Canon adds FLXflow to the Arizona 2300 series

Canon has announced the addition of FLXflow technology to its Arizona 2300 series, bringing new productivity features to the flatbed printer series. Previously known as FLOW technology, the new FLXflow offers the original ‘Hold’ functionality, which helps to hold media down on the flatbed table, and the new optional ‘Float’ and ‘Instant Switch’ functionalities to improve media handling. Further features, such as additional quality modes, image layout controls and improved workflow integration, and an interface connecting automation systems for continuous loading and unloading media, deliver increased workflow efficiency and productivity.

Catering to the mid-to-high volume market for large format graphics, the Arizona 2300 FLXflow supports various substrates and applications. This enables customers, both in-house or commercial print service providers (PSPs), to continuously adapt to evolving consumer trends, such as the growing demand for personalised and made-to-order applications, while ensuring that customisation remains economically viable, even for samples and one-off orders.

“At Canon, we’re focused on the continuous development of our flatbed technology by working closely with the market and our customers to evolve our products, from our printer ranges to the software that supports them. With that in mind, we’ve designed our Arizona 2300 FLXflow to be versatile and deliver high-quality, applications with even greater workflow efficiency and productivity, while our service support tools such as PRISMAservice, help to maintain the highest uptime for our customers for maximum productivity. And with the new functionalities of our FLXflow technology, with its added ‘Float’ capability, it’s making life much easier for operators to handle irregular or heavy substrates, opening up opportunities to produce an even wider range of applications,” says Peter Wolff, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Canon Production Printing.

Offering a unique, patented way not only to hold but also to float the media. FLXflow has three functionalities – Hold, Float and Instant Switch – allowing users to move heavier and irregular-sized media faster and more easily around the table. The Hold functionality, a feature of the original FLOW technology, works by keeping the media in place with a patented airflow technique. Using automatic measurement and adjustment of airflow levels to firmly and accurately hold various types of media in place, the functionality results in flexible positioning with far less masking.

The new Float functionality is an optional feature that pushes air from the table upwards to create a cushion, enabling the easy positioning of heavy or challenging substrates and reducing the risk of media damage or waste. It also results in the smoother registration of all media types, with a ‘floating without drifting’ functionality enabling several media pieces to be precisely positioned simultaneously. The Instant Switch feature allows the operator to quickly change from Hold to Float by using the foot pedals for simple operability of the printer, making it easy to remove media from the table.

 The latest release, 2.1 of PRISMAelevate XL, doubles the printing height to 4 mm (0.157”) to help customers create stand-out, tactile artwork for elevated print applications that enhance and expand their product offering. It enables customers to explore new applications, such as high-value, textured, permanent signage, product decoration, awards, décor materials and package prototyping, as well as applications for the visually impaired. PRISMAelevate XL software makes prints durable without the need for additional finishing steps, such as lamination, coating or spray varnishing, and results in less waste and higher production efficiency.

Arizona 2300 FLXflow customers can also take advantage of the new Advanced Image Layout Controls, which allow last-minute adjustments at the printer, giving additional flexibility when positioning substrates on the table and reducing waste of expensive materials. Productivity is further enhanced by service support tools such as PRISMAservice, which provides predictive maintenance and facilitates authorised remote assistance by qualified service technicians to maximise uptime.

Customers of the current Arizona 2300 with FLOW technology can upgrade their printer to the latest version with FLXflow functionalities, including the optional Float and Instant Switch features. Upgrades also include new features like the Advanced Image Layout Controls. Or they can add PRISMA XL Suite workflow software to provide a preview function, which allows users to see what the final product will look like before it’s printed while enabling them to make any necessary adjustments. Saving time makes it possible to preview complex, multi-layered, textured jobs and provide cost estimates before printing.

Wolff adds, “Combined with our latest release of PRISMAelevate XL, capable of delivering prints at 4 mm (0.157”) elevation, the possibilities have been opened up even further. Customers continuously surprise us with the creative applications they produce, and we can’t wait to see what they create with these new functionalities.”

The Arizona 2300 FLXflow has been designed with the circular economy in mind, offering reduced waste and lower energy consumption than its predecessors. FLXflow technology requires less masking and underlays to hold media in place, resulting in less waste. As LED-UV printers, the series also consumes at least 15% less energy than its UV-halide predecessors. It offers power-saving features such as first-time-right printing and instant-on functionality. Its inks are UL GREENGUARD Gold certified, which ensures prints are safe for use in sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools and other public places.

Customers can also take advantage of Canon’s remanufacturing programme, where they can trade in their well-loved, well-used Arizona printers when purchasing a replacement. These older systems are inspected, serviced and prepared for sale as refurbished printers, further extending the lifespan of the Arizona.

The Arizona 2300 FLXflow will be available from June 2024 and will have its live debut at ISA, Orlando (FL), USA, from April 10-12th, 2024. PRISMAelevate XL 2.1 is available from April 10th via accredited partners and Canon’s direct sales organisations.