FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 december 2008

Top quality digital printing in aluminium with new DuraSeal printer

Faster and cleaner stunning quality

Using the DuraSeal plates and DuraColour inks developed by Polychromal, this new aluminium printer can provide unprecedented image quality. Bright, true-to-life colours are standard, but uniform surfaces and smooth colour gradations are no problem at all either. The frequent occurrence of pixilation (dithering) and stripes (banding) in blue skies or shadow effects are now a thing of the past. The procedure to be followed is clean and easy: place a DuraSeal plate on the vacuum table, give the print command and seal the plate after printing. No more films and dirty hands. This technology is expected to bring about a shift in the market.

Polychromal, CST and Colorgate collaboration

For more than a year, there has been worked on the development of the hardware and software to make this application possible. Eric Hensen, Commercial Director of Polychromal: ‘In 2007, we came into contact with CST in Germany and discussed our ideas about digital printing in aluminium. Using our knowledge, CST was then able to develop the DuraSeal printer. The printer is controlled by special RIP software from Colorgate. They modified their software using profiles written for our DuraSeal plates and DuraColour inks. As the expertise of specialists was used for all components, we can now offer an unprecedented level of quality. As a result, the interest at VISCOM was tremendous. We are very enthusiastic about this.’

Print-ready set-up

Two models of the DuraSeal aluminium printer are available. The DS-200 can handle printing areas up to 2000 mm x 1000 mm and the DS-100 areas up to 1000 mm x 1000 mm. Both models are supplied with a PC and the associated RIP software. An additional fee is charged for installation and training, plus a starter kit with DuraSeal aluminium plates and DuraColour inks.

DuraSeal plates

DuraSeal plates are available in Silver Matt, Silver Satin and Silver Glossy. The plates are highly durable, thanks to the thicker anodising layer of 23 to 25 microns. At the end of this year, these plates will be tested for durability by a test laboratory in Germany. The test reports are expected to be available in February.

Availability and production orders

The DuraSeal aluminium printers are both supplied by Polychromal and by CST. DuraSeal plates and DuraColour inks are available from Polychromal. By now, Polychromal is in full production with two DuraSeal printers for its industrial name, text and front plates division and for RapidSign, the signing division. Anyone who wishes to see how it works or who prefers to outsource orders first is more than welcome at Polychromal in Alkmaar.

About Polychromal B.V.

Established in 1965, Polychromal BV has three divisions (Polychromal Products, Polychromal I.N.T.F. and Polychromal RapidSign), located on the Beverkoog industrial estate in Alkmaar. Products is involved in the production of anodised aluminium plates, printing inks and accessories. I.N.T.F. is a manufacturer of industrial name, text and front plates, and RapidSign is the graphics division that specialises in signing and road signs. By the end of this year the new accommodation of I.N.T.F. and RapidSign will open its doors on the Beverkoog industrial estate. In late June 2009, Products will put a completely updated anodising line into service at the existing site. Eric and Stephan Hensen are the directors of Polychromal B.V.

For more information, please contact: Eric Hensen, Director of Polychromal, telephone: +31 (0)72 567 07 99, e-mail: e.hensen@polychromal.nl

For general information about Polychromal: www.polychromal.nl

Samples on request

Polychromal BV
Marterkoog 8
Alkmaar, 1822 BK
Phone: +31(72)5670799
E-Mail: products@polychromal.nl
Website URL: www.polychromal.nl