OUTPUT

Known for its Rho range of high-end UV-curable devices, Durst has launched the Omega 1, a 1.6m hybrid machine, with which it aims to seduce sign-makers, graphic display producers, screen-printers, photographic labs and studios. Output was amongst the first publications world-wide to see the printer, which was launched on March 14th at Durst's headquarters in Brixen, Italy.

Durst says that it has applied the industrial engineering of its existing printers to the Omega 1, which will be available in three versions, all of which sport roll-to-roll as well as flat-bed capability. The standard configuration of CMYK has an optional white channel, while the Plus variant adds light cyan and magenta and a possible grey.

A third process colour addition (PCA) model offers the standard four with orange and violet and optional white; the manufacturer says that this provides 16 percent greater gamut than CMYK alone, with more than double the number of Pantone colours in red and blue hues. Durst adds that this provides greater opportunities for smaller companies to match brand tones. On-the-fly refilling of its one-litre cartridges is also possible.

Capable of printing a variety of materials up to 5cm thick, the Omega 1 claims a resolution of up to 1,728 dpi and is shipped with Caldera's CopyRIP – although Durst's Rudolf Massimo says that a second RIP may be certified for use in the future. The modular format of the machine means that it is possible to upgrade between versions.

The engine's architecture incorporates the durability of other models, with an updated magnetic linear drive motor for 'precision drop placement' and a new beam design. However, Omega 1 will be offered in the entry level price range. Durst attributes this to economies made on 'luxuries' in the machine's design, and to the fact that it will stock models rather than building them to order as with its other series.

Durst will also pursue a different distribution strategy with its Omega 1 device, which will not be available through its 'daughter companies'. Resellers are soon to be appointed and trained for the UK and Germany. However, it will not divide the market into different segments for end purposes. There will only be one distributor per country, the company says, to ensure a 'close personal relationship' with its customers and to keep control over quality in the supply chain.

Durst's Dr Piock, chief executive, explained that his company sees three growth segments in the wide-format technology market: entry-level, top-end flat-beds and textile devices. The launch of the Omega 1 means that Durst now has UV-curable machines in each of these markets.

The printer will be presented at the forthcoming Sign and Digital UK and FESPA exhibitions and will ship from the first week of May.