8 colours in a blade assembly configuration delivers market leading productivity and profitable new business opportunities 

Gandy Digital, the Canadian manufacturer of large format digital inkjet printers, today announces the official launch of the Gandy Digital Gladi8tor UV Flatbed inkjet printer at FESPA 2015 (Hall 7, M26).  

Driven by an inline ‘8 Blade’ printhead configuration, the new Gandy Digital Gladi8tor enables a double CMYK set-up to deliver twice the speed (up to 240sqm)of its own Domin8tor and Pred8tor models. This makes the printer the most productive solution in its class, and allows customers to increase production and better meet tight deadlines.

Removing the previous issue of white ink density on transparent or non-white substrates, the new Gandy Digital Gladi8tor provides a double white ink capability, assuring customers of high print and colour quality. With a simple one time set-up and print process, the Gandy Digital Gladi8tor also offers a new layered print option enabling the production of multi-layered colour images and white.

Sandwiching white or doubled-sided banners with white and black between images, this capability enables the production of profitable new applications including backlit jobs. Also utilising the newly-launched Gandy Digital Pred8tor High Adhesion UV Inks, customers are able to enjoy reduced print cracking and job returns on a range of plastics substrates including acrylic. In addition, the low ink usage of Gladi8tor technology ensures that the printer boasts one of the lowest operating costs on the market – further driving customer profitability. 

Shmulik Lazgiel, Gandy Digital EMEA Managing Director, comments: “We truly believe that our new Gladi8tor technology is breaking new ground. Print houses around the world are looking for print engines to enable them to further streamline their workflow and remain competitive. They are also seeking to produce and sell new high value applications – Gladi8tor delivers both these capabilities.”

New Gandy Digital Gladi8tor UV Flatbed Printer Configurations

A true UV flatbed printer incorporating a vacuum table, the new Gandy Digital Gladi8tor is available in two print widths. The Gladi8tor 1224 has a print size of 1.22m (4ft) X 2.44m ( 8ft) and the Gladi8tor 2030 has a print size of 2m (6ft 6in) X 3.05m (10ft). Without compromising its true flatbed capability, the new Gladi8tor 1224 also comes with a 2.44m (8ft) wide roll-to-roll option, achieving the same high print quality and productivity benefits. 

Using 6-piolitre variable dot Ricoh printheads, the new Gandy Digital Gladi8tor UV Flatbed Printer eliminates head-to-head alignment issues, and allows users to enjoy increased engine reliability and extremely sharp, high-quality images. Available in two key production settings - the first uses six-colours (CMYK&LM&LC) plus double white, and the second uses eight colours and a double CMYK set-up to deliver twice the speed. 

Designed for maximum customer flexibility, new Gandy Digital Gladi8tor allows customers to purchase a four-colour system and then easily upgrade to six-or eight-colours for the double speed capability. With automatic head height adjustment, customers can also print on a wide variety of substrates up to 50mm / 2” thick.

In-built automation and remote operation for increased productivity

With a fully automated built-in head blotting system, head cleaning is also hassle free with the new Gladi8tor. What’s more, operating Gladi8tor is very simple with Gandy Digital’s own touch-and-drag GUI (Graphical User Interface). This truly mobile device enables users to undertake a range of print operations, including step and repeat, artwork rotation, deletion of ripped images and creation of new jobs on press or remotely via its online software. It also allows interactive trouble shooting via online diagnostics, ensuring that printer downtime is minimized and high customer service is maintained.

Shmulik Lazgiel concludes: “We believe that new Gladi8tor aligns well with current market requirements. It is packed with the latest technology designed to dramatically increase productivity, reduce costs and open the door to many new applications and business opportunities.”