Mutoh announces availability of the HydrAton 1642

Mutoh has announced the release of the HydrAton 1642, a 64” / 1625 mm roll-to-roll printer featuring innovative water-based UV technology.

First showcased at drupa 2024, the printer is now available for sale through MUTOH’s certified distributors and partners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with A/NZ availability to be announced shortly. 

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.

The HydrAton 1642 operates at significantly lower temperatures (30°C –50°C) than conventional industrial latex and water-based resin ink printers. This ensures compatibility with heat-sensitive substrates and reduces energy consumption and Carbon Dioxide emissions, making it one of the most eco-responsible solutions in its category.

Its optimised ink film formation system, which combines a three-way heater, a blower fan, and a UV lamp, produces outputs with enhanced durability and superior image quality.
Equipped with two AccuFine HD print heads, the HydrAton 1642 delivers high-speed, high-quality prints with improved ink placement accuracy, reduced banding, and sharp details like fine lines and small text. AccuFine print heads differ because they have increased nozzle row length and high-density nozzle pitch.

Designed with efficiency and ease of use in mind, the HydrAton 1642 is powered by MUTOH’s VerteLith RIP software and includes several innovative automation features to streamline daily workflows:
DropMaster 2: automatically adjusts bi-directional alignment for perfect registration.
FeedMaster: automates media feed correction using built-in sensors.
Media Tracker: prints and scans barcodes to track remaining media length, reducing material waste.