Canon – Machinery Manufacturer Spotlight

Canon dates back to 1933, when it was founded in Tokyo as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory. Just a decade later, the company produced Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera, the Kwanon.

Canon entered the large-format printing market in the 1990s with the launch of its first imagePrograf large-format printers and imagePRESS digital production presses – these made it possible to print flexible and rigid media at scale.

In 2008, Canon unveiled its first UV flatbed printer – the Océ Arizona 550 GT – after acquiring Océ, a leading manufacturer of wide-format printing systems.

The Arizona flatbed series became extremely popular for digital print media like rigid signs, displays, and packaging prototypes.

Recent format innovations from Canon include the award-winning UVgel roll-to-roll Colorado printers introduced in 2017. UVgel technology uses UV LED curing and a gel ink to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Signage and poster printers

Canon Colorado M-Series

The Colorado M-Series prints retail posters, special materials like reflective vinyl, window clings, vehicle wraps, fine art, wallcoverings, and much more at 111m2/hr on the M3 model to 159m2/hr on the M5.

With the inline print-side-in capability, you can print double-sided banners or graphics with a premium glossy finish, velvety matte, or even mixed matte and gloss areas in one pass for striking visual effects. FLXture adds subtle surface textures for a tactile experience.

UVgel prints use up to 40% less ink than eco-solvent. Automated roll feeding, a refined maintenance routine, and energy-efficient LED curing keep operating costs low. Yet quality remains brilliant with bright solids, smooth gradients, and accurate skin tones.

UV flatbed printers

Arizona 6100 Mark II series

An accurate flatbed system that’s purpose-built to deliver exceptional print quality and productivity across various rigid media applications.

Available in standard and porous media versions, the Arizona 6100 Mark II printers use Canon’s advanced 3rd-generation VariaDot imaging technology. They have six independent print channels and 36 or 42 printheads for precise droplet placement.

Print speeds reach an impressive 220 square metres per hour, with fast, repeatable results on rigid materials up to 3.2 x 2.5 metres. Continuous printing capabilities enable maximum uptime and productivity.

The extra-large dual-origin flatbed table allows nonstop production with fast media loading/unloading on alternating vacuum areas. The Arizona 6170 XTS and XTHF models have high-flow vacuum technology to securely hold even porous substrates like corrugated materials.

Print quality is unrivalled, with photorealistic output suitable for the most demanding indoor and outdoor display graphics. The high pigment load inks provide vibrant colours, superb detail, and impressive durability.

Arizona 135 GT

The Arizona 135 GT is an affordable entry point into Canon’s award-winning Arizona flatbed printer series. It features Canon’s VariaDot greyscale imaging technology, which allows for advanced droplet size selection and produces exceptional print quality.

Vibrant colours, smooth gradients and flawless photorealistic images are achieved at speeds up to 34.2 square metres per hour.

The efficient high-pressure vacuum system ensures reliable media hold-down, even on warped rigid substrates up to 125 x 250 cm. A field-upgradeable Roll Media Option expands capabilities to include flexible media applications up to 2.2 metres wide.

True UV LED curing allows printing on an expansive variety of materials and surfaces – everything from standard graphics media to industrial applications like wall coverings.

The low-heat LED lamps reduce operating costs, while UL GREENGUARD Gold-certified inks are safe for sensitive indoor environments.

Manufacturing information

Canon’s key production facilities are in Japan, with headquarters in Tokyo, but it also operates satellite facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States that replicate its Japanese facilities.

The Canon London showroom on Farringdon Street is worth the trip to test their latest large-format printers and see upcoming innovations.

Innotech supplies a complete range of flexible wide and grand-format print materials for Canon printers. Browse our complete range of digital print media here.