SINGAPORE, 1 October 2021 — Canon today announced four new imagePROGRAF series large format printers to cater to graphics producers, creative agencies, and in-house printing departments. The imagePROGRAF GP-540 (44 inch) and GP-520 (24 inch) use 10 pigmented aqueous inks and fluorescent pink ink, and the imagePROGRAF GP-5300 (36 inch) and GP-5200 (24 inch) use 5 pigmented aqueous inks plus fluorescent pink ink.

The new imagePROGRAF GP series printers are designed to meet market demand for vivid colour Point-of-Purchase (POP) displays, bright and vibrant campaign visuals and drive business as the economy recovers.

A new “Radiant Infusion” technology layers a newly developed fluorescent pink ink with other inks on the paper surface during printing, which enhances bright and soft colour reproduction, while the bundled PC software “PosterArtist Lite” enables users to create high impact posters easily, even for users with little or zero desktop publishing knowledge. In addition, the imagePROGRAF GP-540 and GP-520 feature red, orange, green and violet inks that expand the range of colour reproduction to achieve the largest colour gamut to date for the imagePROGRAF large format printers.

PANTONE™-calibrated^*2 License for A Wide Range of Applications
The new imagePROGRAF GP series has been awarded the world’s first PANTONE-calibrated license*³ for “PANTONE PASTELS & NEONS GUIDE Coated”*⁴, which includes fluorescent and pastel colours.

In addition, the GP-540 and GP-520 models can achieve 99% coverage*⁵ of the “PANTONE FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated” used in a wide range of applications, such as printing and design, and obtained a further PANTONE-calibrated license.

By adhering to these industry-wide standards, the new imagePROGRAF printers are able to reproduce colours as they are intended in the design, making them a vital end-stage in the printing process.

imagePROGRAF GP-520 and GP-540 – For the Widest Colour Gamut in the Canon Line Up
Fluorescent pink ink is at the heart of the new “Radiant Infusion” technology. Users have the choice of printing with or without fluorescent ink. With this special ink in specific areas such as text, clipart, and graphics in pink and orange, it will create an exceptional neon-like colour expression and make stunning POP art graphics.

The imagePROGRAF GP-520 and GP-540 feature new red, orange, green, violet and fluorescent pink ink specially developed to maximise new printer performance. These new inks expand the range of colour reproduction possible, empowering the latest imagePROGRAF series with the widest colour gamut to date, and enabling physical output to mirror visuals on monitors.

This highly versatile printing workhorse is equally adept at bringing to life vivid graphics and meeting the demands of the professional domain of proof-printing where colour reproduction accuracy is of paramount importance.

Superior Media Handling – Smart Roll Paper Set and Multifunctional Roll System
To improve operator efficiency, an intelligent media handling function automatically performs paper supply and feeding, detects the paper type and width, estimates the remaining amount of paper, and adjusts the condition to enable printing, beginning by simply placing the roll paper in the printer.

In addition, the Multifunction Roll System available on the imagePROGRAF GP-540 and GP-520 achieve dual roll feeding, and rewinding printouts on roll (a media take-up unit). By mounting an optional roll unit, high-volume continuous printing becomes possible, and businesses can opt to use two rolls of the same media type, or even two different sizes and types of roll paper. In addition, the lower unit can also be used as a take-up unit for collecting the output from the upper unit.

Raster Image Processor (RIP)*⁶ Support to Assist a Variety of Output Workflows
Leading RIP vendors in designing, proofing output, print services for large format printers, such as Caldera, Ergosoft, CGS, DEVStudio, DINAX, Shiraz, EFI, Eisfeld, ONYX, and SAi are on board in development alongside the introduction of the imagePROGRAF GP-540 and GP-520.

With such class-leading support from leading RIP vendors, business can expect to deploy software RIP to suit their preferred printing workflow.

imagePROGRAF GP-5300 and GP-5200 – Powerful and Versatile Poster Creation
The imagePROGRAF GP-5300 and GP-5200 feature the same fluorescent pink ink found in GP-540 and GP-520. They offer similar features such as “Radiant Infusion” technology that achieves more vibrant printing with an expanded colour gamut, spot colour printing for pink and orange zones, and PANTONE calibrated licencing for “PANTONE PASTELS & NEONS GUIDE Coated”*⁴ and “PANTONE FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated”*⁵.

Imbued with the ability to create compelling advertisements and posters, enhanced with fluorescent colours, the imagePROGRAF GP-5300 and GP-5200 can support in-house production of large format outputs with increased appeal and visibility for numerous industries and businesses, including retail stores, the food and beverage industry, government agencies, and schools.

Overcoming Space Constraints with Full Front Operation
All operations related to printing, such as setting and replacing of roll paper and ink tanks as well as removing of printouts, can be performed from the front of the printer. Since the printer can be installed flush against the wall, effective use of space can be achieved, so businesses and outfits with limited space can also take advantage of the high-quality output of the imagePROGRAF GP-5300 and GP-5200.

Direct Printing without PC and Secure Printing
Print job data can be saved to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and printed directly from the printer without using a PC. This enables users to easily reprint without using a PC when additional printing is needed.

For businesses handling and printing confidential data, secure printing is an additional layer of security by requiring users to enter a PIN code on the operation panel of the printer before a print job can be released. This feature also prevents loss or neglected prints and helps in cost savings.

“PosterArtist Lite” Software with Enhanced Functions for Easy Poster Creation
The new imagePROGRAF GP series printers are bundled with the latest version of the “PosterArtist Lite” PC software, allowing businesses to create high-grade posters with vivid colours easily.

A new Vivid mode harnesses “Radiant Infusion” technology to achieve exceptionally vibrant prints with an expanded colour gamut. Operators can also select a Spot mode that instructs the printer to deploy fluorescent ink in specific areas, so that text, figures and clip art in pink and orange are truly outstanding.

New templates have been added to make use of the fluorescent pink ink expression, while a new image search feature makes it easy to delve into photo images provided for free by three stock service providers (Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels). From the extensive stock of millions of photos, users can select their favourite images and combine them to easily create attractive and engaging posters.