In the fields of outdoor advertising, vehicle wrapping, and retail displays, meeting the demands for vibrant color output, weather resistance, and environmental safety has long been a key focus of technological research and development. In the 2026 market, mild-solvent printers are addressing this challenge through a series of specific technological upgrades. In May 2026, MUTOH launched the next-generation XpertJet 1681SR Pro for the European market. This 64-inch roll-to-roll eco-solvent inkjet printer is equipped with the newly developed AccuFine HD Pro printhead, featuring 8 channels and a total of 3,200 nozzles, capable of achieving a print speed of 16 square meters per hour. In terms of color performance, this model adds four ink channels-Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Orange, and Red-to the standard CMYK configuration. The inclusion of Orange and Red significantly enhances the reproduction of warm tones and brand-specific colors, making it particularly suitable for retail graphics and high-end signage production.
However, perhaps the most significant advancement in mild-solvent printers in 2026 lies in their proactive embrace of environmental standards. The MS51 ink used in the XpertJet 1681SR Pro has earned UL GREENGUARD Gold certification and has passed a series of low-emission certifications, including Germany's AgBB, France's A+, Belgium's VOC, the UK's BREEAM, the US's LEED, and Finland's M1. This means the inks meet indoor air quality requirements for applications in schools, hospitals, retail stores, and other environments with high indoor environmental standards. At the same time, an improved flatbed pre-dryer increases drying capacity by 20%, enabling more effective control and management of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ink. From a printing company's perspective, these advancements translate to fewer maintenance downtime and higher production efficiency-automated features like DropMaster 2 and FeedMaster automatically adjust bidirectional alignment and media feed accuracy, significantly reducing the time required for roll changes and image changes.
When the graphics on an outdoor billboard must not only withstand the elements but also ensure they remain non-toxic and harmless to passersby throughout their lifecycle, the performance of mild-solvent printers in 2026 may prove to be more significant than we ever imagined.
