Olomouc, Czech Republic – Grapo Technologies, a manufacturer of wide format hybrid and flatbed UV printers based in the Czech Republic, is demonstrating innovative printing technology at FESPA 2010, being held June 22-26 in Munich. Gemini from Grapo Technologies is a brand-new next generation printer featuring unique technology with new variety of possibilities for the development of new printed applications in the sign and display graphics market. In addition, Grapo will be unveiling its updated website with an online portal that makes it easier for printers to get the most out of their Grapo Technologies investments and 24-hour connectivity to technical support. The company is located in Hall B2, Stand 460 at the show.

"We are excited to be at FESPA 2010 with a mix of innovative products and services that make it easy and affordable for manufacturers of signs and display graphics to make the transition from analog to digital," said Radim Kralik, CEO of Grapo Technologies.

"As printers ourselves, we understand what printers need to be successful in business, and our exhibit will surely not disappoint.  We are especially proud of the new website that we are launching at the show.  It will not only help our customers be more productive, but will give them access to a range of business development ideas and strategies that can boost their profits as well. We are also pleased to have our popular Shark hybrid roll/flatbed UV printer on display at the show."

Gemini Unveiled
The highlight of Grapo Technologies' FESPA presence is the debut of the new Gemini flatbed UV printer. With speeds of up to 90 square meters per hour, the new Gemini also offers double the speed of previous generation Manta printers when printing with white ink, at 15 to 30 square meters per hour. This new printer features CMYK, white ink and environmentally friendly UV printing.  Gemini is ideal for screen printers seeking to move to more efficient digital technologies as well as digital sign printers wishing to migrate their operations away from less environmentally friendly solvent printing solutions.  Offset and flexo printers can also effectively use Gemini for the cost-effective production of short-run samples and/or to diversify their product offerings. In addition to its fast speeds, Gemini offers:
- 10 Xaar 1001 printing heads with a unique Through-Flow system and variable drop sizes from 6 to 42 picolitres for grayscale printing
- Single-pass printing of CMYK, white ink and CMYK, unique in the industry and especially important when printing on transparent substrates, such as acrylics, where images must be displayed on both sides
- Very high quality printing of skin tones and higher quality flat colors
- Energy-efficient operation
- Ability to print on a wide range of substrates, from irregularly shaped items, wood and glass to all types of plastic, vinyl and paper materials

"Our strategy has been and continues to be to partner with world-class suppliers in the manufacture of our printers," added Kralik. "Both our Shark and Gemini printers use Xaar print heads, FUJI SERICOL inks and the Caldera RIP. Close co-operation with these and other market leaders increases the potential and performance of Grapo Technologies UV printing systems, making them much more affordable for the global market."

Orders will be taken at FESPA for the Gemini, which will be commercially available in August 2010. Gemini comes with a two-year warranty, another industry innovation, along with the utmost in professional experienced service and maintenance support.

Shark Hybrid UV Printer
In addition to Gemini, Grapo Technologies will be featuring its fully-automated Shark hybrid UV printer with feeder/cutter options.  The feeder/cutter option allows users to take advantage of Shark's speed of up to 120 m2/hour without requiring two employees to man the printer at all times. The four-color Shark is a multifunctional system capable of printing on both flexible and rigid materials, producing high-quality greyscale images for a wide variety of display applications.

Shark prints at resolutions up to 960dpi and can image a maximum print width of 2010 mm with an unlimited print length. There is no degradation of speed regardless of whether the printer is operating in roll or sheet mode, a very unique capability in the wide format market.

Both Shark and Gemini will be printing on a wide range of substrates at the show, including banners, PVC, foil, PVC forex, corrugated cardboard, glass, ceramic and wood.

Launch of New Grapo.com Website
"In keeping with our standard of delivering the highest levels of customer service," Kralik pointed out, "we undertook a major update of our website at Grapo.com, and we will be unveiling that at FESPA as well.  We want visitors to the website to be able to quickly access all or most of the information they need in no more than two clicks as they evaluate investments in new printing equipment.  At the same time, we have added key features that will better support existing customers, including an online portal and GrapoAssistant, a 24-hour online technical support system that enables customers to rapidly access the technical resources they need to minimize downtime and get questions answered quickly. We will be demonstrating these capabilities at FESPA to ensure that customers take advantage of the new capabilities, and that potential customers are aware that we are delivering against the extremely high standard we have for customer service and support."