We are running the optimized formulation of BioVu ink on the VUTEk 3360 printer day and night," Zinsmeyer added. "Our production staff was easily trained on the new system and had it running jobs the first day of its install. We have been impressed not only with the BioVu ink, but also with the dependability of the VUTEk 3360 printer." Other business benefits include: lower disposal costs since there are no hazardous materials (hazmat); odor is reduced on final printed materials; and it is less bothersome than solvent to employees and the environment. In new shops or installations, no ventilation and burner systems are required to meet OSHA regulations because there are no harmful VOC emissions. All configurations of the new VUTEk 3360 printer will be available with the EFI Fiery XF production RIP. EFI Fiery XF delivers high productivity and excellent color management today and allows the integration of additional business processes in the future through the extensive and proven EFI portfolio of software workflow products. The VUTEk 3360 printer and the optimized formulation of BioVu ink from EFI will be on display at the VISCOM trade show in Paris, France, September 20-22, and at the SGIA trade show in Las Vegas, Nev., September 26-29. The new dye-sublimation and entry-level configurations of the VUTEk 3360 will be commercially available Q4 of 2006. Field upgrades to any existing UltraVu II 3360 printers will be available starting in Q1 of 2007. The optimized formulation of BioVu inks will be available in Q4 2006. Additional information is available at www.efi-vutek.com.