Mutoh wins EDP award for HydrAton 1642 see it at PacPrint

Mutoh has taken home a 2025 EDP Award in recognition of its newly released HydrAton 1642, a 1625 mm (64") environmentally responsible roll-to-roll printer, unveiled as part of the company’s sustainability-driven innovation pipeline. The award was announced at FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, marking a high point in the show for Mutoh Australia.

The HydrAton 1642 was one of only six winners in the Large & Wide Format Printing Hardware category. The printer leverages water-based UV technology to deliver high image quality with reduced environmental impact—a combination gaining traction across the industry.

HydrAton 1642 is powered by AQUAFUZE, an advanced UV-curable water-based ink technology developed by Fujifilm. This hybrid ink system combines the benefits of water-based and UV-curable inks, utilising Fujifilm’s proprietary dispersion technology to achieve low-VOC, low-odour, and non-hazardous printing.

Unlike traditional inks, AQUAFUZE adheres to many substrates, including non-porous materials, without primers or adhesion promoters. The thin yet durable printed ink film offers excellent scratch resistance without an overcoat, making it ideal for wallpapers, retail décor, indoor signage, and public space applications.

The ink's development focused on ingredient selection, ensuring compliance with the highest safety and environmental standards. With a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than 15%, the formulation is designed to minimise emissions. Additionally, the ink is free from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), aligning with many regulatory standards aimed at safeguarding both operators and the environment. Its classification as GHS hazard-free means that it does not require any hazard markings, reflecting a commitment to safety without compromising on performance.
AQUAFUZE is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, and MUTOH is working towards additional certifications for interior and building materials in Europe.

Speaking to Image Magazine at FESPA Berlin Mutoh Australias's managing director, Russell Cavenagh said the accolade was “due recognition for a really innovative product.”

Cavenagh also emphasised Mutoh’s manufacturing credentials, noting, “Mutoh is the only hardware manufacturer to manufacture wholly in Japan – and that equates to high quality finish for Mutoh products, with excellent technical engineering capability. Mutoh’s transparency as an industry-leading print solution provider is one of the keys to our ongoing success.”

Designed for high performance and reduced operational impact, the HydrAton 1642 operates at significantly lower drying temperatures (30–50°C) than traditional latex and resin-based systems. This allows the printer to work effectively with heat-sensitive substrates while reducing overall energy usage and CO₂ emissions.

An optimised ink film formation system: featuring a three-way heater, blower fan, and UV lamp, delivers improved durability and image sharpness. The printer’s two AccuFine HD print heads enhance ink placement accuracy and reduce banding, enabling high-speed output with fine detail reproduction, including small text and precise linework. The print heads feature extended nozzle rows and increased nozzle density to support consistent quality at speed.

The HydrAton 1642 also integrates a suite of automated production tools to streamline workflow, including:

• DropMaster 2 for automatic bi-directional alignment;
• FeedMaster, which uses internal sensors for automated media feed correction;
• Media Tracker, a barcode system that monitors remaining media length to minimise waste.

The printer ships with Mutoh’s VerteLith RIP software, which is optimised for the HydrAton's capabilities and includes integrated colour management features.

Australia will see the HydrAton 1642 in action at PacPrint 2025, where Mutoh will exhibit on Stand C58 at Sydney Showground from Tuesday 20 May.