Canon U.S.A. Inc. has announced that 3M has recognized the quality of the Colorado M-series and includes its UVgel 460 ink white ink (which is an optional upgrade) for approval in their 3M MCS Warranty program. This approval shows that 3M believes applications printed on the Colorado M-series in combination with the UVgel 460 and 3M's approved media can achieve high quality standards. Applications covered by the 3M MCS Warranty include vehicle graphics, signs and displays, floor graphics, as well as transparent film and multilayer applications such as window graphics and many others.

To qualify for the approval, the Colorado M-series and its UVgel 460 inks including the optional white ink, in combination with a variety of 3M media, successfully passed a series of rigorous tests carried out under 3M's stringent assessment conditions. Underpinned by the thorough testing of ink, printer and media combinations, including also 3M's elaborate weathering technology, the 3M MCS Warranty can give both print service providers and their customers confidence that their images can perform as expected for the intended lifetime of the printed graphic.

Widely recognized as a de-facto industry standard and representing a comprehensive, all-inclusive warranty for finished graphics, the 3M MCS Warranty provides non-prorated protection for the graphic's intended lifespan, including protection against fading, cracking, peeling, blistering, discoloration and many other aspects of graphic performance.

The Colorado M-series was launched earlier this year and is designed as a single, fully modular platform that can be configured to customers' needs and grow with their business, with easy in-field upgrades.

The scalable series includes two base models (M3 and M5) offering a choice of output speeds, with the option to upgrade from one model to the other. Both printers can be easily upgraded to include white ink (M3W and M5W).

The Colorado M-series is designed to be an amazingly productive 64-inch printer family and uses the unique UVgel ink technology which now also includes a white ink option. It incorporates many great aspects of alternative ink technologies, such as a large color gamut, excellent light fastness, certifications for indoor use and quick drying time, and the productivity and low-temperature printing process of UV.

The inclusion of a white UVgel ink for the 3M MCS Warranty program helps to maximize the scope for customers to benefit from UVgel's renowned performance benefits for a wide spectrum of premium graphics — for example window graphics, labels, interior décor and many multilayer applications

UVgel inks produce odorless, robust output suitable for indoor use, as well as being very durable for outdoor use. And with customers benefiting from zero VOC emissions, zero hazardous air pollutants and a low average ink usage of 6.4ml/m2 across the more than 3000 UVgel engines installed worldwide, UVgel has already proved itself to be a cost-efficient alternative for latex and eco-solvent technology.

"At 3M, we take great pride in offering graphics manufacturers an extensive range of premier printing solutions," said Woonsik Shim, vice president of the graphics and personal auto business, 3M Commercial Solutions Division. "Our relationship with Canon further strengthens our commitment to delivering top-notch quality, providing an enhanced warranty that reflects our dedication to customer success. This collaboration inspires confidence in the printed graphics industry, as we continue to strive for excellence and foster trust through our innovative offerings."

"With our revolutionary UV gel technology at its core, the new Colorado M-series represents a groundbreaking achievement for our company," said Shinichi "Sam" Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. Inc. "With its ability to easily handle high-margin white ink applications through an easy upgrade, the Colorado M-series is an amazing addition to the market. Securing the prestigious 3M MCS warranty for the M-series is a testament to our long-term strategic vision of transforming the production of wide format graphics and other applications. Through collaboration with esteemed industry partners like 3M, we are committed to expanding the options available to print service providers in this dynamic market. By harnessing the power of UV gel technology, we aim to showcase the remarkable difference it can make for our valued customers."