South Windsor, Conn.-based Gerber Scientific Inc. — a global supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible materials, and other industries — has begun shipping its new Solara ion™ printer to distributors and end-users.

The Solara ion — developed by Gerber Scientific Products (GSP) — is the first product to utilize Gerber’s patent-pending Cold Fire Cure™ process, and combined with Gerber’s GerberCAT™ cationic ink, produces innovative ultraviolet (UV) inkjet printing. Its features include a low power cure for reduced heat generation and good adhesion of inks to substrate faster printing speed compared with similarly priced wide-format UV systems, according to the company.

 “We are excited to start ramping up production of the Solara ion, and begin filling orders for our groundbreaking new printer,” said Gerber Scientific President and CEO Marc T. Giles. “Customer feedback remains very positive, and we expect the launch of this printer will establish [Gerber Scientific Products, developer of the printer] as an important player in the wide format digital inkjet market.”

Because it employs both true flatbed and roll-to-roll printer platforms, Gerber’s Solara ion can print on a wide range of materials, including: outdoor and indoor applications, such as banners and mesh, vehicle wraps, and safety and identification materials; rigid material types, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and printed sign foam; and flexible material types, such as vinyl, mesh, polyesters, textiles, and window films.

June 3, 2008