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Case study: Jet Press 750S HSM, Revoria PC1120, Revoria E1 Series

Impress Print Services

Casestudie

Impress Print Services expands capabilities and enhances efficiency with triple investment in Fujifilm digital print solutions

Impress Print Services

Walton-on-Thames, UK

Jet Press 750S HSM, Revoria Press PC1120, Revoria E1 Series

Reading time: 5 minutes

The Fujifilm machines do what we need them to do straight away, with minimal downtime, enhancing our overall business productivity and efficiency.

Michael Kille | Impress Print Services

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Hoogtepunten

  • Leading UK print company expands capabilities and enhances operational efficiency with combined investment.
  • The digital print solutions include Fujifilm’s Jet Press 750S High Speed Model, Revoria Press PC1120 and Revoria Press E1 Series.
  • The new presses have propelled Impress into new markets, such as short-run packaging (through the Jet Press), and enabled it to bring previously outsourced B1 litho work in-house (through the Revoria presses).
  • Impress is a business that prioritises sustainability – when considering the investment, Impress placed huge importance on the overall environmental credentials of the new machines.
  • The special colours on the Revoria PC1120 have really helped them retain certain types of work and Impress Print Services are delighted with the quality and productivity of the monochrome Revoria E1

Leading UK print company expands capabilities and enhances operational efficiency with combined investment in Fujifilm’s Jet Press 750S High Speed Model, Revoria Press PC1120 and Revoria Press E1 Series. Based in Walton-on-Thames, UK, Impress is a family owned business that has grown into an award-winning print business with a reputation for quality and sustainability. Over the course of more than three decades, Impress has delivered marketing materials for a diverse clientele, including both end-users and creative agencies.

After one of the company’s previous digital machines reached end of life, the team at Impress were exploring various options in the market. Michael Kille, Managing Director, Impress Print Services, comments: “The quality produced on our previous digital machine was good, but there were productivity issues. Now, the Fujifilm machines do what we need them to do straight away, with minimal downtime, enhancing our overall business productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, our production capabilities and our value offering have been significantly enhanced through the addition of B2 digital, which complements our litho offering.

“Additionally,” Kille continues. “The special colours on the Revoria PC1120 have really helped us to retain certain types of work that would previously have been B1 litho printed, and we’re delighted with the quality and productivity of the monochrome Revoria E1.”

The new presses have propelled Impress into new markets, such as short-run packaging (through the Jet Press), and enabled it to bring previously outsourced B1 litho work in-house (through the Revoria presses).

Impress is a business that prioritises sustainability; as evidenced through their commitment to recycling materials; their ongoing sustainability programme, and the harnessing of solar power for their own energy needs. When considering the investment, Impress placed huge importance on the overall environmental credentials of the new machines.

Michael comments: “Since installing the Fujifilm machines, we’ve seen a significant reduction in power usage. In particular, with the efficiencies created by the Jet Press 750S, its B2 capability and enhanced productivity, coupled with the lack of breakdowns and smooth workflow, our waste and downtime has reduced and output has significantly increased.”

He concludes: “It’s been a fantastic experience working with Fujifilm through the sales and installation process, and they are always responsive when providing ongoing support. They are truly one of the top suppliers in the industry. Thanks to Fujifilm, we now have the best in inkjet and the best in toner, and a business that runs more productively and effectively than ever before.”

Taro Aoki, Head of Digital Press Solutions, Fujifilm Graphic Communications Europe comments: “Fujifilm is unique in the market in offering the best of both toner and inkjet solutions and it’s always particularly rewarding to partner with businesses who recognise the enormous potential of the combination of these new technologies. But our market-leading technologies are only half of the story. We’re equally proud of the service we provide after installation as we help businesses to develop and grow. This bold investment from Impress is just the beginning, we look forward to working with them in the months and years to come as they grow their offering and their business and bring the benefits of best-in-class-toner and inkjet technology to their own customers.”

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Casestudie: Acuity Ultra R2

Ateliers Cassandre

Casestudie

Ateliers Cassandre stimuleert productiviteit en groei met Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2

Ateliers Cassandre

Wissous, Frankrijk

Acuity Ultra R2

Reading time: 4 minutes

Ons streven naar hoogwaardigheid noopt ons om samen te werken met de besten. Daarom zijn we met Fujifilm in zee gegaan: een gevestigd merk en expert op het gebied van digitaal printen.

Clément Asnar | Ateliers Cassandre

Bekijk de video

Hoogtepunten

  • Ateliers Cassandre heeft een Acuity Ultra R2 supergrootformaat printer aangeschaft
  • De beslissing kwam voort uit het streven van het bedrijf om de hoogwaardige projecten tijdig aan klanten te kunnen opleveren.
  • Het bedrijf zag de Acuity Ultra R2 voor het eerst op de FESPA 2022.
  • Clément Asnar, eigenaar van Ateliers Cassandre, was erg onder de indruk van de ontwerpkenmerken en de uitzonderlijke printkwaliteit.
  • De printer levert een uitstekend rendement doordat de productiviteit van Atelier Cassandre is toegenomen en het bedrijf jaarlijks ruim 50.000 opdrachten kan voltooien.
  • De grootformaat printer is een waardevolle investering gebleken.

Het familiebedrijf dat drie decennia geleden werd opgericht, produceert diverse producten, waaronder beursstands, winkeldisplays, spandoeken en nog veel meer. Het pand van het ISO-gecertificeerde bedrijf is de grootste productielocatie in Île-de-France.

Ateliers Cassandre is er trots op dat het de hoogwaardige projecten altijd tijdig oplevert. Ter ondersteuning van deze strategie investeert het bedrijf doorlopend in hoogwaardige, vooruitstrevende technologieën, zoals de Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2. Eigenaar Clément Asnar zag de pers voor het eerst in actie op de FESPA 2022.

Asnar was ervan overtuigd dat de Acuity Ultra R2 een ideale aanvulling zou zijn voor het bedrijf om meerdere redenen. De printer kan snelheden halen van 600 m2/u; Met grijswaardentechnologie op 3 niveaus leveren de printkoppen een druppelgrootte van 3,5 pl voor prints in fotokwaliteit, terwijl ze het inktverbruik minimaliseren. De printer levert een uitstekend rendement doordat de productiviteit van Atelier Cassandre is toegenomen en het bedrijf jaarlijks ruim 50.000 opdrachten kan voltooien.

Clément Asnar, eigenaar van Ateliers Cassandre, reageert: “Toen we de Acuity Ultra R2 voor het eerst zagen op de FESPA 2022, waren we erg onder de indruk van de ontwerpkenmerken en de uitzonderlijke printkwaliteit. We bezochten vervolgens een klant in het zuiden van Spanje, die de machine al in gebruik had, en raakten ook onder de indruk van de hoge productiviteit.

Asnar voegt daaraan toe: “Met een jaarlijkse groei van ongeveer 10% bevinden we ons in een snelle ontwikkelingsfase, en ons streven naar hoogwaardigheid noopt ons om samen te werken met de besten. Daarom zijn we met Fujifilm in zee gegaan: een gevestigd merk en expert op het gebied van digitaal printen. De Acuity Ultra R2 is een waardevolle investering gebleken en we blijven graag samenwerken met Fujifilm.

Shaun Holdom, marketingmanager high-end producten bij Fujifilm grootformaat inkjetsystemen: “De Acuity Ultra R2 rollenprinter is in 2021 gepresenteerd als onderdeel van Fujifilms volledig opnieuw ontworpen Acuity-grootformaatlijn en heeft iF, Good Design en Red Dot onderscheidingen ontvangen voor zijn onberispelijke ontwerpkenmerken.

We zijn heel blij dat de Acuity Ultra R2 klanten als Ateliers Cassandre kan helpen om grenzen te verleggen op het gebied van kwaliteit, productiviteit en printsnelheid, terwijl de pers toch energiezuinig is en een hoog rendement levert.

Acuity Ultra R2

Ontdek de Acuity Ultra-lijn met grootformaat rollenprinters geschikt voor een groot aantal creatieve toepassingen.

Ontdek de Acuity Ultra R2

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Een echte hybride oplossing

Lees het artikel

Reading time: 6 minutes

De snel veranderende markt voor signs & displays heeft behoefte aan flexibele oplossingen die de vraag kunnen bijbenen. Hoewel er nog steeds verbeteringen in snelheid en kwaliteit worden behaald, zijn die van steeds minder betekenis. Op het gebied van prijs-kwaliteitverhouding en veelzijdigheid liggen de mogelijkheden voor echte differentiatie.

Als gevolg van de Covid-pandemie ontstond een deel van deze verschuiving naar steeds grotere veelzijdigheid. Gespecialiseerde printserviceproviders werden gedwongen zich aan te passen en te investeren in nieuwe soorten technologie om nieuwe markten te bedienen met een diverser scala aan toepassingen.

Een van de reacties van de markt op deze verschuiving is een aanzienlijke toename van de belangstelling voor hybride printers en de duidelijke voordelen die ze bieden qua flexibiliteit en veelzijdigheid. Toen Fujifilm in 2021 zijn Acuity-assortiment grootformaatprinters van de grond af opnieuw ontwierp, was dat voor een deel om beter te kunnen inspelen op dit soort marktverschuivingen. De Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED en Acuity Prime Hybrid zijn het eerste bewijs dat deze strategie werkt zoals gepland.

De echte hybride printer opent een scala aan mogelijkheden voor drukkerijen die op zoek zijn naar groeimogelijkheden. Zo'n printer kan meer en sneller produceren.

 

fujifilm wide format printer

Een echt hybride platform

Wat bedoelen we met ‘echt hybride’? Wat is er nu eigenlijk ‘echt hybride’ aan deze printer? Los van het voor de hand liggende antwoord: kunnen printen op een breed scala aan zowel stijve als flexibele substraten. Misschien kunnen we die vraag beantwoorden door eerst te behandelen wat het platform niet is. Het is geen flatbedprinter met rotatiemogelijkheid, en het is ook geen rol-to-rol pers met een flatbedoptie. Voor dat soort machines bestaat een markt, maar eigenlijk alleen in omgevingen waar die aanvullende functionaliteit slecht af en toe nodig is. In de huidige printmarkt – waar het van het grootste belang is om een zo breed mogelijk scala aan werk te kunnen inpassen – zijn deze halfbakken oplossingen vaak niet meer toereikend.

Met een echte hybride krijgt u uitzonderlijke prestaties, of u nu op harde media of op rolmedia afdrukt, omdat de machine ontworpen is met beide in gedachten, in plaats van dat een van de twee gewoon een extra toevoeging is. En als de bouwkwaliteit van de machine goed genoeg is, dan blijven die uitzonderlijke prestaties consistent, zelfs bij zeer lange opdrachten, of het nu gaat om rol-naar-rol of harde media, wat de ultieme flexibiliteit biedt.

De echte hybride printer opent een scala aan mogelijkheden voor drukkerijen die op zoek zijn naar groeimogelijkheden. Zo'n printer kan meer en sneller produceren.

Ontwerp en bouw

Fujifilms Acuity-lijn combineert een bekroond Brits ontwerp met Japanse kwaliteitszorg en nauwgezette productieprocessen. De uitzonderlijke ontwerp- en bouwkwaliteiten zijn waarneembaar in alle aspecten van de prestaties van de machine. Maar de Acuity Prime Hybrid blinkt toch vooral uit in zijn mediaverwerkingsvermogen, wat de printer een treffend voorbeeld maakt van een ‘echte hybride printer’. Dankzij de industriële bouwkwaliteit van de Acuity Prime Hybrid kan de printer rollen tot 100 kg verwerken, veel zwaarder dan een gemodificeerde flatbedprinter aankan. En dat is niet het enige. De Printer monitort de productie ook uitzonderlijk goed, wat betekent dat de machine lange opdrachten kan printen met minimale tussenkomst van de operator.

Inkten van wereldklasse

Als het gaat om inkt en droging heeft de Acuity Prime Hybrid nog een voordeel ten opzichte van veel zijn concurrenten. Fujifilms eigen UV- en energiezuinige LED UV-inkten maken de Acuity Prime Hybrid niet alleen sneller dan veel van zijn concurrenten, maar ook geschikt voor het printen op een veel breder scala aan substraten. Dit komt omdat droging met lage energie gelijkstaat aan weinig warmte, wat betekent dat gevoelige media veel gemakkelijker en bij hogere snelheden kunnen worden bedrukt. Dat is onmogelijk bij systemen die een heter droogproces vereisen, bijvoorbeeld latexinkt. Minder warmte betekent natuurlijk ook minder energieverbruik, wat weer zorgt voor minder energiekosten. Zo zijn er zowel milieuvoordelen als potentiële kostenbesparingen, zonder dat dit de productie negatief beïnvloedt.

Belangrijk is dat de uv-inkjetinkten van Fujifilm ook Greenguard Gold-gecertificeerd zijn, wat ze geschikt maakt voor een reeks interieurtoepassingen waaronder wandbekledingen.

Werkelijke veelzijdigheid

De Acuity Prime Hybrid onderscheidt zich ook door zijn printbreedte van 2,05 m, veel meer dan de standaard 1,6 m van de meeste alternatieven. Deze extra capaciteit maakt de machine niet duurder, waardoor het een praktische keuze is voor bedrijven die nieuwe markten willen verkennen. De grotere printbreedte van de machine biedt de mogelijkheid om rollen van verschillende formaten efficiënt te printen, evenals de mogelijkheid om meerdere platen naast elkaar te laten lopen – terwijl de noodzaak voor bijsnijden of formaat wijzigen afneemt, wat zowel tijd als middelen bespaart. Deze veelzijdigheid opent deuren naar een groot aantal toepassingen, van winkelsigns tot buitendisplays.

In een tijd waarin aanpassingsvermogen van vitaal belang is, biedt de Acuity Prime Hybrid de ideale oplossing voor drukkerijen om concurrerend te blijven en te reageren op de steeds veranderende markt.

Bewezen oplossing

De Acuity Prime Hybrid bewijst nu al zijn waarde in de praktijk.

David Allen, directeur van Allen Signs uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk, was in 2023 de eerste ter wereld die investeerde in deze machine. Hij stelt dat de printer door zijn uitstekende mediaverwerking niet alleen opviel tussen concurrenten, maar ook in staat is om op een kosteneffectieve manier te printen op moeilijke substraten, zoals metaalhoudende materialen.

David Allen: “Omdat we al bekend waren met hybride platforms, bood de Acuity Prime Hybrid een uitgelezen kans om het merk Fujifilm verder te verkennen. De printer stelt ons in staat om onze normale productie uit te voeren met minimaal oponthoud en uitstekende inktprestaties.”

Matt Ryder, printspecialist bij Allen Signs voegt daaraan toe: “We hebben de nieuwe Fujifilm-machine uitgeprobeerd en dat ging direct volgens verwachting. Het ging perfect. Qua materialen zijn we nog geen substraat tegengekomen dat niet geschikt is.”

Allen Signs is de eerste van vele bedrijven in Europa en de rest van de wereld die profiteren van een machine die zowel een echte hybride is als baanbrekend voor printproductie in grootformaat.

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Ontdek de baanbrekende grootformaat hybride printer geschikt voor een groot aantal creatieve toepassingen.

Ontdek de Acuity Prime Hybrid

The Best of Inkjet and Toner

Two digital print technologies. Multiple solutions. One partner.

Read the Article

Reading time: 7 minutes

In the commercial print market today, analogue printing processes, especially lithographic offset, still rule in terms of the volume and value of materials printed. However, that volume and value are falling as demand rises for personalised materials printed on demand and in smaller but more frequent numbers. These demands can only be met by digital print.

Market researcher Smithers tells us that in 2032 digital print will be worth $230.5 billion, accounting for almost a quarter of the global value of all print and printed packaging. This is a little under 3.0 trillion A4 prints, an increase of 68.6% on the 2022 market. [1] And within that figure for digital printing, inkjet accounted for 61.4% of digital print value with 62.4% of volume in 2022. This will increase to 74.1% of value and 77.5% of volume in 2032.[2]

As the commercial print sector continues to digitise, businesses have a choice when it comes to the best digital print technologies to take them forward. For some, the speed and quality of inkjet will be paramount, while for others, the added flexibility of toner and the ability to print special colours and special effects for creative applications will be of greater utility.

For many, a combination of both technologies will be the answer.

Fujifilm is unique in offering best-in-class solutions and decades of experience in the development of both inkjet and toner technologies, so whichever digital path a company takes, Fujifilm has both the product portfolio and the expertise to support.

Furthermore, Fujifilm’s analogue print heritage means that it understands the process and challenges of introducing digital print technologies into a business in a way that digital-only rivals cannot.

When all these factors are considered, there is no better partner in the market to support with digital transformation.

The Fujifilm inkjet story

The story of Fujifilm and inkjet technology is a story in many parts. There are the printheads; the UV and water-based inkjet inks, and the sophisticated integration and optimisation technologies that tie it all together. Fujifilm inkjet technologies power printing solutions like the Jet Press 750S, which has been setting the standard for quality and reliability in digital print production in the commercial sector for a decade, as well as a range of inkjet production solutions for the sign and display and label and packaging sectors.

Printheads

Fujifilm Dimatix is one of the most recognisable and respected brands in inkjet printhead development. The company began in 1984 as Spectra, Inc., a very early pioneer of industrial inkjet printheads. In 2005 it changed its name to Dimatix before being acquired by Fujifilm the following year. Fujifilm itself is renowned for its history of innovation, particularly the way in which it rapidly diversified when the bottom fell out of the photographic film market in the early 2000s. That drive to innovate has continued apace, and the acquisition of Dimatix was part of Fujifilm’s strategy to build arguably the strongest and most diverse inkjet technology platforms in the industry.

Water-based inkjet inks

Fujifilm is one of the few companies in the world with significant R&D and manufacturing capabilities in both water-based and UV inks for the commercial, wide format and packaging sectors.  Fujifilm’s development of water-based inks for commercial applications in particular began in earnest in 2005 with the acquisition of Avecia’s Inkjet Business. A specialist in the development and manufacture of high performance dyes, pigments and colorants, Avecia (now Fujifilm Imaging Colorants) was founded in 1985 with the launch of the first generation of high purity inkjet colorants, and by 1994 it had built the world’s largest digital aqueous ink manufacturing facility in the USA.

With the 2005 Fujifilm acquisition and the massive investment in R&D that followed, more recent developments have produced a raft of new capabilities, including photo-grade dyes for image permanence of 50+ fifty years, proprietary reactive dispersant technologies, and the development of ultra-high performance aqueous inks for Fujifilm’s flagship B2 inkjet press, the Jet Press 750S.

Fujifilm Imaging Colorants, as a result of this consistent and continuous innovation, is a business that has grown to be the world’s largest manufacturer of aqueous inkjet fluids.

The Fujifilm toner story

It may not be widely known to a European audience, but Fujifilm has a long history of introducing innovative toner-based office copiers, monochrome printers and full colour commercial printing systems, alongside significant document and business service solutions. Historically this technology was developed through its Fuji Xerox subsidiary, now called FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corporation.

Although initially a joint venture with Rank Xerox (later Xerox), the business was consolidated to the Fujifilm Group in 2001 when it acquired 75% of the equity, and became a wholly owned Fujifilm subsidiary in 2019 when it acquired the final 25%.

In the last 60 years since, Fujifilm has developed world-leading expertise in toner-based technologies, which now include the high performance EA-Eco toners and fusing systems, the laser imaging and registration systems, the screening and smoothing algorithms, and the finishing and post-processing systems. Many of these technologies are best-in-class, resulting in industry-leading printer performance.

Fujifilm toner technologies

Just as with its inkjet offering, Fujifilm’s ability to bring award-winning toner press solutions to market stems from its fundamental technology expertise, and its ability to bring them together into leading production solutions.

This new range takes full advantage of Fujifilm’s leading heritage in toner-based print production, along with the company’s deep understanding of both offset and digital print, to create production printers that deliver industry-leading performance. They combine high print speeds, superb finishing flexibility, industry-leading colours and enhancements, and of course superb print quality.

The flagship press in the range is the Revoria Press PC1120, which features an advanced print engine and the choice of 10 colours, including gold, silver, white, pink & clear, easily configurable into six before and after CMYK stations. With industry leading print quality, incredible media & finishing versatility, and the largest colour gamut, this award-winning press has made a huge impact in the short time since its phased European launch, giving designers and brands the freedom to create high value print using special colours over short or medium run lengths. With the silver and gold metallics, and the white and special colours and effects available, designers can meet the demands of luxury brands looking for added value print collateral that can be produced economically in very short runs. In addition, Fujifilm-engineered AI image enhancement means that photographs are auto-enhanced at the printing stage, meaning much less time is required to manually re-touch images.

Bringing it all together

In the modern print marketplace, the only real way to stay competitive is by adding value. Whether that is through creative applications, special effects or simply through ultra-high levels of quality. As consumers reach new levels of digital saturation, print offers more targeted, high-value opportunities.

The focus at Fujifilm is to ensure that we are helping our customers right across the industry take full advantage of those opportunities. Every business has a unique set of challenges and each will have different technology and support requirements to meet and overcome those challenges. That’s why we’ve developed our portfolio to span the entire market, from analogue to digital, from toner to inkjet, so we can partner with print businesses at every stage of their digital print journey – from those yet to make their first digital print investment, to businesses that have already phased out analogue altogether.

Discover the best of inkjet. Discover the best of toner. Discover the difference with Fujifilm.

[1],[2] The Future of Digital Printing to 2032, Smithers Information Ltd, 2022

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Case study: Acuity Prime Hybrid

Allen Signs

Casestudie

Allen Signs becomes the first business to invest in the Acuity Prime Hybrid to support its efficiency and expansion

Allen Signs

Lincoln, UK

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Reading time: 4 minutes

We sought the Acuity Prime Hybrid as an opportunity to explore the Fujifilm brand further. The printer has now allowed us to carry out our normal production with minimal issues and excellent quality and ink performance.

David Allen | Allen Signs

Bekijk de video

Hoogtepunten

  • Allen signs invested in the Acuity Prime Hybrid in 2023
  • The family-run signage business sought an investment in Hybrid print technology.
  • The printer has seamlessly integrated into the company’s workflow.
  • The trust-based partnership with Fujifilm has proven to be a key factor in the investment.
  • Since the investment, the company has found the printer to be incredibly versatile.
  • The company looks forward to exploring more ways that the Prime Hybrid can help them expand.

UK-based signage and vehicle livery specialist Allen Signs has become the first company to invest in Fujifilm’s new Acuity Prime Hybrid printer. The ground-breaking wide format hybrid machine , which was released earlier this year, is highly versatile due to its ability to handle both rigid and flexible media.

The family-run wide format business was established in 1965, and since then, has been producing a variety of different signage applications for its consumers. David Allen, the company’s Managing Director, says his interest in the Acuity Prime Hybrid stemmed from its versatility and economical ink consumption.

Allen comments: “Due to our familiarity with hybrid platforms, we sought the Acuity Prime Hybrid as an opportunity to explore the Fujifilm brand further. The printer has now allowed us to carry out our normal production with minimal issues and excellent quality and ink performance.”

Allen adds that the Acuity Prime Hybrid’s versatility has enabled his business to print on a wider variety of substrates more efficiently and cost-effectively. The machine is already being used to print on wall coverings, direct to board and even metallic surfaces.

Impressed by the printer’s ease of use, Matt Ryder, Print Specialist at Allen Signs, says: “We tried a job on the new Fujifilm machine, and instantly, it tracked. It was perfect. As for materials, we are yet to come across a substrate that doesn’t work.”

Having built a partnership, based on trust, with Fujifilm, Allen adds: “Fujifilm has been an absolute breeze to deal with. The installation and the training were extremely quick and efficient. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Acuity Prime Hybrid printer will allow us to expand our business in the future.”

Andy Kent, Division Manager, Fujifilm Graphic Communications UK, states: “We are delighted to hear that our wide range of customers are more than satisfied with our printing technologies. As a result of Allen Signs investing in our Acuity Prime Hybrid, they have seen significant increases in print quality and a reduction in costs, whilst expanding their substrate selection. It’s fantastic to see them exploring new business opportunities.”

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Ontdek de baanbrekende grootformaat hybride printer geschikt voor een groot aantal creatieve toepassingen.

Ontdek de Acuity Prime Hybrid

The Future of Flexible Packaging is Digital

Introducing the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790

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Reading time: 7 minutes

The future of flexible packaging is digital. The future of flexible packaging is inkjet. The future of flexible packaging is the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790.

While there’s no doubt that in the packaging sector, the adoption of digital print technologies has advanced much more slowly than in other print sectors, the direction of travel is unambiguous. A 2021 Allied Market Research (AMR) report estimated the global digital printed packaging market to be worth $20.6 billion (in 2021) and projected substantial CAGR of 9.1% over ten years, to reach $49.9 billion by 2031.[1]

The report singled out flexible packaging as the segment likely to grow the fastest (from the smallest base) and also indicated that inkjet would grow its share of the digital packaging market overall compared with other digital alternatives, thanks to the levels of quality and productivity that can now be achieved with leading inkjet technologies.

There are a number of trends driving these shifts, and Fujifilm has designed the Jet Press FP790 to address all of them head on. In this article we examine three of the most important of these trends and look at how Fujifilm inkjet technology, and the Jet Press FP790 in particular, is uniquely well suited to address them.

Megatrend One: Sustainability

The challenge of developing more sustainable production practices is being driven by a mix of consumer pressure, government regulation and an increasing sense of environmental responsibility on the part of brands and packaging producers.

Reducing waste and boosting recyclability is an increasing concern for packaging companies and this trend is a major driver behind the adoption of digital technology, as it offers a way to significantly reduce waste and the use of consumables associated with analogue print processes.

Going digital has significant environmental benefits here, as far fewer consumables are used before, during and after the production process compared to traditional flexo production, and there is virtually no waste, resulting in a much smaller ecological footprint.

The consumables required for platemaking and the cleaning of processing equipment, the additional packaging required for those consumables, and the additional energy and water use required for those processes are all eliminated.

Additionally, going digital means shorter runs can be printed economically, so you can print just what you need – leading to much less product waste.

Megatrend Two: Time to market  

Time is money, and modern businesses, and modern consumers, expect instant delivery. New product lines often need to be set up at a moment’s notice and the timescales involved in setting up an analogue production line can sometimes be prohibitive – especially for relatively short run jobs.

This is where digital in the form of inkjet really comes into its own. With no set-up time required, the job gets printed straight away and turnaround times are massively reduced.

Megatrend Three: Rapid rise in SKUs and reduced product lifecycles

The proliferation of SKUs is another factor behind the increasing popularity of inkjet. More unique product lines, combined with shorter product lifecycles, mean that companies frequently end up with excess inventory. This leads to logistics and storage challenges, as well as higher levels of waste and higher costs. Short run production, to print the exact quantity you need and no more, offers a way around this, but it is simply not viable using analogue processes.

Related to this, having the ability to quickly and efficiently produce extremely high quality samples is another benefit of inkjet.

Why the Jet Press FP790?

The trends above are driving the interest in digital production – but not all digital solutions are created equal. There are many solutions out there – but only one is a proven mainstream flexo packaging print alternative.

Built on years of Fujifilm inkjet and packaging sector expertise

It’s in the name. Fujifilm’s Jet Press has been synonymous with inkjet excellence in the commercial print and folding carton packaging sector for more than a decade, and Fujifilm’s expertise in printhead and ink development stretches back much further still.

Fujifilm also has a long history in the flexible packaging industry, developing flexo plates, inks, imprinting bars and LED curing solutions.

In the Jet Press FP790, Fujifilm has brought together that combination of inkjet technology and flexo packaging market knowledge to produce a digital flexible packaging press that is not only setting new standards for quality and productivity – but is also designed to fit seamlessly into a typical flexible packaging  production environment with ease.

High quality Fujifilm water based inkjet ink, with a double white option

Fujifilm is one of the world’s leading ink manufacturers and the water based ink in the Jet Press FP790 draws on that rich heritage. The inks also include a unique double white option in the Jet Press FP790, and this, in particular, sets it apart as a machine suitable for tackling everything from the simplest production that just needs to get done fast, through to jobs that require the very highest standards of quality.

Bewezen oplossing

It may be new to the market, but the Jet Press FP790 has already proven its value and its potential through the endorsement of some of the industry’s most respected software and finishing companies who have signed up as partners. These partners include Henkel and Nordmeccanica for coating and laminating solutions, and HYBRID Software for our XMF Packaging workflow solution which provides automated pre-press functionality to deliver accelerated turnaround times, maximum productivity and reduced operating costs.

These multiple partnerships with respected and experienced industry names are both a vote of confidence in the capabilities of the press, and a means of ensuring that it can fit easily and seamlessly into existing analogue production environments.

But the endorsements don’t stop there. An early UK beta customer had this to say:

“Sustainable packaging design is not just about material choice. It’s about sustainable production and that’s what the Fujifilm Jet Press 790 achieves for us. With high speed and high quality digital printing, the ability to cost-effectively produce short run lengths, and the elimination of plates and make-ready processes, all mean that the Jet Press 790 brings a host of benefits to our business. It enables us to deliver excellence in print performance, eliminate waste and exceed the needs of today’s flexible packaging market with complete flexibility and agility. We are delighted to be the first installation in Europe and we are confident that the press will provide us with significant advantages in what is a highly competitive market.”

No additional investment required

Most digital flexo packaging solutions require a lot more additional investment beyond the press itself. Special substrates that need special adhesives and laminates and considerable downtime for all the associated changeovers. The Jet Press FP790 is designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows and existing laminating and other finishing systems.

Overall, it’s clear that digital technologies are set to drive the future of flexible packaging. There are several trends causing this shift, and we will see this continue to grow further. Fujifilm is unique in its ability to combine decades of expertise in inkjet and flexible packaging, along with the support and knowledge of its partners, to provide an innovative solution that is truly future-proofing the flexible packaging market, with the Jet Press FP790.

[1] Digital Printing Packaging Market 2031: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/digital-printing-packaging-market-A08308

Jet Press FP790

Learn more about our revolutionary digital flexible packaging press.

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Case study: Acuity Prime 30

Byblos

Casestudie

Byblos boosts creative potential with Fujifilm Acuity Prime investment

Byblos SRL

Turin, Italy

Acuity Prime 30

Reading time: 4 minutes

Hoogtepunten

  • Byblos invested in an Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed printer.
  • The decision was driven by the company’s dedication to superior quality.
  • They have used the press to print on unconventional materials such as wood composite and glass.
  • The finishing techniques such as satin and gloss have been received well by clients.
  • The company are impressed by the exceptional adhesion and vibrancy of the ink.
  • Byblos is enthusiastic about being able to to meet evolving client needs.

The Acuity Prime 30 investment is transforming our business. With its unmatched print quality and the ability to work with diverse materials, we have exceeded our clients’ expectations.

Alessandro Conte | Byblos

Byblos, an industry leader in high quality print production, founded in 1992, has recently made a strategic investment in Fujifilm’s Acuity Prime 30 wide format flatbed printer. This acquisition has allowed the company to attract a broader customer base, win new business opportunities, and position itself for continued success in meeting customer demands for high quality and customised wide format printing.

With a firm commitment to delivering exceptional wide format printing solutions, the Acuity Prime, installed in May 2023, is the latest addition to their advanced production line-up. Equipped with seven ink channels, CMYK, White, Clear, and Primer, and powered by the ColorGATE RIP, the new printer is empowering Byblos to expand its production offering to include unconventional materials such as wood composite and glass.

The decision to invest in the Acuity Prime 30 was driven by Byblos’ dedication to superior quality and the opportunity to experiment with different types of media and finishing techniques – such as being able to achieve a satin or glossy finish. According to Alessandro Conte, Managing Director of Byblos, these capabilities have been very well received by their clients. Furthermore, the excellent support provided by the Fujifilm team played a significant role in solidifying the partnership.

Conte is enthusiastic about the investment: “The Acuity Prime has transformed our production process and elevated our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Its impressive speed and remarkable quality have exceeded our expectations. We can now deliver personalised, high-quality printing in shorter turnaround times, and unleash our creativity by printing on unconventional materials. This gives us a competitive edge in the market.”

The Acuity Prime 30’s remarkable ink quality enables Byblos to work with a wide array of materials, including various metals and glass, when using a primer. The ink demonstrates exceptional adhesion, with stunning precision and vibrancy in every print. And the durability of the ink allows it to withstand the effects of chemicals and cleaning agents, ensuring longevity and exceptional print quality.

Alessandro Conte, Managing Director of Byblos, concluded: “The Acuity Prime 30 investment is transforming our business. With its unmatched print quality and the ability to work with diverse materials, we have exceeded our clients’ expectations. This investment has not only fuelled our growth but has also solidified our position as a leader in the industry.”

Daniele Carino of Fujifilm Italy added. “The Acuity Prime 30, part of Fujifilm’s ‘new blueprint for wide format’ has been exceptionally well received since it was launched two years ago. It was built to deliver versatility, value and ease-of-use, and we’re delighted that Byblos has become the latest company to recognise its potential and take advantage of it.”

Acuity Prime 30

Find out more about why the Acuity Prime 30 can achieve industry leading productivity and quality

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Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Reading time: 4 minutes

Hoogtepunten

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

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With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

“It’s also proven technology,” Mr Wein continues. “Fujifilm has a long heritage in inkjet, and its imprinting solutions are tried and tested. They’re a strong and respected manufacturer and a financially robust and stable company that we know we can depend on over the long term.

“The fact that Fujifilm acquired Unigraphica in 2022 was also a factor in our investment decision. The combination of Fujifilm and Unigraphica inkjet systems integration expertise was a very attractive proposition.”

“Finally, Fujifilm was also able to provide a bespoke system as large as one metre wide. No one else we spoke to was able to do that. And furthermore, compared with our legacy system, the Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.”

Stefan Steinle, Sales & Business Development Manager, FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solutions, Europe comments: “We’re delighted that a company of Paragon’s reputation and standing has chosen to invest in Fujifilm inkjet imprinting technology. We look forward to boosting Paragon’s productivity, and reducing its costs for many years to come.”

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

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Case study: ApeosPro C Toner Press

Emmerson Press

Case Study

Emmerson Press becomes first UK investor in Fujifilm’s ApeosPro C toner press

Emmerson Press

Kenilworth, UK

ApeosPro C Series

Reading time: 4 minutes

Hoogtepunten

  • Emmerson Press, a commercial printer based in Kenilworth, UK, has a history of being a first adopter of Fujifilm printing technology.
  • In 2016, they became the first UK printer to invest in the Jet Press 720S, later upgrading to the Jet Press 750S in 2019.
  • They are the first UK print business to invest in Fujifilm’s newly launched ApeosPro C810 toner press.
  • The decision to invest in Fujifilm’s ApeosPro C810 Toner Press was made after careful research and consultation with Fujifilm representatives.
  • Emmerson Press plans to use the new toner press for a wide range of applications, particularly ultra-short run work with quick turnaround times.
  • The investment is expected to provide a competitive edge, improve cost-efficiency, and complement their existing printing machines.

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Emmerson Press, a respected commercial printer based in Kenilworth, UK, has been first before. A Fujifilm plates customer for nearly two decades, in 2016 they became the first printer in the UK to invest in the Jet Press 720S, later upgrading to the Jet Press 750S in 2019. Now, in 2023, they have now become the first UK print business to invest in Fujifilm’s newly launched ApeosPro C810 toner press.

The deal was formally agreed at a Fujifilm event in London’s docklands in May to celebrate the launch of Fujifilm’s toner technologies in the UK.

Jamie Emmerson, Director, Emmerson Press comments: “We had an existing toner machine that had reached end of life and we were looking for a new solution. After looking at the market, the ApeosPro C Toner Press seemed like an ideal choice. We’d been researching it for some time but had to wait patiently until the official UK launch in April to speak to our Fujifilm representative. Following this conversation, we soon signed the deal. Despite it being newly launched in the UK, we did our homework and, being a long-term Fujifilm partner, we were confident that the technology had been tried and tested. Being the first in the UK to invest in Fujifilm technology once again, marks an exciting time for us and we are confident that this investment will give us a competitive edge.”

“We’ll use it to produce a wide range of additional applications – particularly any ultra-short run work that needs to be turned around instantly. And we’ll also use it as an office printer, which further helps with costs and efficiency. The small format size is very useful and overall, the price point, combined with the quality that can be achieved, makes this a truly exceptional machine that is well worth the investment.

“The ApeosPro C Toner Press complements our existing machines well. Fujifilm is a trusted partner, who we enjoy working with – and having multiple solutions from one vendor makes things much simpler to manage, and the support from the Fujifilm team is always second to none.”

Martin Fairweather, National Digital Business Development Manager, Fujifilm UK comments: “We’re delighted to be further expanding our partnership with Emmerson Press. Their trust in us as a long-term partner is demonstrated by them becoming the first in the UK to invest in Fujifilm technology once again. Following the official recent ApeosPro C launch earlier this year, we’re excited to continue to drive this momentum forward and Emmerson Press is the perfect company to gain maximum benefits from this technology.”

The success of the ApeosPro C Toner Press underscores our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of valued customers like Emmerson Press. By addressing the challenges faced by modern businesses, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of the printing industry, offering a solution that not only elevates the standard of output but also streamlines processes and enhances sustainability.

ApeosPro C Series

Learn more about the ApeosPro C series of high quality light production printers

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Case Study: Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed Printer

Soyang

Case Study

Soyang Open House event demonstrates award-winning capabilities of Fujifilm’s 5m Acuity Ultra R2 wide format roll-fed printer.

Soyang

Accrington, UK

Acuity Ultra R2

Reading time: 4 minutes

Hoogtepunten

  • Soyang initially partnered with Fujifilm in mid-2022 to become a distributor of Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printers in the UK.
  • The highly respected wide format materials supplier formed the partnership as it looked to enter hardware sales.
  • Soyang hosted an Open House to showcase the Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printer in its new, purpose-built showroom.
  • The Soyang premises stocks more 1.5 million m² of printing solutions, including a huge variety of substrates.
  • Last year, Soyang bought a majority stake in Josero – a leading UK supplier of wide format printers, sign and print finishing equipment and printing supplies.
  • Josero has also partnered with Fujifilm to distribute the Acuity Prime flatbed printer in the UK.

As we branch out from being a wide format materials supplier into hardware, we felt that the ‘superwide’ 5m Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printer would be a perfect fit for our portfolio.

Mark Mashiter | Soyang

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Soyang, a UK-based partner of Fujifilm, recently hosted an Open House event to showcase the remarkable capabilities of the ‘superwide’ (5m) Acuity Ultra R2 roll-fed printer to customers in its showroom. As a highly respected wide format materials supplier looking to enter into hardware sales, Soyang initially partnered with Fujifilm in mid-2022 to become a distributor of the Acuity Ultra R2 in the UK. The company was impressed with the machine’s ability to deliver on quality, reliability and ROI.

The well-attended Open House took place in Soyang’s new, purpose-built Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printer showroom at its 70,000ft² head office and distribution centre in Accrington, Lancashire. In addition to the new showroom, Soyang stocks more 1.5 million m² of printing solutions, including a vast variety of substrates.

Soyang Europe Managing Director Mark Mashiter commented: “The Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printer is a revolutionary machine and is part of Fujifilm’s new blueprint for wide format. At Soyang, we’re historically very well known for finding solutions to 5m prints, so as we branch out from being a wide format materials supplier into hardware, we felt that the ‘superwide’ 5m Acuity Ultra R2 printer would be a perfect fit for our portfolio.”

He adds: “We already support a huge number of customers in the wide format sector with material sales. We’re pleased to be able to offer hardware too.”

Soyang’s Open House event was hosted in partnership with Josero, a leading UK supplier of wide format printers, sign and print finishing equipment and printing supplies. Soyang, which bought the majority shares of Josero last year, has also partnered with Fujifilm to distribute the Acuity Prime flatbed printer in the UK.

Soyang customer Vincent Randall, co-owner of MediaCo Group, commented: “It was a pleasure to attend Soyang’s Open House event and it was great to see the Acuity Ultra R2 in-person. The fact that Fujifilm is making machines and designing them around users’ needs – and around their inks – is significantly important to companies like ours.”

Launched in mid-2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new Acuity wide format range, the Acuity Prime flatbed and Acuity Ultra R2 Roll-fed printers have each won iF, Good Design and Red Dot awards for their impeccable design features.

Andy Webb, UK Wide Format Sales Manager at Fujifilm, notes: “Our Acuity wide format machines were all fully developed by Fujifilm to maximise usability and ROI. We’re confident that Soyang’s extensive industry knowledge, expertise and customer base – all demonstrated at its recent Open House event – will help us to boost Acuity Ultra R2 and Acuity Prime sales across the UK.”

Acuity Ultra R2

Find out more about the Acuity Ultra R2’s ultra-high quality and versatility, and how its low ink consumption can improve ROI

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