Sources said the company will officially launch the machine at the International Sign Expo (ISA), Las Vegas, in April, where the H1625 was launched three years ago.

According to G Scott Wood, senior product manager, EFI, the idea was to drive more speed using the base technology of the H1625, so more efficiency at a similar price point can be achieved.

The machine can print at more than double the speed of the H1625, running at 90.7 sq/m per hour in express mode. It has a range of other modes, including distant view/outdoor, production, high quality and ultra-quality, each running at incrementally slower speeds.

The machine runs six channels, CMYK plus double-hit white. It can handle flexible and rigid substrates up to 1.6m wide and 50mm thick. It prints photographic images at 1,200dpi using variable-drop greyscale option capability and runs off an EFI Fiery XF RIP.

The machine will be for the same target customer as the H1625 — mid-level or smaller shops, along with commercial printers.