Development History
The initial PrintMETAL processor was developed by Metal Sign & Label Pty Ltd, Brisbane Australia to meet their own requirements for printing into anodized aluminum.
1993
Metal Sign & Label commenced as a distributor of MetalPhoto, a photographic printing process using silver compounds embedded into the anodic layer of anodized aluminum.
1994
Started selling multi colored printed anodized aluminum. using light sensitive emulsion covered aluminum. and screen printed techniques.
1996
Initiated Research & Development of digital printing processes, ink formulations and modifying existing large format ink jet printers.
1997
Applied for first patent relating to method of printing into aluminum anodic layer. PrintMETAL MkI machine started commercial production printing utilizing 300 dpi 4 color process.
1999
Printmetal Mk II flatbed machine started commercial production printing.
2004
Research & Development started for new ink formulations to overcome previous printing limitations. Piezoelectric ink jet technology selected for new processor due to wider range of ink chemistry options and availability of robust industrial print head ink delivery systems.
International relationships formed to bring the best ink jet integration technology, design team, processor manufacturing capability and ink chemistry together.
February 2006
Design of PrintMETAL MkIII finalized, 2 prototype processors made .
Mid 2006 - present
Prototype testing, reliability trails and testing, software degugging. 1 processor is now working in a production environment.
Date to be advised
International marketing of the PrintMETAL processor will commence.
Expressions of interest for processor sales and international distribution are being sought.
Contact
Max Robbie - Metal Sign & Label Pty Ltd
Brisbane, Australia
Phone +61 7 3299 3877
Fax +61 7 3299 1377
email : max@metalsignlabel.com.au
web : www.metalsignlabel.com.au