Memjet is targeting the commercial print market with the launch of a new digital print engine that builds on its previous Production Class model.

     The Aspen Print Engine has the same 220mm print width and 1,600dpi native resolution as its predecessor, but can print at up to 225 feet per minute (fpm) versus the Production Class’s 160fpm maximum.

    Whilst this is some way short of the 800-1,000fpm speed of high-end digital inkjet web presses from the likes of HP and Kodak, Memjet Labels vice president of engineering Tom Roetker said it was viable for the commercial market.

    “The target to get to to really be viable is 300fpm so we’re working towards that and this gets us quite a bit closer to that number,” said Roetker. “We have several OEMs now that are working on product launches on the commercial (printing) side.The Aspen can be mounted as a standalone printer, or two engines can be mounted side-by-side to print a 17” (432mm) wide web; there is also the possibility of using four engines for duplex or double web printing.

    Memjet currently has two existing OEM partners and four brand new ones working on Aspen-powered products that are due to be announced later this year. 

    Memjet has overhauled the electronic and software components of the print engine to enable more precise dot placement and screening techniques to be used, leading to improved image quality.