EFI Launches Cretaprint Hybrid Ecosystem for More Competitive Digital Ceramic Tile Decoration

Ceramic tile producers seeking to solidify their long-term success in digital decoration have a remarkable new option from Electronics For Imaging Inc. (PRINTING United Booth 8233). EFI™ Cretaprint® Hybrid digital inkjet printer technology can be used with today’s eco-solvent inks as well as the new, greener EFI water-based inks. The new hybrid eco-solvent/aqueous ink offering will give users greater versatility in their tile production operations, using EFI Cretaprint printers that can easily transition to water-based ink.

“A simple cleaning protocol and a quick software update are all that is required to move to water-based inks at any time,” said Jose Luis Ramón Moreno, Vice President and General Manager, EFI Industrial Printing. “This means users can invest in a technology that is proven, competitive, and will be able to move when the market moves to more sustainable tile decoration processes.”

EFI Cretaprint Hybrid printers are the first hybrid ceramic tile printers in the market, available with printing widths from 700 millimeters to 1,400 millimeters with up to 12 printing bars. They are part of the fifth generation of Cretaprint Smart Printers for Ceramics, providing excellent connectivity and a great user experience thanks to applications such as a tone adjustment system, fine-tuning control, nozzle out compensation, ID printing, a supervisory control and data acquisition printer management system, and the EFI Go mobile app for remote printer monitoring.

EFI water-friendly ceramic inks

These unique, water-based ink sets deliver strong performance in industrial production environments, while providing environmental benefits such as a 90% reduction in VOC emissions and a 73% reduction in carbon emissions. Plus, the inks do not require using chemical solvents when cleaning the press. The inks produce accurate, high-quality color for reduced waste and rework.

The EFI Fiery® proServer for Cretaprint, the digital front end that pioneered color management for tile decoration, helps make the transition to water-friendly technology smooth and ensures ink savings. Its configurable service programs for technical assistance and preventive maintenance allow tile manufacturers to receive the services that best fit their equipment at a flat rate.

The flexibility and technological robustness of the EFI Hybrid Ceramic Ecosystem puts tile producers on a path to the future in digital glazing and full digital ceramic decoration.