Durst Group has announced the 3.2 metre, 10-colour (12 - channels) flatbed UV P5 X, a new addition to the P5 family. Officially launched at a media event in Brixen, Italy this week, although displayed at Italy's Viscom expo in September, a beta test has been successfully completed at a prestigious Italian printer - Archimede S.P.A. and commercial shipments will begin in Q1 2025.
Durst's new P5 X is a 3.2 metre flatbed LED-UV printer with roll option
According to Christoph Gamper, CEO and Co-Owner of Durst Group: "The P5 X is a testament to our commitment to continuous growth in the large-format printing sector. We continue to push boundaries with new technologies, expanding our capabilities to meet our customers’ evolving needs. The P5 X, proudly 'Made in Durst', reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and reliability, showcasing the best of what Durst stands for." 
Durst CEO Christoph Gamper
Designed for high-end applications such as custom visual communications, large-scale decoration, and specialty packaging, the P5 X is built to meet the highest standards while also being accessible to those wanting to enter the sweet spot of mid-level flatbed (with roll option) digital printing. Field-testing was by by Archimede S.P.A. near Padua in Italy – a leading provider of visual communication & display solutions for top-tier retail clients and luxury brands.
The P5 platform integrates high-end systems, hybrid solutions, and comprehensive software, service, and ink solutions. It deploys Ricoh Gen5 piezo printheads with a droplet size of 7 picolitres. Reported maximum output speed is 120 sqm/hr. In the P5 X, Durst has introduced a true flatbed printer with roll options, sharing the benefits of the entire P5 platform. The company claims that P5 X excels with its high precision, quality, versatility, usability and advanced features:
- Precision and AccuracyMagnetic linear motors - on the X and Y axes ensure precise, reliable movement across the entire workspace. This advanced system allows for faster and simpler positioning without compromising on accuracy, even at high speeds.
- Powerful Vacuum Table - The P5 X is equipped with a zoned 3.2M x 2.15M vacuum table featuring 12 selectable zones. The four larger zones can be easily adjusted using individual sliders to adapt to the width of the print material, optimizing suction power. Additionally, the vacuum can be reversed for quick and efficient material removal.
- Versatile Color Configuration - The P5 X offers 10 color channels that can be configured to meet specific requirements. Channels include inks from the P5 series, combining CMYK, White, Fluo, Orange, Violet, Light-Cyan, Light-Magenta, Light-Black, Varnish, and Primer, providing ultimate customization for a variety of projects, applications and media types.
- Optimized Printing Usability of Twin Printing Mode - Seamless dual-side printing for increased efficiency without waiting times.oReverse Printing: Enables one-pass white over and under printing using a single printhead.
- Multitrack - Supports simultaneous printing on up to 12 channels (6 per side) with different images or board sizes.
- Visual Status Bar - The status bar provides operators with key information about the print system at a glance. It shows system readiness, remaining print time, ink status, and more, allowing for efficient monitoring and swift reactions to any situation.
The P5 X is built with operator convenience in mind. Its ergonomic design minimizes outer edges, allowing boards to be loaded and unloaded comfortably in an upright position. Safety features include a light curtain on the print carriage that slows down the printing in case of interruption, ensuring maximum safety. The P5 X also includes user-friendly LED indicators that show the correct positioning for boards and identify which vacuum rows should be activated. Magnetic pins are easy to mount, streamlining the entire setup process.
Durst is entering a highly competetive established market sector that includes SwissQprint, Mimaki, Fujifilm, Digitech, EFI, Agfa, Handtop and other Chinese manufactured brands such as Flora. However, as Gamper indicates, the PX 5 represents an entry point into the Durst P5 family of higher speed printers, for which they are renowned.
