This edition of The Printer Picture features a passport photo system from Pakor and AirPrint support for new Canon consumer printers. Also highlighted are the Inca SpyderX UV inkjet printer from Fujifilm and a newly released Epson Expression Photo printer.
Pakor’s fastID Passport Photo System
Pakor announced its fastID system—a wireless passport photo system developed to streamline passport photography with consistent results. It is designed to fulfill a need for retailers preparing for future airline security changes by simplifying passport photography using biometric facial recognition.
fastID’s Photomatic software automatically processes an image into an ICAO-compliant photograph. (The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the UN that defines standards for machine-readable passports worldwide.)
The software is engineered to turn an image automatically into a perfect passport or visa photo for 130+ countries. Its biometric technology analyzes each photo against 30 credentials to ensure it passes government requirements. fastID also supplies a digital file via e-mail for the applicant, allowing additional revenue for retailers.
“We’re excited to have the fastID passport system to offer to our customers. This system is the only one on the market today that offers the ability to e-mail passport photos,” said Rich Mast, vice president, Sales and Marketing. “With the future of passport photography, this function will be a necessity.”
In addition, Pakor’s fastID passport system is meant to be an affordable product for companies to get a quick level of return on their investment. fastID is sold in various configurations. The basic model consists of a dye-sublimation printer able to print a 4×6-inch photo in 10 seconds and a Windows 10 touch-screen console running Pakor Photomatic software. Pricing begins at $895.95. pakor.com/fastid
Canon Adds AirPrint Support for Pixma TS/TR Wireless AiO Consumer Printers
Canon USA announced that seven new all-in-one (AiO) consumer printers, the Pixma TS9120, TS8120, TS6120, TS5120, TS3120, TR8520 and TR7520 wireless inkjet printers, now support Apple AirPrint wireless printing technology. Compatibility with AirPrint means users have easy access to convenient mobile printing.
Beneficial for consumers and home office professionals alike, AirPrint allows users to seamlessly print photos, e-mails, web pages and documents wirelessly from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device without the need to download or install any device drivers.
In addition to the seven new printers, the other Canon Pixma AiO inkjet printer models currently compatible with AirPrint wireless technology include the following: the TR8250, TS9020, TS8020, TS6020, TS5020, MG7720, MG6820, MG6821, MG6822, MG5720, MG5721 and MG5722. Additionally, the Canon Pixma iP8720 wireless inkjet crafting printer also supports Apple AirPrint.
A full list of all the printers from the Canon Pixma lineup that support AirPrint wireless technology can be found at usa.canon.com/AirPrint.
Fujifilm Introduces Inca SpyderX UV Inkjet Printer
Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, introduced the Inca SpyderX—a flexible flatbed and roll-to-roll UV inkjet press. The printer makes its North American debut at SGIA Expo 2017, October 10–12 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The midrange SpyderX inkjet printer produces a variety of output, delivering up to 2,476 square feet/hour. The printer utilizes Inca’s knowledge of core inkjet technologies along with Fujifilm’s Dimatix printheads and UvijetXS ink. Moreover, the SpyderX is engineered to open the door to short-run specialty work for print service providers.
The 126-inch-wide, six-color plus white SpyderX is available as a flatbed or a combination flatbed/roll-fed printer. It can handle rigid and flexible substrates, including PVC sheets, foam board, corrugated, polystyrene, window cling, wallpaper and banner material.
Moreover, with light cyan and light magenta inks in the standard channel configuration, the SpyderX allows for finished prints with smooth tones and gradients. Its standard configuration also includes two white ink channels. This enables printing on clear and dark substrates. It also enables layered printing over or under an image, or it can be used as a spot color.
In addition, with Inca software, multilayer images can be built within the printer’s user interface to maximize throughput on even the highest quality specialty graphics production. fujifilmusa.com
Epson Expression Photo XP-8500 Small-in-One Printer
Epson America debuted the Expression Photo XP-8500 Small-in-One wireless printer. The compact printer delivers borderless photos up to 8×10 and 4×6 inches in about 10 seconds. With creative features, the printer is targeted at photo enthusiasts as well as hobbyists. Features include built-in USB and memory card slots for computer-free printing. There are also dedicated photo and CD/DVD printing trays. In addition, there is a rear paper feed for specialty media.
The printing and scanning solution leverages six-color Claria Photo HD inks. The ink set includes light cyan and light magenta, to deliver photo output with smooth gradations and accurate skin tones. The printer includes a dedicated photo tray plus direct CD/DVD printing abilities.
Utilizing Epson Connect, the XP-8500 is a wireless solution for smart devices. It permits users to print directly from an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet as well as a smartphone. In addition, with embedded Wi-Fi Direct, they can print network-free from anywhere.
The printer is also compatible with the Epson Creative Print app. Via the app, users can create custom, borderless photo collages from Instagram. And with the bonus Scan and Share software, they can automatically scan to Facebook and the cloud. The mobile app also provides a platform to customize photo backgrounds and add text. It also enables users to print collages, personalized coloring pages, stationery, photo greeting cards and calendars from the Expression Photo XP-8500. $249.99. epson.com
