Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced new models in the imagePROGRAF GP Series — the 60-inch GP-6600S and 44-inch GP-4600S — which will bolster the large-format inkjet printer offerings and are designed to provide high-speed output for graphics and posters.

Expanding on the success of the imagePROGRAF GP Series, these additions to the line feature a new seven-color ink configuration designed for the creation of high-quality graphics and vivid posters at high speeds while working to suppress scratches on the printing surface that can arise via post-processing. Featuring newly developed LUCIA PRO II pigment ink, designed to provide improved image permanence from the previous generation, these printers can be utilized for in-house printing departments and print for pay business for a variety of applications, including signage and advertisements. These new models are replacing the PRO S Series printers.

"The additions to Canon's imagePROGRAF GP Series lineup can potentially go a long way toward helping users print high-quality visuals, such as posters, graphics, banners and advertisements, and its focus on color matching, print reproduction and improved scratch resistance can make them attractive to a large segment of users," said Tim Greene, research director, International Data Corporation (IDC).

The new GP S printers are an expansion of the current GP Series lineup. The seven-color ink system used in these printers include orange ink and can reach 96% of PANTONE FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated, enabling a wide range of color reproduction for more vivid and accurate poster prints. This new ink configuration can also work to help produce and preserve prints, as wax has been added to the ink, giving the printed surface better resistance to abrasion-caused scratches on glossy and semi-glossy media.

The newly developed ink sensing system periodically monitors ink ejection, detecting deterioration of ejecting conditions and automatically performing alignment adjustment, printing can be continued without deterioration of images. The intelligent media handling system, which automatically detects the paper width, type and estimates the remaining amount of paper in a shorter time over the previous models, automates the feeding process that can help to ensure stable operations even in the absence of skilled or experienced personnel. Reduced ink consumption relative to previous models and 700ml ink tank's help to contribute to lower running cost for these production print models. The addition of LED interior lights allow users to preview prints and semitranslucent ink tank covers allows users to monitor ink tank status.

The new models contribute to Canon's commitment to sustainability by reducing the use of polystyrene foam packing materials by 89.5% for the imagePROGRAF GP-4600S4. Both the GP-4600S and GP-6600S have earned an EPEAT Gold designation as a product that has met the most demanding set of criteria for sustainability leadership in electronics.

"Providing imaging professionals with the ability to produce visually appealing works at fast speeds with color consistency has always been an important goal, and we are excited to see how the latest additions to the imagePROGRAF GP Series will fit into that mission while also contributing to our sustainability efforts," said Shinichi "Sam" Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. Inc.

In other news, Canon U.S.A. Inc. has released a trio of 11-color plus chroma optimizer inkjet models for the large-format imagePROGRAF Series — the new imagePROGRAF 60-inch PRO-6600, 44-inch PRO-4600 and 24-inch PRO-2600 models.

Designed for photography and fine art, the new imagePROGRAF PRO line features the newly developed LUCIA PRO II pigment ink designed to help improve the image quality from previous models while also enhancing resistance to light. Improved black density on art paper was achieved by changing the formulation and material of matte black ink, the color gamut of the dark region was expanded by the adoption of a newly designed image table. The new ink set can also work to help produce and preserve prints as a crystalline wax has been added to the ink, giving the printed surface better resistance to abrasion-caused scratches on glossy and semiglossy media. The reformulated Chroma Optimizer is designed to give the surface a clear coat of transparent ink that helps suppress bronze phenomena and helps reduce uneven glossiness.

"The additions of the three printers to the imagePROGRAF Series can be very helpful in regard to delivering exquisite print and impeccable details while providing excellent light resistance," said Larry Chen, a professional car and automotive photographer and a Canon Explorer of Light since 2020. "As a photographer and imaging professional, producing the highest quality images is the upmost importance to me and my business. The PRO models can favorably recreate expressive prints while also reproducing a wide color gamut range that helps produce excellent image quality in the imagePROGRAF series."

The new series includes a newly developed ink sensing system that periodically monitors ink ejection condition and optimizes ink landing position by detecting deterioration of ejecting condition and automatically performing alignment adjustment. The intelligent media handling function automatically detects the paper type, width and estimated remaining amount of paper, plus it completes the paper feeding process in a shorter time than previous models. The automation of this process will help ensure stable operations even in the absence of skilled or experienced personnel. The addition of LED interior lights allows users to preview prints and semitranslucent ink tank covers allows users to monitor ink tank status.

"The imagePROGRAF series has been recognized in the past many times for its outstanding performance and versatility, and this announcement continues to show our company's on-going commitment to empowering our customers with the tools and capabilities needed to produce the high-quality content for projects with photography and fine arts," Yoshida said.

Additionally, Canon is launching two new fine art papers, Fine Art Etching 315 gsm, which enables fine photographic art prints that features deep black colors. Also launching is a Fine Art Baryta 310 gsm which includes a 100% barium sulfate (baryta) layer with elegant smooth finishes that are ideal for images with deep black and rich colors, dark room prints and fine photographic reproductions.

Canon has announced the series has earned an EPEAT Gold designation as a product that has met the most demanding set of criteria for sustainability leadership in electronics. The new models contribute to companies commitment to sustainability by reducing the use of polystyrene packing materials, including 100% EPS free packaging in the case of the imagePROGRAF PRO-26003.