Case study: Acuity Prime 30

Byblos

Case study

Byblos boosts creative potential with Fujifilm Acuity Prime investment

Byblos SRL

Turin, Italy

Acuity Prime 30

Reading time: 4 minutes

Highlights

  • 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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Acuity Prime Hybrid

Dedicated hybrid for
rigid and roll print

Versatile & ultra reliable

A game changing, LED UV hybrid machine capable of rigid and roll printing

The design of the printer is based on the award-winning Acuity Prime, including the printhead carriage, ink system, Automatic Printhead Maintenance System (APMS) and software interface.

Up to

141 m²/hr

roll-to-roll
Up to 7 channels

CMYK+W+Cl

plus primer
Up to

51mm

media thickness

Why Acuity Prime Hybrid?

Versatile

Handles flexible and rigid media up 51 mm thick, and roll media up to 2m wide

Reliable

Benefits from an ultra-reliable and long lasting air cooled LED UV curing system

Operator-friendly

Sliding draw design allows for easy access to ink pumps and filters

Native 7 picolitre, 3 level greyscale printheads
4 vacuum zones
2 m width
Intuitive GUI
Long lasting, air cooled LED UV curing system
Uvijet HM high performance inks
7 channels (CMYK plus optional White, Clear and Primer)
Prints on heat-sensitive materials

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See the quality you could achieve with the Acuity Prime range

Key features

The Acuity Prime Hybrid is a true Hybrid machine, which means there is no
trade-off and none of the compromise that you would find in an older machine when switching between both rigid and roll media.

Up to 7 channels

The Acuity Prime Hybrid can be configured with up to 7 channels, with CMYK as standard, and optional White, Clear and Primer, and produces stunning quality print, able to produce droplet sizes down to 7pL. It handles flexible and rigid media up 51 mm thick, and roll media up to 2m wide, and benefits from an ultra-reliable and long lasting air cooled LED UV curing system.

It features a 4 zone vacuum system, and can produce print at speeds up to 141m2/hr. The printer is suitable for an incredibly wide range of applications, but can also be configured with an optional primer, extending the range of applications that can be printed even further.

Safety features

The Acuity Prime Hybrid also has a range of built-in safety features designed to maximise print uptime, which include anti-collision protection, with crash sensors deployed at both ends of the carriage, and an ioniser bar that reduces static on the media surface. Like the Acuity Prime, the printer also benefits from remote operation.

Designed with the operator in mind

Cost saving isn’t just about reducing the price of goods or outgoings, it’s also making sure the machine is running when and how you need it to. A huge part of this is making sure the printer is easy to use but also easy to maintain.

The Acuity Prime range prides itself on being extremely intuitive, from its user-friendly GUI, to accessible printheads for ease of maintenance and the Acuity Prime Hybrid is no exception. By including the unique Automatic Printhead Maintenance System, gone are the days of needing a time-consuming maintenance check on a Monday morning after a longer weekend, the APMS system ensures that the Acuity Prime Hybrid is ready to print whenever you are

Print modes and speeds

Prime Performance

Suitable for use with a wide range of media

Dedicated Hybrid

With the heavy-duty media handling system which allows rolls up to 100kg to be printed, a range of tricky to run media such as wallpaper, contravision and self-adhesive vinyl which are often prone to wrinkling, handle exceptionally on the Acuity Prime Hybrid.

Prime applications

Thanks to the Uvijet HM, HF and HZ ink ranges from the award-winning manufacturing plant in Broadstairs, UK, the Acuity Prime Hybrid is able to adhere to a wide range of roll media including contravision & window film, which are extremely heat sensitive LED curing materials, as well as textiles, often used for graphics and black back polyester.

This successful ink technology paired with the industrial build quality of the Acuity Prime Hybrid ensure that bold, creative applications are possible.

Quick changeover between rigid and roll media

Unlike some competitor machines, the Acuity Prime Hybrid is able to switch from rigid to roll-to-roll media seamlessly and within under a 10 minute changeover period, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.

Fantastic ROI

Much like the entire Prime range, the Acuity Prime Hybrid offers its customers excellent return on investment, thanks to the full colour gamut provided by Fujifilm’s patented ink technology, maximum throughput achieved with the ability to print multiple boards with the 2m bed size, plus sellable quality prints even in draft mode.

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Learn more about the Acuity Prime Hybrid in our new range guide

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Wide format printing solutions

Find out more about the uncompromising quality and versatility of our ever-growing Acuity range

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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

Highlights

  • 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

Watch the Video

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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Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED

Designed for rigid and flexible media, offering superb, high quality printing in a 3.3m platform.

One platform. Unlimited results.

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED delivers an unrivalled range of applications at both high quality and high speed.

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is a high-end printer designed for rigid and flexible media, offering superb, high quality printing in a 3.3m platform

Up to

218 m²/hr

roll-to-roll
Native

3.5 picolitre

greyscale printheads
Up to

1200 x 1200 dpi

print resolution

Why Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED?

Near photographic quality printing of a huge range of applications at high speeds

Scalable architecture that can grow and change as business demands evolve

Intelligent design and new high performance ink for maximum versatility

Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED Image hotspot
Media load and unload tables
Intelligent vacuum control system
Damage-resistant belt
Intuitive GUI

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Discover the benefits for yourself

Ultra-high quality

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED uses the same head carriage as the Acuity Ultra R2, capable of ejecting greyscale drops down to 3.5pL in size to deliver superb print quality. Combined with an industrial build quality, a linear motor head carriage drive and Fujifilm’s high performance Uvijet UH inks, the very best print quality is guaranteed.

Heavy duty chassis

Like the Acuity Ultra R2, the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is built on a substantial welded steel construction, together with solid steel bars, which contribute to the machine’s 8.3T weight. This design not only delivers a robust construction, it also ensures that the printer displays very little vibration during operation, further enhancing print quality.

 

Linear motor head carriage drive

Many hybrid printers use a belt drive to move the print carriage, often resulting in a reduced life span as well as impacting print quality. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED uses a linear motor drive for the head carriage delivering travel speeds of 1900mm per second when using the fast carriage travel speed. The carriage movement is quiet and free from vibration, travelling along dual rails with the carriage supported by 6 large race bearings.

 

Designed with the operator in mind

A range of advanced features have also been incorporated into the design of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED to improve operation and maximise uptime. These include:

  • Media tension buttons controlling the roll functions of the machine are located on both the input and output sides for ease of use
  • The input media roller is adjustable, moving up and down, for improved tension, and to help keep the roll media flat and wrinkle free
  • The durable aluminium media shafts cater for either single 3.3m rolls, or two rolls each up to 1.6m wide. The printer uses a special airshaft which allows two rolls of the same media having different diameters to be run at the same time

 

Uvijet UH ink

Fujifilm has developed a new high performance LED curing ink for use in the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED, specifically designed to give the adhesion performance needed in a hybrid solution. However, the ink still delivers the same high coverage and print quality as Fujifilm’s other Uvijet AU and GS inks, with customers also able to benefit from the same low ink usage.

The Uvijet UH ink set consists of six standard colours (CMYKLcLm) and an optional white ink. The printer can be configured with two white ink channels to maximise throughput speeds and print density.

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED with white ink allows flood white under-printing for non-white media, over-printing white for backlit applications on transparent media and/or printing white as a spot colour. The new ink range has both Greenguard Gold and AgBB certification.

 

Applications

Ultra-versatile

The combination of intelligent design features and Fujifilm’s new Uvijet UH high performance ink, ensures that the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is one of the most versatile platforms on the market, able to produce an unrivalled range of applications at both high quality and high speed.

Print on rigid media with ease

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED’s belt transport and intelligent vacuum systems are truly unique, meaning it can print on a range of rigid substrates previously only possible on dedicated flatbed systems.

This means low cost Correx products for short term signage applications such as for sale signs and building hoardings, can be printed at high speed with multiple panels (up to 5 across the bed) continually printed with a single operator.

Double up with multi-layer capability

In addition, the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED can print onto Dibond and Acrylics, utilising multilayer printing and white for reverse printing, and two sided applications.

These applications take advantage of the superb transport system and accurate dot placement, and can deliver high margins and additional revenues, previously only possible with a dedicated printer.

Two rolls at once

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED can also print 2 x 1.6m rolls, even with different diameters, as the shafts have a differential in the middle meaning the rolls can spin at different speeds.

All rolls are transported perfectly through the printer, producing high quality results on materials such as self-adhesive vinyl, pop up materials for roller banners, floor graphics and billboard paper all delivered at high speed.

Highlights are a clear winner

For both rigid and roll, the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED can also print white on a wide range of clear materials such as clear self-adhesive PVC, optically clear polyester and polypropylene – all high margin applications for retail applications.

It also capable of printing on wall covering materials, either short rolls up to 1.6m with a textured finish, or on 3.2m seamless wallcoverings for business applications such as hotels and retail spaces.

Short runs to maximise productivity

Roll feeders located on the tables mean many short run applications can be printed economically, with very little waste material and fast change-around times, making the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED a truly versatile production system.

The new blueprint for wide format

Find out more about why the new Acuity range represents the new blueprint for wide format

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Discover more

Find out more about the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED in our new range guide

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Case Study: Acuity Ultra R2

Oedim

Case Study

Wide format specialist Oedim boosts its Acuity ‘superwide’ printer fleet by investing in an Acuity Ultra R2 Inkjet Printer

Oedim

Jaén, Spain

Acuity Ultra R2

Highlights

  • Oedim invested in a 5m Acuity Ultra R2 to support business growth.
  • The company already had four Acuity Ultra presses.
  • Success with previous Acuity Ultra models and an excellent relationship with Fujifilm made it the obvious decision
  • The new press will be used to print advertisements, signage and building wraps.
  • The company prides itself on delivering versatility and value to its customers.
  • Oedim was pleased with the consistent good service that it received from Fujifilm.

Our investment in yet another Fujifilm printer has enhanced our confidence in the company as a trusted and reliable partner.

Miguel Ángel Gómez Cano | Managing Director, Oedim

Watch the video

Spanish wide format specialist Oedim has once again partnered with Fujifilm to expand its fleet of Acuity wide format printers to increase productivity and support its growth. The company, which already owns four Acuity Ultra printers, recently invested in a 5m ‘superwide’ Acuity Ultra R2 Inkjet Printer. The new printer, which has been installed at its 20,000 square metre site in Jaén, Spain, will predominantly be used to print wide format advertisements on canvases, as well as signage for events and building wraps.

Established in 1996, Oedim is a wide format print specialist that prioritises personalisation and efficiency, while delivering on versatility and value. Many of its customers operate in the marketing and advertising sectors, and require wide format prints on substrates including vinyl, cardboard, tarpaulin, textiles and more.

Oedim sought another Fujifilm wide format printer because it was pleased with the quality and reliability of its existing Acuity Ultra machines. It was also very happy with the service it had received from Fujifilm.

The Acuity Ultra R2 Inkjet Printer, which is part of Fujifilm’s new range of wide format printers, is available in ‘superwide’ 5m and standard 3.2m configurations, and Mercury UV and LED UV configurations. Engineered from the ground up, with the operator in mind, it has won Red Dot, Good Design and iF awards for its impeccable design features.

Miguel Ángel Gómez Cano, Managing Director at Oedim, says: “At Oedim, wide format prints are our speciality. Many of our customers operate in the marketing and advertising sectors and require wide format prints – be it on textiles, vinyl, cardboard or tarpaulin. Our investment in an Acuity Ultra R2 has enabled us to prioritise personalisation and efficiency, while delivering on versatility and value – all while achieving growth.”

“Now, with an Acuity Ultra R2 included in our fleet of printers, we can offer our customers an even faster and more reliable service, particularly when delivering ‘superwide’ 5m prints. The machine is not only intuitive and easy to use, it is also reliable and offers exceptional quality. This is proven, as we use it predominantly to print on mesh and canvases and events canvases. ”

Cano says: “Our investment in yet another Fujifilm printer has enhanced our confidence in the company as a trusted and reliable partner.”

Joan Casas, Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Communications, Spain, comments: “We’re thrilled that the Acuity Ultra R2 is helping Oedim meet the needs of its customers and we thank them for being a loyal Fujifilm partner.” 

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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Case Study: Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed Printer

Nuneaton Signs

Case Study

Nuneaton Signs opts for Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed Printer to maximise business growth

Nuneaton Signs

Nuneaton, UK

Acuity Prime 30

Highlights

  • Nuneaton Signs provides meaningful employment and training for people with disabilities manufacturing traffic and commercial signage
  • The company invested in an Acuity Prime 30 flatbed printer to support business growth and product sales.
  • The Acuity Prime was chosen for its reliability and ability to produce high-quality prints, cost effectively.
  • The printer’s versatility and ability to print to multiple substrates was also a huge part of its appeal.
  • The Acuity Prime’s ease-of-use and quick setup was a crucial factor for team members with disabilities.
  • The Acuity Prime 30 has won Red Dot, Good Design and iF awards for its impeccable design features.

We visited Fujifilm’s Broadstairs site, and were given an extensive demonstration of the Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed Printer, which turned out to be the ideal printer for our business’s requirements.

Daren Hollins | Nuneaton Signs

UK-based social enterprise Nuneaton Signs has invested in a Fujifilm Acuity Prime 30 flatbed printer to support its business growth and product sales. The company, which was established in 1982 in Nuneaton, UK, manufactures traffic signage and signs for a wide variety of commercial applications, whilst providing meaningful employment and training for people with disabilities, which affect 71% of its employees.

Daren Hollins, Head of Procurement at Nuneaton Signs said the company sought a new flatbed printer to speed up the production of its signs and manufactured goods. The company chose the Acuity Prime 30 because of its reliability, its ability to produce high quality prints and because it was in line with the company’s budget.

Hollins explains: “We went out to tender with various companies and we chose Fujifilm because we were impressed with the cost and efficiency of its inks, the cost of this printer and how overall, it was able to deliver in terms of quality and reliability – all while meeting our financial criteria.”

He adds: “It is two-and-a-half times faster than the previous printer we used for the same types of jobs. It is also quick to set up and easy to use – which is particularly important for our team members with disabilities.”

Hollins highlights that Fujifilm’s exceptional ink quality has enabled Nuneaton Signs to print high quality jobs on a variety of substrates. With a focus on the most sustainable substrates, Nuneaton Signs prints on: polypropylene; 100% recycled and recyclable cast acrylic sheets; polyester sheets; premium fibre structure paper board; recyclable aluminium composite material; lightweight foam board and many others. He also says that Fujifilm provided excellent training and support, further enhancing his trust in the brand.

Engineered from the ground up, with the operator in mind, the Acuity Prime 30 – released in 2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new blueprint for wide format – has won Red Dot, Good Design and iF awards for its impeccable design features.

Hollins continues: “We visited Fujifilm’s Broadstairs site (in Kent, UK), and were given an extensive demonstration of the Acuity Prime 30, which turned out to be the ideal printer for our business’s requirements. The service provided by Fujifilm was excellent and efficient. When the machine was installed, it was ready for use – factoring our training – within a week.”

Andy Kent, Division Manager, Fujifilm UK, adds: “We value all of our customers and their business requirements. We’re particularly pleased to see that our printer is supporting Nuneaton Sign’s team members with disabilities – ultimately enhancing their independence.”

Social enterprises like Nuneaton Signs trade for a social purpose and reinvest or donate a percentage of their profits to further their cause. In the UK, there are around 100,000 social enterprises, which employ nearly 2 million people.

Acuity Prime 30

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Case Study: Acuity Prime L Wide Format Printer

A1 Signs

Case Study

Netherlands-based A1 Signs becomes first company to invest in an Acuity Prime L Wide Format printer

A1 Signs

Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

Acuity Prime L

Highlights

  • The Netherlands-based company develops creative signage, advertising and retail displays.
  • It selected the Acuity Prime L Wide Format printer because of its fast printing speeds, reliability and high quality output.
  • The printer will be used to increase productivity and growth at A1 Signs, helping it to deliver prints to its customers more quickly.
  • The business’s founder was impressed with the Acuity Prime L’s intuitive design, fast start-up time and other advanced features
  • The Acuity Prime L was unveiled at FESPA 2022, following the success of the smaller Acuity Prime 20 and 30 printers.

The decision to turn once again to Fujifilm, and the Acuity Prime L, was an easy one.

Jan Carel Schepenaar | A1 Signs

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Family-run wide format business A1 Signs has become the first company to install an Acuity Prime L Wide Format printer at its premises in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Established in 2012, A1 Signs manufactures and installs creative signage, advertising and retail displays.

Jan Carel Schepenaar, the Founder and Owner of A1 Signs said he chose the Acuity Prime L because of its fast printing speeds, reliability and high quality output. He was also impressed with the printer’s intuitive design, fast start-up time and automatic printhead cleaning function.

Schepenaar explains: “I hate limits and I like to print on the widest possible substrates. The Acuity Prime L, with its 3200mm x 2000mm flatbed, enables us to do this.”

The Acuity Prime L is a larger version of the Acuity Prime 20 and 30 printers. It offers print speeds of 202m2/hr, is easy to operate and produces high quality results at high speed. It features six vacuum zones and 16 media location pins, and can print side-by-side jobs with its dual zone function, for maximum flexibility.

Schepenaar highlights that the Acuity Prime L’s long-lasting LED curing system is energy efficient, further helping A1 Signs to minimise its carbon footprint.

A1 Signs’ partnership with Fujifilm goes back to 2014 when they invested in an Acuity Select X2 printer. This marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership, and when the time came to replace the original machine, the decision to turn once again to Fujifilm, and the Acuity Prime L, was an easy one.

David Burton, Director, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, adds: “Since unveiling the Acuity Prime L for the first time at FESPA 2022, it has received a huge amount of interest. We’re delighted now to be able to celebrate the first global Acuity Prime L installation and we look forward to many more.”

Acuity Prime L

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

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Sustainability in manufacturing

Fujifilm’s award-winning UV ink factory in the UK has implemented a wide range of initiatives to accelerate change towards a more sustainable operation

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Reading time: 6 minutes

Fujifilm’s award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen and flexo inks. The company has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives over the last ten years, and more recently the recruitment of Antonina Realmuto as Group Sustainability Director, and Craig Milsted as Sustainability Advisor for the site, has brought about a much greater focus to accelerate change towards more sustainable operations.

When it comes to sustainability and protecting the earth, it’s important for us all to do more. Whether it’s consuming fewer products, opting for products with less packaging, or reducing waste – we must all play our part.

Fujifilm’s ink R&D and manufacturing facility in Broadstairs, Kent, has regularly made the news as a three-time winner of the UK’s Best Factory Award in 2011, 2013 and 2015, but it is for its sustainability initiatives that it is now rapidly creating waves.

Craig Milsted outlines the initiatives that have been implemented so far: “With the recent changes in personnel, including my own role, there is now a renewed focus on sustainability, and therefore a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to help us operate more sustainably. This work is ongoing, but we have made a number of notable recent changes to our equipment and processes which are enabling us to operate in a more environmentally friendly way.

Big energy savings

“Firstly, we have massively cut back on our conventional energy use and have instead turned to alternative energy sources to help power our site. Back in 2016, we started to buy renewable electricity to power our factory, and in the same year installed many solar panels on the grassy grounds of our site. But in March this year, we expanded our solar power generation with the addition of panels on our site roof.

“We have an ongoing objective to generate more solar power over time and steps towards achieving this goal include reviewing our current processes and equipment. Through these checks, we have found that the solar panels on the roof are more effective than the ones on the ground, so we have repaired and improved those on the grass, while also scoping out new areas on our site where panels can be installed to effectively generate more solar power in the future.

“Our efforts so far have been successful – this year in June alone, our solar panels produced 82,240 kW of power. This is enough to power a typical  UK household for 26 years and is also 181% more power than the 29,185 kW produced in June 2021.

Since 2013, we’ve significantly cut back on the waste produced at our ink factory, and last year (2021), 689.7 tonnes of waste produced on site went for recycling.

Craig Milsted | Sustainability Advisor, Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems

“Another way that we have saved on conventional energy is by turning our factory HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems off overnight, which achieved savings of £183,000 – and 1 million kW – per year. We have also upgraded our factory’s gas boilers – some of which were more than 50 years old – with condensing boilers, and replaced gas heaters in the International Logistics Centre with infrared heaters.

“Meanwhile, in our R&D facility, we operate our air conditioning on a timer system to save energy, as well as turning off equipment overnight, where possible, when it is not being used. Additionally, we have installed multiple free-to-use electric car charging points across the site for our team members to use.

Impressive waste reduction

“But it’s not only energy consumption that we have been targeting.  Since 2013, we’ve significantly cut back on the waste produced at our ink factory, and last year (2021), 689.7 tonnes of waste produced on site went for recycling.

“Other initiatives include: 100% of our raw materials packaging is reused and recycled; we return 1000 litre IBCs for cleaning and reuse, rather than disposing of them; and a number of moulded components used as part of our ink pouches are made from recycled materials. Additionally, we now secure our pallets with straps rather than using shrink wrap, which reduces our waste by around 8 tonnes annually. We are also in the process of swapping plastic tape for paper tape.

“In R&D we have also achieved a 50% reduction in glass jar testing; a 38% reduction in end container testing for one litre bottles; a 74% reduction in end testing for five litre cubitainers; and we have cut back on the use of one, two and three litre pouches by 29%, 33% and 20% respectively. We are literally looking at every single part of our operation and making changes to reduce our environmental impact.

Smart cutbacks on solvents

“Overall, thanks to the printers we sell becoming more technologically advanced over the years, less ink is required during the printing process.  This is obviously a better and more sustainable situation in itself. However, you can’t print without ink – it’s the most crucial element of printing. So for the inks that we produce at our factory, previously we would typically use around 140,000 litres of oil-based solvents to clean the vessels used in our ink-making and mixing equipment.

“However, very recently we replaced our oil-based solvent cleaner with an 80% water-based (aqueous) cleaning solution, manufactured by a company called Safe Solvents. Coinciding with this, a first-of-its-kind pot washing machine, also supplied by Safe Solvents, was installed at the factory.

“Suitable for use with the new aqueous cleaning solution, the machine offers a significantly more efficient pot washing solution on our site. The aqueous cleaner and pot wash machine combo makes it possible for us to separate solvent and aqueous waste, and in the future, it could enable us to reuse the pots after they have been cleaned, and then when they are beyond reuse, have the clean plastic shredded and sent for further recycling.

Measuring and analysing is key

“The recently installed pot washing machine at Broadstairs is a world-first, so we look forward to reviewing our credentials in the future and seeing the difference it has made. The most important thing is that we continue to measure and analyse everything, as only by measuring can you improve.

“It really is a painstaking, but ultimately very rewarding process – we have achieved a great deal in the last 12 months with our renewed focus, but we are confident we can continue to make iterative improvements all over the site, across all areas of energy, waste and material reductions, to make this award-winning factory a world-class, sustainable one too.”

Case Study: Acuity Prime Flatbed Printer

Tech:art

Case Study

Tech:art reaps productivity benefits with Fujifilm’s Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed Printer

Tech:art

Trofarello, Italy

Acuity Prime

The productivity of the machine is far beyond what we had expected and exceeds any other machine we have seen before within a similar price bracket.

Davide Salvo | Tech:art

Highlights

  • Tech:art was on the lookout for a machine that could handle its growing customer demand for quality, speed and the use of special inks and varnish
  • Ease of use, outstanding print quality, productivity and confidence in Fujifilm were cited as key reasons for investment
  • The Acuity Prime 30 Flatbed Printer exceeded all of Tech:art’s expectations and requirements to meet customer demands
  • Customers have provided positive feedback since the installation and the investment has even led to Tech:art aquiring new customers
  • Aside from the technical benefits, Tech:art was impressed with the sleek design of the Acuity Prime 30
  • Tech:art was very happy with the service and support provided by Fujfifilm and feel confident that they have found a long-term partner

In the few months since the installation, Tech:art has been thoroughly impressed. Davide Salvo, General Manager, Tech:art says “When the machine was first installed, there were some final calibrations to sort, but we just couldn’t wait to use it so we started running production jobs anyway. We were instantly impressed. The productivity of the machine is far beyond what we had expected and exceeds any other machine we have seen before within a similar price bracket.

“We first heard about the Acuity Prime in the summer of 2021 from a Fujifilm sales contact.” Mr. Salvo continues. “We were very impressed by how easy it is to use and the outstanding print quality and productivity it offers. This, along with our confidence in Fujifilm as a brand, ultimately led to the investment decision.”

 

We were very impressed by how easy it is to use and the outstanding print quality and productivity it offers. This, along with our confidence in Fujifilm ultimately led to the investment decision.

Davide Salvo | Tech:art

“We are typically using the machine for interior design applications such as wood, plexiglass, glass and metal as well as signage. We were previously using a competitor’s machine, but it was proving impossible to print with the quality and speed that we now can achieve with the Acuity Prime 30.

“Our customers place very specific high demands on us. They require high quality and fast turnaround times, and more recently, they request work that requires the use of special primers, varnishes and white inks. With the Acuity Prime 30, we have been able to meet such demands and many of our customers have already provided positive feedback on the print quality and the wide colour gamut it offers. They have also been impressed by the strong ink adhesion and the wide range of materials that can be used. In fact, with the addition of this machine, we have been able to acquire new customers. Looking ahead, I see customisation as a major trend within the market this year and I am confident the Acuity Prime will enable us to meet such demands.”

“Aside from the technical benefits, we were also very impressed with the sleek, attractive, user-friendly design. I would not hesitate to recommend the Acuity Prime 30 – it has made our business significantly more profitable due to its speed, and reduced ink consumption levels.”

Mr. Salvo also acknowledges his appreciation of Fujifilm. “We can’t fault the service and support we received from Fujifilm throughout the sales and installation process. We feel confident that we have found a great long-term partner in Fujifilm.”

Acuity Prime

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

Discover the Acuity Prime

Case Study: Acuity Prime UV Flatbed Printer

Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions

Case Study

UK signmaker says the performance level of the Acuity Prime is far beyond any other flatbed printer at a similar price point.

Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions

Gravesend, Kent

Acuity Prime

I don’t believe there is any better way we could have spent this amount of money in terms of the overall quality, print capability and production capacity we’ve just added to our business than with the Acuity Prime

Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions | Sam Cherry

Highlights

  • Kent-based digital print company with over 20 years of experience in sign making
  • Became aware of the Acuity Prime Flatbed Inkjet Printer and booked a video demonstration, where they were immediately impressed and couldn’t believe how well the printer performed
  • The company was formed in 1999 and has built a reputation for service and quality
  • Supplies Local Government Authorities as well as major supermarkets
  • In late 2021, the company was on the lookout for a highly efficient flatbed printer
  • Invested in the new machine in January 2022 through RA Smart – one of Fujifilm UK’s distribution partners

Kent-based digital print company, Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions, has over 20 years of experience in sign making, servicing Gravesend and the surrounding areas of Kent. Formed in 1999, the company has built a reputation for service and quality which has seen it supply major Local Government Authorities as well as leading supermarkets. Late last year, the company was looking for a highly efficient flatbed printer, and upon discovering the Acuity Prime from Fujifilm, they were so impressed that they invested in the new machine in January 2022 through RA Smart – one of Fujifilm UK’s distribution partners.

Ebbsfleet Print Solutions initially booked a video demonstration of the Acuity Prime Flatbed Inkjet Printer, and after being sufficiently impressed by the printer’s capabilities, the company immediately booked in for a live demonstration at Fujifilm’s facility in Broadstairs in late 2021.

It’s our belief that the Acuity Prime flatbed performs at a level above any other printer at this price point

Sam Cherry | Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions

“We almost didn’t believe what we were seeing during the video demo,” says Sam Cherry, Director of Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions. “The printer performed beyond our expectations, but as it’s a new printer to the market we felt it was necessary to go and take a closer look. We went to Fujifilm’s facility in Broadstairs and liked what we saw so much, we placed our order there and then.”

Cherry believes such was the quality of print produced during both the video and live demos, that he is more than comfortable saying that the Acuity Prime is by far the best printer of its kind. “It’s our belief that the Acuity Prime flatbed performs at a level above any other printer at this price point,” he says. “In fact, the other machines we considered that did offer this level of print productivity were typically double the price.”

The printer was installed at Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions in the middle of January, with Cherry saying that the machine has already made a big impact on operations. “The Acuity Prime enables us to provide a better service to our customers, meeting their deadlines in a world where time is of the essence. We can provide a more streamlined approach along with a great end product. We’ve only been using the printer for a very short time on Acrylic, Foamex and Dibond so far, and are already really impressed with the output.

“I don’t believe there is any better way we could have spent this amount of money in terms of the overall quality, print capability an production capacity we’ve just added to our business than with the Acuity Prime.”

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Acuity Prime UV Flatbed Printer

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

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