08 January 2025 | Granthams GT Ltd
The all-new Mimaki CJV200 Series - the latest development in Solvent technology
Alongside self-adhesive vinyl for signage and vehicle wraps, Solvent ink can also be used to produce Posters, PVC Banner, Floor and Wall Decor, Canvas, Window Graphics, Heat Transfer and a number of other applications.
The key consideration of solvent ink is that it needs to ‘gas off’ after printing - this means that the print needs to be left for 24 hours before laminating, cutting or applying.
It’s understandable in this modern age that waiting 24 hours doesn’t work for everyone - many print providers want to offer same-day turnaround, which is where alternative such as Latex, Resin and UV come into play.
That being said, there are a number of reasons people continue to pursue Solvent and why it’s remained so popular.
So, why would you opt for Solvent?
Mimaki's CJV Series offers an integrated vinyl cutting feature, which ultimately eliminates the need for an additional machine. This helps minimise the initial investment significantly and also makes CJV range better suited to smaller print rooms with limited floor space.
One of the main reasons Solvent has held its own against the alternatives comes down to final results. Solvent ink produces the most vibrant prints for the outdoor signage market, with the widest colour gamut capability and fine detail resolution.
The NEW Mimaki CJV200 Series is the direct successor to both the Mimaki CJV150 and CJV300 Series, available from November 2024.
The main developments surround the printhead and inks. The all-new printhead (already used in the 330 Series) is roughly 50% faster than the previous CJV150 Series and easier to maintain with faster cleaning cycles.
The Mimaki SS21 Solvent ink we all know is finally being replaced by TWO brand-new inks, the SS22 and BS4.
SS22 is completely GBL-free. GBL is a controlled substance, which has been increasingly regulated worldwide in recent years. Historically, this has been used in all Solvent inks, with manufacturers now actively working towards its removal to safe-guard against regulation changes that could be introduced by parliament in the future. We expect this will be the new standard, available in four-colour and eight-colour.
BS4 is Mimaki’s new ‘Budget Solvent’ ink, introduced to combat alternative inks. This will be available in 4-colour mode only and is available as a 600ml sack or 2-litre bottle.
The entire Solvent range from Mimaki all come equipped with eight ink channels with multiple ink configuration options to suit your key client base.
A Dual CMYK configuration is the most common option, due to a speed advantage and capability to automatically switch to the secondary cartridge. With the printhead having two dedicated channels for one colour, the Dual CMYK configuration runs at twice the speed of any other configuration.
Second to this is an 8-colour configuration, which is often chosen to provide the widest colour gamut. This is particularly important if your clients need to achieve difficult Pantone references for the likes of corporate logos / branding / motocross and vehicle graphics.
For many Sign Makers, the standard CMYK configuration is enough, so the choice will depend entirely on your target market.
If you’d be interested in arranging test prints or a private demonstration on any of these models, get in touch with our Hardware Team who would be happy to help.
The key consideration of solvent ink is that it needs to ‘gas off’ after printing - this means that the print needs to be left for 24 hours before laminating, cutting or applying.
It’s understandable in this modern age that waiting 24 hours doesn’t work for everyone - many print providers want to offer same-day turnaround, which is where alternative such as Latex, Resin and UV come into play.
That being said, there are a number of reasons people continue to pursue Solvent and why it’s remained so popular.
So, why would you opt for Solvent?
Mimaki's CJV Series offers an integrated vinyl cutting feature, which ultimately eliminates the need for an additional machine. This helps minimise the initial investment significantly and also makes CJV range better suited to smaller print rooms with limited floor space.
One of the main reasons Solvent has held its own against the alternatives comes down to final results. Solvent ink produces the most vibrant prints for the outdoor signage market, with the widest colour gamut capability and fine detail resolution.
The NEW Mimaki CJV200 Series is the direct successor to both the Mimaki CJV150 and CJV300 Series, available from November 2024.
The main developments surround the printhead and inks. The all-new printhead (already used in the 330 Series) is roughly 50% faster than the previous CJV150 Series and easier to maintain with faster cleaning cycles.
The Mimaki SS21 Solvent ink we all know is finally being replaced by TWO brand-new inks, the SS22 and BS4.
SS22 is completely GBL-free. GBL is a controlled substance, which has been increasingly regulated worldwide in recent years. Historically, this has been used in all Solvent inks, with manufacturers now actively working towards its removal to safe-guard against regulation changes that could be introduced by parliament in the future. We expect this will be the new standard, available in four-colour and eight-colour.
BS4 is Mimaki’s new ‘Budget Solvent’ ink, introduced to combat alternative inks. This will be available in 4-colour mode only and is available as a 600ml sack or 2-litre bottle.
The entire Solvent range from Mimaki all come equipped with eight ink channels with multiple ink configuration options to suit your key client base.
A Dual CMYK configuration is the most common option, due to a speed advantage and capability to automatically switch to the secondary cartridge. With the printhead having two dedicated channels for one colour, the Dual CMYK configuration runs at twice the speed of any other configuration.
Second to this is an 8-colour configuration, which is often chosen to provide the widest colour gamut. This is particularly important if your clients need to achieve difficult Pantone references for the likes of corporate logos / branding / motocross and vehicle graphics.
For many Sign Makers, the standard CMYK configuration is enough, so the choice will depend entirely on your target market.
If you’d be interested in arranging test prints or a private demonstration on any of these models, get in touch with our Hardware Team who would be happy to help.