Canon recently launched a new enhanced series of its highly successful 12-colour imagePROGRAF PRO large format printers. Designed for the photography and fine art markets, the new series comprises three models: the 60”/1524mm imagePROGRAF PRO-6600, the 44”/1118mm PRO-4600 and the 24”/610mm PRO-2600, which replace the imagePROGRAF PRO-6100, PRO-4100 and PRO-2100 respectively. Combined with a new pigment ink set, LUCIA PRO II[1], the new 12-colour series delivers the highest photo print quality of any imagePROGRAF yet. The launch of the new series addresses market demand for greater image durability and light resistance to help increase long-term print storage, and offers new environmental benefits. The imagePROGRAF PRO series will be showcased live at drupa 2024 on the Canon stand in Hall 8A, B41-1 – B41-8.
Exceptional image quality
While the 12-colour imagePROGRAF PRO was already renowned for producing photo quality prints with stunning, vivid colour and unsurpassed clarity and detail, the matte black ink in the LUCIA PRO II ink set together with a newly designed colour matching table has improved the reproduction of darker shades and the black density on fine art papers. On the same media types, this development has also expanded the dark areas of the colour gamut to render detailed shades of grey.
Significantly increased durability
The LUCIA PRO II ink set also allows users to futureproof their printed output as the new inks provide substantially improved scratch resistance on photographic papers, to make handling, mounting and finishing easier, such as for fine art printers (PSPs), while a very light-resistant pigment in the ink set dramatically increases colour fastness. Enhancing their value, photographic and fine art prints can therefore now be produced in even higher quality with the new imagePROGRAF PRO series and then preserved for up to 200 years[2] without the colours fading.
Productivity boost
Regardless of the skill or experience of the user, the new imagePROGRAF PRO series is easy to use and offers increased productivity, thanks to its ink ejection status monitoring system, simplified settings and easier media handling. Its dual roll capability allows a second roll of a different media type and size to be loaded at the same time so that the user can automatically switch from printing on matte to gloss paper without interrupting the workflow. By accelerating the automatic media feeding process, the media loading time has also been reduced by approximately 40%[3].
Environmental considerations
In line with Canon’s goal of reducing the environmental footprint of its products and operations by using resources responsibly, minimising waste, increasing efficiency and supporting innovation, it has reduced the amount of expanded polystyrene packaging material used for the new imagePROGRAF PRO series – for example, 89.5%[4] less polystyrene foam is used for the PRO-4600 than for its predecessor. In addition, its reduced power consumption – using 85W or less during operation and 2.3W or less during standby – as well as other satisfied criteria, has helped the series achieve a ‘Gold’ product rating under the U.S. EPEAT[5] (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Registry, the highest level of registration in the field of imaging equipment products.
Ayman Aly, Marketing Director, B2B, Canon Middle East, said: “The imagePROGRAF PRO series large format printers, featuring the groundbreaking LUCIA PRO II ink set, not only raises the bar for exceptional image quality but also addresses the evolving needs of the photography and fine art markets. The improved durability with enhanced scratch resistance and light-fastness ensures that prints maintain their quality for up to 200 years. For Middle East's professional photography community, the new series empowers them to not only produce prints of the highest quality but also provides the tools to enhance their productivity and reduce environmental footprint. We're excited to showcase this breakthrough series at our experience centres and showrooms across the region, signifying Canon's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction."
The new imagePROGRAF PRO series is available from March 2024 across EMEA either directly from Canon or through one of its accredited resellers.
More information on the new imagePROGRAF PRO series can be found here: https://www.canon-me.com/business/products/wide-format-printers/announcing-new-imageprograf-pro-gp/
ENDS
[1] 11 of the 12 inks are newly developed. The Matte Black ink is the same one used by the imagePROGRAF GP-2000/4000.
[2] When using Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum. Predicted value calculated in accordance with the indoor light resistance test method and life evaluation criteria of the digital colour photographic print image preservation evaluation method (JEITA CP-3901B) published by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).
[3] From 123 seconds (previous imagePROGRAF PRO series) to 73 seconds (new imagePROGRAF PRO series).
[4] Ratio by weight, PRO-6600 reduced by 58.9% and PRO-2600 by 100%.
[5] An environmental evaluation system established by the Green Electronics Council (GEC), an NPO in the United States, for the purpose of market development and promotion of environmentally friendly products.
