Roger Labrum, Analogue Sales and Marketing Manager, Fujifilm, believes there were three trends in evidence at drupa which will shape the future of the industry.
“A significant trend observed at this year’s drupa was the emergence of the B2 sheet in a digitally printed format,” he observed. “This shift towards digital printing is underscored by the fact that all major vendors, including Fujifilm, have introduced a B2 digital offering since the last drupa.
“Another notable trend is the increasing adoption of automation and robotics, driven by workflow solutions. These technologies are revolutionising the industry by enabling ‘hands-off’ production across offset, digital and other print technologies, thereby significantly enhancing production and efficiency.
“The third trend, which is particularly significant for Fujifilm, is the expansion of possibilities in packaging since the last drupa,” he continued. “This includes the introduction of the flagship Barberán and the FUJIFILM Ultra Hybrid Pro, which were non-existent eight years ago. These devices have also seen significant technological advancements, such as improved inkjet head stability and the capabilities of our RIP technology, all of which contribute to the industry’s bottom line. Additionally, our B2 Plus Revoria GC12500 dry toner, a unique product in the market, enables the benefits of four-colour toner-based printing on an oversized B2 XL sheet, making it suitable for commercial print and packaging applications.”
Focusing on products suitable for packaging, Roger Labrum expanded on the benefits of the Revoria GC12500, the world’s first B2+ sized digital press using dry toner technology. Running at 1250 duplex sheets per hour, the Revoria Press GC12500 has the largest sheet size in its class at 750 x 662 mm and a segment-leading resolution of 2400 x 2400 dpi.
Its media flexibility allows uncoated or uncoated stock from lightweight papers to heavy card or carton stock up and can be used to create labels, tickets, swing tags and packaging pieces. Some PET or other synthetic media can also be used without the need for special coatings or pre-treatment. An announcement on the Australian launch of this device will be made in due course.
Another new product is the Acuity Ultra Hybrid Pro, a device producing corrugated signage that provides the best of both worlds – in that it can print roll-to-roll as well as flat board – hence the hybrid naming. “It is very versatile for a range of applications in the market; a robust and effective piece of kit, but very large, requiring around 30 m² of space.
The Acuity Ultra Hybrid Pro uses patented Fujifilm ink technology that adheres to a wide variety of media and is specially designed for rigid and roll substrates. To support high-volume production, it can be seamlessly integrated with a new automation system designed for the automatic handling of rigid materials, allowing one single operator to run the machine for a full pallet-to-pallet process.
“Fujifilm is also the distributor for Spanish company Barberán, which, in partnership with Fujifilm, has developed the new HS Series single-pass inkjet platform that uses Fujifilm inks on a device that can pump out 100 linear metres of corrugated cardboard a minute,” noted Roger Labrum. “It is available now; with one sold at the show to a customer in the UK. This is a huge proposition and needs over 50 metres of space to accommodate it.”
The single-pass inkjet technology of the Fujifilm HS series represents the next generation for the display graphics market. Combining Barberán’s precision engineering and Fujifilm’s mastery of ink chemistry, the series can offer print speeds of over 6,000 m² per hour, at exceptional levels of quality.
Caption:
(L-R) Troy Neighbour, Glenn Conyers and Roger Labrum with the new five-colour Revoria EC285 press
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