Direct Color Systems · UV LED Printers
DCS UV-21MP Small Format
The DCS UV-21MP is a small-format, multi-purpose UV LED flatbed printer from the Direct Color Systems MP Series. It takes substrates up to 18 cm (7″) thick on a fully adjustable, integrated vacuum table, prints CMYK plus white and varnish, and runs Color Byte 12 software. DCS designed it for shops with a smaller footprint doing small to intermediate production. Available from Sign to Badge Solutions.
Key features
1Up to 18 cm (7″) material height
Fully adjustable heights suit flat stock as well as larger objects up to 18 cm thick. Every UV-21MP has a crash detection system to help reduce head strikes.
2Integrated vacuum table
The vacuum table holds flat substrates in place and DCS fits it as standard on all UV-21MP units. DCS says it has room for anything from a layout of small promotional items to medium-sized signage.
3Chromasphere Print Technology
Stainless steel, industrial-grade piezo printheads with 1680 nozzles each and 5–12 pL variable-drop greyscale, fed by a closed-loop ink delivery system. DCS says the MP Series needs no disposable printheads or capping stations.
4White and varnish
CMYK, white and varnish inks from 500 ml direct-pour tanks that can be topped up while you work. A recirculation system keeps the white ink in suspension.
5Texture and Braille
TEXTUR3D™ textured prints for a distinctive look and feel, as well as standard flat prints, and ADA/Braille signage using DCS’s patented technology.
6Rotary ready
An optional, easy-to-install EasyCyl rotary adapter prints cylindrical items from 35 to 150 mm in diameter.
Specifications
| Specification | DCS UV-21MP |
|---|---|
| Printer type | Small-format flatbed UV LED inkjet (DCS MP Series) |
| Printheads | Chromasphere Print Technology printheads, piezo inkjet, stainless steel, 1680 nozzles per head, 5–12 pL variable drop greyscale |
| Print resolutions | 720 × 600, 720 × 900, 720 × 1200 and 720 × 2400 dpi, with uni- and bi-directional options |
| Ink set | 4-colour CMYK, white and varnish; 500 ml direct-pour ink tanks |
| Inks listed by DCS | Chromasphere General Purpose Ink; Chromasphere Fx Flexible Ink |
| Maximum substrate size | 62 × 55 cm (24.4″ × 21.6″) |
| Maximum material height | 18 cm (7″), fully adjustable |
| Maximum substrate weight | 8 kg |
| Vacuum table | Integrated vacuum table for substrate hold-down (standard) |
| Head protection | Crash detection system |
| Cylindrical printing | Optional EasyCyl rotary adapter, 35–150 mm diameter |
| Software | Color Byte 12 with Compass feature, plus printer control software |
| Power requirements | 220–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single-phase circuit, 20 A max |
| Operating environment | 20–25 °C; 40–70% relative humidity (40–60% optimal) |
| Printer size | 1503 × 864 × 1050 mm |
| Crated dimensions | 1640 mm L × 990 mm W × 1130 mm H |
| Weight | 166 kg printer; 195 kg crated |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty (as listed by DCS) |
These are the manufacturer’s specifications, summarised from Direct Color Systems’ UV-21MP product page and specification sheet, and are subject to change by DCS. The maximum print area isn’t listed here because the DCS web page and spec sheet give different figures. Print speeds aren’t listed either, because DCS notes they depend on the substrate and print mode. Ask us to confirm either for your jobs.
What else you’ll need
DCS lists the following requirements and options for the UV-21MP.
Compatible DCS ink
DCS lists Chromasphere General Purpose and Chromasphere Fx Flexible inks for the MP Series. DCS states that only the compatible ink specified for each machine should be used, as other inks can harm the machine and void the warranty.
A suitable power circuit
A single-phase 220–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz circuit, 20 A maximum.
A controlled room
DCS specifies 20–25 °C and 40–70% relative humidity, with 40–60% as optimal.
Substrate testing and adhesion promoter
DCS recommends testing all substrates for image receptivity, adhesion and durability. Some materials may need an adhesion promoter or a chemical wipe before printing.
Jigs for promotional items
DCS offers standard and custom jigs, designed and calibrated for the printer model, to hold items in exact positions on the bed.
EasyCyl for cylindrical items
The optional EasyCyl rotary adapter is needed to print cylindrical items from 35 to 150 mm in diameter.
Chromasphere Print Technology
DCS describes Chromasphere Print Technology as a holistic approach to print system design: ink formulated for the system, precision-engineered stainless steel printheads and a closed-loop ink delivery system. Unlike gravity-fed designs, the MP Series doesn’t use disposable printheads, capping stations or dampers, which DCS says keeps downtime and maintenance to a minimum.
Bulk-load tanks let you add ink on the fly, and white ink is recirculated to keep it in suspension and maintain its viscosity. DCS notes that print times vary with the print mode and substrate, and that final acceptance of any substrate should follow your own tests.
Suited to:
- Promotional and ad-specialty items
- Small to medium-sized signage
- ADA/Braille signage
- Textured prints for promotional or décor work
- Cylindrical items (with EasyCyl)
- Small to intermediate production
- Shops with a smaller footprint
More UV LED printers
Compare the other UV LED printers available from Sign to Badge Solutions.
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Interested in the DCS UV-21MP? Tell us what you plan to print and we’ll help you work through the set-up, from inks and jigs to rotary printing.
Request a Quoteor call 07 3412 0285