“The next big technology is huge and scary,” said Guy Gecht, chief executive officer of EFI on the next big phase for industry, artificial intelligence. The 2017 edition of EFI Connect, the company’s annual users’ conference, kicked off on 17 January with Gecht’s keynote address that focused on the greater influence that artificial intelligence (AI) will have in various spheres, including print.
Gecht said AI will help printers prevent maintenance and downtime, will enable smart production, reduce costs and help change consumer behavior. He added that the stage is set for smart packaging and smart opportunities in textiles. “As with the developments we have all seen with personal computers and mobile technology, AI promises to create more opportunities. In print, it can drive preventive diagnostics and predictive maintenance, which will help our customers improve their top and bottom lines.”
New technologies unveiled
Connect 2017 saw the worldwide debut of the company’s largest soft-signage printer and new LED, roll-to-roll printers. EFI announced its new VUTEk 5r and 3r printers, an advanced LED rollto-roll production offering. The 5-meter VUTEk 5r and 3-meter VUTEk 3r printers print at speeds up to 4,896 sq. ft per hour in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi. They feature high-resolution, 7-picoliter EFI UltraDrop technology. The printers are also available with a complete range of upgrade options for high productivity and versatility, including optional light colors and white for multi-layer printing; inline finishing for allin-one printing, cutting, slitting, and collecting; auto backlit and blockout printing, and more.
Gecht in his keynote speech announced the first customer of VUTEk 5r—New York-based Sandy Alexander.
Connect 2017 also saw the launch of EFI’s largest soft signage printer, the 5.2-m EFI VUTEk FabriVU 520. The printer offers new capabilities for producing a broader range of soft signage products, including wall murals, theater drapes and other superwide seamless applications. California-based Image Options become one of the first companies in the world to install the 5.2-meter FabriVU model.
4,800 sq. ft per hour and prints at resolutions up to 2,400 dpi. It can do both direct-to-textile and transfer printing with an easy changeover using the same inkset for greater versatility. A patented ink-recovery system saves more than 95% of the ink lost in textile printing systems offered by other manufacturers.
Both new VUTEk printers on exhibit at Connect 2017 feature the latest version of EFI Fiery proServer DFE.
