LightJet printers set the standard for true photographic quality. An internal drum holds photo media stationary while imaging with three lasers, achieving image quality superior to all wide format printers - whether photographic, inkjet or electrostatic. The LightJet family of printers is also fast, with models that image up to 45 square metres per hour on media up to 193 cm wide.

The imaging technology used in the LightJet ensures a constant pixel size, shape and intensity over the entire image. LightJet images onto a 270° drum. The method of holding media flat and stationary against the inside of the cylinder wall while imaging ensures the best possible accuracy from one edge of the image to the other. Laser light, which exposes the media, is reflected by a spinning mirror moving along the axis of the cylinder, onto the surface of the media. Advantages of internal drum imaging include: better image sharpness; highest density and colour uniformity; uniform image quality over the entire imaging surface; uniform spot size and shape over the entire imaging surface; and highest geometric accuracy over the entire imaging surface.

Using red, green and blue lasers, LightJet achieves true continuous-tone. Inkjet and electrostatic printers, which simulate photo quality with half-tone dot patterns, would need to image at 4000 dpi to duplicate the same image crispness, highlights and shadow detail. LightJet has a 36-bit colour space, capable of producing 68 billion colours, which ensures optimum control over the light source to reproduce colour with perfect fidelity. In comparison, other photo printers are limited to 24 bits or 16,7 million colours. On-the-fly pixel interpolation allows for enhanced sharpness. Because the pixels are faithful to the original image, the system can output small files at high resolution with no loss of sharpness. Its adaptive interpolation gives users the ability to sharpen some areas of an image, while maintaining softness in other areas - a feature unique to the LightJet.

Applications for LightJet prints include fine art photography, point-of purchase posters, tradeshow displays and remote sensing images. LightJet produces high-density backlit images for airport, advertising, entertainment and point-of-purchase displays, with fast imaging for multiple prints and fast turnaround projects. Its exceptional quality means LightJet is the number one choice for fine art photography, while its precise laser imaging is ideal for aerial photography and satellite imaging and colour consistency makes trade show graphics easy.

For more information contact Luis Roldan, Ocè SA, 011 661 9555.