The Ardeco has a maximum print width of 3.2m and comes in a choice of either a 12 or 8 Ricoh Gen4 printhead configuration.
The 4-colour, 7-picolitre printer has a top speed of 137 sqm per hour for a 12-head configuration in 2-pass mode, and 90-95 sqm per hour in 3-pass mode, and prints at 600 x 600 dpi in all print modes.
With in-built calendaring, no additional fixation or finishing is required, and the printer comes with the option of inline cold-knife cutting. The printer is aimed at those producing backlit displays, flags and general displays on polyester-based fabrics.
“The dye is fixed through contact with the heated drum. The heating of the drum is done through an infrared lamp so we manage an incredible consistency across the 3.2m,” said Tim Van Den Bossche, vice president, global marketing and strategy.
He added: “It’s definitely a growing market, and it’s our ambition to become a key player here.”
The Ardeco is available for shipping immediately and will be on show for the first time at the AGI Congress London in September.
New launches form Agfa shown at Fespa last week included Anapurna M3200RTR 3.2m and Anapurna M2500 2.5m UV-curable printers, and the latest addition to the Jeti series, the Jeti Titan X UV printer.
Also showcased were the new Asanti StoreFront and Asanti Production sign and display workflow packages.