Fujifilm

Fujifilm launches corrugated solution targeting POP display

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:02:00 +0200

Fujifilm today announces the launch of a unique solution for POP corrugated board printers. The solution is a combination of the Inca Onset S40i, Fujifilm’s brand new, innovative Uvijet OC inks, and its new handling system that was previewed in January. One of the inherent challenges for printing corrugated board is managing distorted (bowed) substrates. Depending on the severity of the distortion, various methods (skids, rollers, print height adjustment) can be been used to overcome this issue, but all affect print quality. In addition, due to the absorbent nature of the substrates typically used, there is a tendency for ink to sink in leaving an uneven matt finish. This can require prints to be over varnished to meet the quality expectations for the end customer. Fujifilm has been working to overcome these challenges with the result being the launch of a new Uvijet ink system as well as a completely different solution for handling corrugated substrates. Building on its heritage in developing screen inks for POP corrugated board applications, and as a pioneer of UV inkjet inks and industry leader with its award winning Uvijet ink range, the company has used its extensive knowledge to develop a set of digital inks offering a range of finishes from low glare satin to high impact gloss that can be used for all types of corrugated applications. As corrugated displays are required to be cut, folded and shaped, but not necessarily directly after printing, Fujifilm’s new Uvijet OC inks allow for any required storage time, and the printed corrugated board can be manipulated weeks after printing with amazing end results. Alongside this ink development, the company has also designed a brand new automated handling system which uses a ‘vacuum-to-vacuum’ transfer method. The system has been designed to deliver full automation. It utilises a robotic arm and camera system to distinguish the location and orientation of a stack (within 0.5mm), separate the top sheet and transfer it to the vacuum bed of the Onset without any gripping or squeezing which could leave marks on the outer edge. This enables the transportation of uneven materials (which could have up to a 20mm difference per linear metre in distribution end-to-end), to be held flat on the table with no marks affecting the printed area. This eliminates the need for an excessive gap between print heads and substrate thus maintaining sharp text and image quality on these difficult surfaces. Once printing is complete a second automated head also utilising a vacuum system picks up the printed sheet and drops it onto a delivery stack. With both heads working simultaneously, the productivity of the Onset is increased to over 500 m2/hr. “This combination of printer, ink and handling system enables our customers in the corrugated display market to be confident that they can produce an even higher class of POP displays than ever before, as there are no longer any compromises to be made,” comments Tudor Morgan, marketing manager, Fujifilm. “We are confident that bringing this solution to market will open up new business opportunities for these printers and give the industry a new standard to work to.” The new solution will be showcased at FESPA via a video link on Fujifilm’s stand F10S.

For further information contact:

Joanna Muggeridge | AD Communications
E: jmuggeridge@adcomms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1372 464470

Triple honours at the 2013 TIPA Awards for Fujifilm with the X-E1 and X20 digital cameras and the FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R lens

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 +0200

Widely recognised as the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide, Fujifilm’s FUJIFILM X-E1 compact system camera, FUJIFILM X20 premium compact camera and FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R lens were all winners in their categories at the 2013 Technical Image Press Association awards (TIPA)*. Fujifilm X series cameras have consistently triumphed at the TIPA awards over the last few years with the “FUJIFILM X100”’s success two years ago, and both the "FUJIFILM X-Pro1" and "FUJIFILM X-S1" winning awards last year.

1. TIPA Best Compact System Camera Expert Award – The “FUJIFILM X-E1” Premium interchangeable lens camera

The "FUJIFILM X-E1" is a premium interchangeable lens camera developed with thorough dedication to delivering premium image quality and superb handling. It has won the award in recognition of its analogue design, examples of which are the perfectly engraved number dials for　shutter speed and exposure compensation control, and the exposure modes which are photographically oriented with a few rendition presets. The award also recognises other features such as the sophisticated 16.3-megapixel APS-C "X-Trans CMOS Sensor" with the ability to record up to ISO6400 and the brilliant 2.36 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder.

2. TIPA Best Expert Compact Camera Award – The “FUJIFILM X20” Premium compact camera

The “FUJIFILM X20” is a premium compact camera equipped with an optical zoom and a viewfinder in a desirably compact body. It offers excellent operability and image quality and has won the award in recognition of its newly-developed 12 million pixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, with the ability to record up to ISO 12800, achieving extremely high resolution and low noise. Recognition was also given to its FUJINON 4X zoom lens (28-112mm equivalent); a fast f/2 lens, it only loses one stop to f/2.8 at the maximum focal length, and is also capable of 1cm macro shooting. In addition, the X20 was highly rated for its fast and reliable Hybrid AF, its Focus Peak Highlight function on the 2.8-inch LCD screen, the manual barrel zoom, and manual focusing during video recording, plus numerous other features including the 8 “Advanced Filters”.

3. TIPA Best Compact System Camera Prime Lens Award – The “FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R” X Mount Interchangeable lens

The FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R is a super-wide-angle lens with a focal length of 21mm (35mm equivalent); it’s the pinnacle of Fujifilm's optical design technology with its top quality all-glass construction. It has won the award in recognition of the short back focus distance which helps eliminate vignetting and delivers a bright and high resolution image to corners. The award also recognises the distance and depth of field scales on the barrel, aperture control in 1/3EV steps (19 in all), and minimum shooting distance of 0.18m (0.59ft). Fujifilm will continue to work on the development of excellent products and services that address user needs, thereby contributing to the further development of photographic culture. *TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) is one of the most powerful and influential photographic industry organisations in the world with membership from 28 photo and imaging magazines in 15 countries, across five continents. Every year, it reviews image-related products released in Europe and awards the best product in each category.

FUJIFILM at Ifsec 2013

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Europe announces the launch of high resolution day/night Fujinon Varifocal lenses with p-iris function for Security and Machine Vision applications. The p-iris lenses will be shown at the FUJIFILM Europe booth (Hall 5, Booth E25) at Ifsec in Birmingham from May 13-16, 2013.

Within the wide range of existing megapixel Varifocal lenses, five models will be available with p-iris: YV2.8x2.8SR4A-JA2L (f=2.8~8mm, F1.3) and YV3.3x15SR4A-JA2L (f=15~50mm, F1.5) for 1/2.7” cameras with 3 megapixel resolution as well as DV3.8x4SR4A-JA1L (f=4~12.5mm, F1.5), DV4x12.5SR4A-JA1L (f=12.5~50mm, F1.6) and DV10x8SR4A-JA1L (f=8~80mm, F1.6) for 1/1.8” cameras with 3 and 5 megapixel resolution. Thanks to high resolution and IR correction these lenses are best suited for day/night HD CCTV solutions, traffic applications and industrial imaging.

About p-iris function: The p-iris (precise iris) is a type of automatic iris, that doesn´t offer just automatic adjustment of the iris, but also precise control of the aperture. The incorporated stepper motor allows for positioning of the iris opening to avoid image defects, that appear when the iris opening is very small (blurring due to diffraction) or very large (spherical aberration). In combination with the camera and the software the p-iris automatically provides the best iris position in all lighting conditions. The result is an increase in image quality: sharper images from the center to the edges and a stable depth of field.

Fujinon 360° panomorph lens: 5 megapixel for day and night

At Ifsec, FUJIFILM Europe also presents the Fujinon DF360SR4A-SA2 to join its line of wide angle lenses for use in security cameras. The new lens is a day/night type lens compatible with 5 megapixel high-resolution 1/2.5” cameras. It has a 182-degree field of view to eliminate dead blind spots and capture the peripheral edges of the area being monitored at premium picture quality. DF360SR4A-SA2 uses the panomorph technology of ImmerVision, the market leader in 360-degree panoramic imaging, as well as the high-precision aspherical lens element, built with FUJIFILM's cutting-edge optical simulation technology. The combination improves the image resolution through to the corners of the frame, which are generally more prone to degradation than the frame's center. This enables high-definition image capture across all corners for easy recognition of any persons. Furthermore, since DF360SR4A-SA2 is a day/night lens, it provides clear, sharp images even in low light at night or at dusk to become a powerful tool for round-the-clock surveillance.

About panomorph technology: a technology that uses an ellipse image footprint rather than a circle footprint for increased sensor coverage and amplified resolution along the edges; 'Image footprint' refers to the area where the light that has passed through the lens forms an image.

About ImmerVision: a company that licenses optical and software technologies concerning 360-degree panoramic imaging to lens manufacturers and software developers around the world.

We would like to invite you to come and visit us at our booth in hall 5, booth E25 and experience our latest lenses in live demonstrations. We are looking forward to seeing you at Ifsec!

Hall 5, booth E25

www.fujifilm.eu/fujinon
Mail: cctv@fujifilm.eu
Tel: +49 211 / 5089 0

Fujifilm installs its first Jet Press 720 in Italy

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:04:00 +0200

Fujifilm today announces that it has installed its Jet Press 720 inkjet printing machine for the first time in Italy at FASERVICE, a forward-looking company located in S. Martino Buon Albergo (Verona). “We would never have thought that a digital printer could offer such surprising quality results, better even than those of an offset press,” declares Mr. Renzo Farinati, owner of FASERVICE, demonstrating his satisfaction with the high value the Jet Press 720 has already provided.

On the strength of his experience in the graphic arts industry, Mr. Renzo Farinati created FASERVICE in 1997, focusing primarily on the provision of pre-press services. In line with the evolution of the industry, the company today employs about 20 members of staff, who are managed by Mr. Farinati together with his daughter Lisa and son Massimo - respectively administrative and production managers. In 2004, the company took a new direction, focusing on high quality finishing and on a wide range of finishing techniques. Varnishing, laminating, embossing, glittering and metallic effects obtained through screen printing, are just a few of its specialities.

Mr. Renzo Farinati says: “Differentiation has always been our objective. The print industry today is more than ever a competitive sector where you need to explore new market niches to survive. It is essential for us to equip our business with cutting-edge technologies that support our goal effectively.”

With this in mind, the Jet Press 720 attracted FASERVICE’s interest and was integrated into the production environment by March 2013. “The Jet Press 720 is the first printing machine we have installed in our company with the objective of combining finishing with printing services,” explains Mr. Farinati. “We work primarily with printers and publishers and in recent years we have witnessed a consistent reduction in print runs, as well as a subsequent difficulty for many vendors to manage their work in a profitable way through traditional technologies. In addition, we have experienced a growing demand for innovative and customised short run applications. Following this trend, we’ve recognised a business opportunity to transform FASERVICE into an end-to-end service provider able to offer limited edition printing and finishing applications,” he adds.

The choice for an appropriate printing technology to pursue this goal has been a crucial step for FASERVICE. “While recognising that digital printing was the most effective tool for producing short-runs, the quality of the devices available on the market was unsatisfactory for our standards. Furthermore, the popular B3 format was not ideal for our services. So when we found out about Fujifilm’s Jet Press 720, we were impressed by the technical features that appeared to fully meet our needs,” explains Mr. Farinati.

The Jet Press 720 is an inkjet printer capable of printing in full colour, and in a single pass, a B2 size sheet (720x520 mm printable area, 750x530 mm paper format), with a speed up to 2,700 sheets per hour. The Jet Press 720 uses SAMBA^TM printing heads that reach 1200x1200 dpi resolution with a 2 picolitre drop size, raising quality standards achievable through digital printing systems. What’s more, the Jet Press 720 is capable of printing on many standard offset coated and uncoated papers, by applying a primer to the sheet. After printing, the sheet can be treated in the same way as a normal offset sheet and then finished to have any desired special effects applied.

“The print format and excellent quality and versatility, which allow us to reproduce a potentially unlimited number of applications on a variety of media, are the distinctive values of the Jet Press 720 that proved to be key factors in our decision making process. This Fujifilm solution raises the bar because it bridges the gap between offset and digital print quality,” explains Mr. Renzo Farinati. And he adds: “The Jet Press 720 is extremely competitive compared to offset, printing up to about 1,000 copies, and guarantees the consistency and repeatability of results, from the first to the thousandth copy! Colour reproduction is excellent and system reliability is amazing.”

FASERVICE decided to invest in the Jet Press 720 at the end of 2012, and is now finally able to start the business project it has aspired to for so long. Just a small selection of the applications that FASERVICE wants to experiment with include limited editions, personalised covers, inserts and commercial print, distinguished by short-run production and exclusivity defined by sophisticated finishing techniques.

“Thanks to the Jet Press 720, we plan to grow our range of services and our potential customer base. Next to printers and publishers, who today we can offer convenient and innovative solutions for reprints and limited editions, we believe we have what it takes to stimulate the interest of end users and companies operating in a variety of industries,” explains Mr. Farinati. “From food and beverage to design, fashion to travel and hospitality, there are no limits to the sectors we can approach, offering eye-catching, tactile print solutions, produced thanks to the successful combination of the Jet Press 720 and our ability in finishing techniques,” he says.

With the aim of giving further impetus to the direction of the new business, FASERVICE has also decided to develop a new online web-to-print sales service. To support this project it has installed XMF PrintCentre 3.0, the web-to-print system developed by Fujifilm, to allow the creation of websites dedicated to the sale of print, and to manage the entire process from the online purchase to the PDF file submission for printing. “We have mutated several times since our foundation, and Fujifilm will be our partner of choice to deal with the coming challenges within the business,” concludes Mr. Renzo Farinati.

Elio Ramponi, Graphic Systems Business Domain Manager
at Fujifilm Italy, says: “We are proud to have completed the first Jet Press 720 installation in Italy at a dynamic and innovative company like FASERVICE. Differentiation, exploring new businesses and, above all, offering outstanding applications are key elements in continuing to make printed communications valuable and profitable.”

For further information contact:

Joanna Muggeridge
AD Communications
E: jmuggeridge@adcomms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1372 464470

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies commissions new cell banking facility at Billingham, UK site

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0200

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has announced that it has commissioned on time its new mammalian cGMP Cell Banking Facility (CBF) at its Billingham, UK site.

The new CBF is available to the company's customers either as part of a larger development and manufacturing programme, or as a stand-alone service. It forms the second stage of a major expansion of the company's mammalian cell culture capabilities at the site, following installation last year of new process development and scale-up capabilities. The asset will support delivery of manufacturing programmes for both Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies' Billingham UK, and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA facilities.

The next stage of the company's expansion will be the commissioning of a new cGMP manufacturing facility, also in Billingham, which is well under construction, and due on-line in early Q4 2013. This manufacturing facility, which will primarily utilise single-use technologies, has been designed with input from regulatory authorities and key customers, to offer high flexibility for meeting customers' needs and setting new standards. It will initially offer 200L and 1000L single-use bioreactors, with 2000L bioreactors already planned for 2014.

Steve Bagshaw, Managing Director, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK, said "I am delighted that we have commissioned the Cell Bank Facility within a year of its commencement, and have already started work on our first customer programme. This is the next step in our strategy to grow our services in the CDMO field, becoming a world-class player across both microbial and mammalian cell culture platforms, offering a full life cycle support for our customers".

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies will be exhibiting at BIO, Chicago, 22-25 April, Booth #1467.

About Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (http://www.fujifilmdiosynth.com)

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited is an industry leading biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of recombinant proteins, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, among other large molecules expressed in a wide array of microbial, mammalian, and insect systems. The company offers a comprehensive list of services from microbial and mammalian cell line development, including its proprietary pAVEway™ system, to process development, analytical development, clinical and commercial manufacturing. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is also located in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA as FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc. Both sites have been FDAapproved for the production of commercial biologic products.

Contact:
Bridget Hall, Communications Manager
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Tel : +44 (0)1642 367320
Cell: +44 (0)7796 938929
Email : bridget.hall@fujifilmdb.com

Apple Digital Camera RAW update 4.05 allows iPhoto and Aperture to now support FUJIFILM X-Trans CMOS cameras

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0200

X-Trans CMOS cameras have a new type of sensor filter array developed by FUJIFILM to improve image quality. FUJIFILM has been working to improve image processing of X-Trans and EXR-sensor based raw captures and is happy to announce that the Apple OS X applications iPhoto and Aperture are now able to process RAW files created on X-Trans CMOS cameras. Applying the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.05 to OS X enables iPhoto and Aperture to process RAW files created on the following cameras:

X-Pro1
X-E1
X100S
X20

Please refer the following link for more detail.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1629

UPDATED: FUJIFILM X-Mount Lens Roadmap

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is issuing an updated version of the roadmap for FUJINON X-mount lenses for its FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and FUJIFILM X-E1 compact system cameras. This is further to the last XF lens roadmap issued in June 2012. In response to the large amount of feedback and many requests from users regarding its interchangeable lenses, FUJIFILM aims to further improve the quality, has carried out a review of the lens design and has added new technology. When you combine the below ten XF Lenses with the three X-Mount Lenses that Carl Zeiss announced in September 2012, there will soon be thirteen high-performance lenses available for the X-Mount system which should meet the needs of every photographer and will support a wider range of photography from ultra-wide-angle at 15mm^*1 to super-telephoto at 305mm^*1. Click to enlarge
^*135mm format equivalent * These are not the images of the final product. * The above roadmap is as of April 17th 2013. Specifications are subject to change. * Each value in ( ) is equivalent to 35mm format. For enquiries or information about the Carl Zeiss X-mount lenses, please visit the following URL: http://lenses.zeiss.com

Launch of the first telephoto zoom for the XF Lens series

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the new “FUJINON XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS” lens for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras. FUJINON XF lenses feature advanced lens engineering, capable of drawing the maximum performance out of the highly-descriptive "X-Trans CMOS Sensor" in the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 cameras. The new FUJINON XF55-200mm lens produces sharp images across its entire zoom range, well resolved corner-to-corner. The fast F3.5-4.8 lens facilitates image capture in scenes requiring a fast shutter speed. Its image stabilisation function enables the use of shutter speeds 4.5 stops slower, preventing camera shake even when shooting hand-held in low-light, or at a stopped down aperture. Furthermore, it is built to include two linear motors for high-speed AF of 0.28 seconds, instantaneously focusing on your subject.

Built with advanced optical design to cover the mid-telephoto (84mm^*1) to telephoto (305mm^*1) range and deliver the large maximum aperture of F3.5-4.8 despite its compact size; offering mobility and high descriptive performance at the same time.
Featuring image stabilisation that allows the use of shutter speeds 4.5 stops slower; detecting a wide range of camera shakes from low to high frequencies to deliver advanced correction
Uses two linear motors for high-speed AF and quiet operation, making the lens suitable for video recording as well
Features two ED lens elements including one Super ED lens element that boasts performance equivalent to that of fluorite lenses; controlling chromatic aberrations, which typically occur in long focal lengths, to produce images that resolve well corner-to-corner across the full zoom range
Applying FUJINON's proprietary "HT-EBC Coating" on the entire lens surface to achieve a highly preventative measure against reflections, and to control flair and ghosting
Offering the minimum working distance of 1.1m across the entire zoom range to enable telephoto close-ups, and the ability to capture a small part of a subject
Featuring a 1/3EV step aperture ring so that users can easily adjust the aperture whilst holding the camera up to their eye
The focus ring and aperture ring are made from metal and have been designed to have a high quality feel, with the benefit of being extra robust

NEW Firmware will speed up the Auto Focus performance of the X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras At the launch of the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8R LM lens, FUJIFILM will upgrade the firmware for both the X-Pro1 and X-E1 cameras. Thanks to a new algorithm, the firmware will be able to harness the full capability of the lens enabling both cameras to search the contrast AF quickly throughout the full range of focal lengths. The focus speed will be as fast as 0.7 sec. even if it searches from infinity to the Minimum Object Distance at the telephoto end. By upgrading your X-Pro1 or X-E1 with new firmware you will also improve the AF speed with other existing XF lenses.^*3 The firmware will be available to download from www.fujifilm.com nearer the launch of the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8R LM lens. ^*1 based on CIPA standards ^*2 35mm format equivalent ^*3 It will be necessary to update the firmware on all XF lenses except the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. The lens firmware will be available from July 2013.

Specification Chart


Lens configuration:	14　elements in 10 groups （includes 1 aspherical and 2 extra low dispersion elements）
Focal length:	f=55 - 200mm
(35mm format equivalent)	(84-305mm)
Angle of view:	29.0°-　8.1°
Max. aperture:	F3.5-4.8
Min. aperture:	F22
Aperture control:
Number of of blades	7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Stop size	1/3EV　(17 stops)
Focus range:	Normal ： 1.1m～∞ (whole zoom position) Macro ：1.1 m ～ 3　m (whole zoom position)
Max. magnification:	0.18 x (Telephoto)
*External dimensions (Diameter x Length approx.):** * distance from camera lens mount flange	Φ 75mm x 118mm (Wide) / 177mm (Telephoto）
Weight (approx.):	580g
(excluding caps and hoods)
Filter size:	φ62mm

Fujifilm set to wow visitors with retail-inspired stand at FESPA 2013

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:38:00 +0200

Fujifilm’s eye-catching and vibrant stand (F10S) will attract visitors the moment they arrive at FESPA 2013 (London, June 25th – 29th). Highlighting the importance of print applications, the stand will create the impression of a high quality retail space, showcasing exceptional print in the type of environment it is designed for.

As a key supplier to the wide format industry, with a long heritage and unparalleled expertise in ink manufacture for large format print, Fujifilm will use the show to demonstrate a wide variety of solutions for print service providers of all, sizes highlighting the versatility of its products and technologies and how each one has developed year on year in terms of productivity and quality. Fujifilm will also demonstrate how the company’s advanced suite of XMF workflow products has played a crucial part in this evolution, keeping print production processes as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Ultra high quality print production will be visible in every area of the stand, as different applications and machine capabilities are highlighted in respective zones. These zones will range from those featuring the high-end, flatbed devices of the Inca Onset series of printers, through the first showing of Fujifilm’s five metre version of the Uvistar Pro8 roll fed device, to a range of the company’s well known models in the Acuity family, all with relevant application examples. A number of brand new products will also be revealed at the show, which are set to provide some exciting new developments for users.

In addition, a euromedia zone will highlight the variety of media that each of the Fujifilm printers uses and demonstrate just how versatile the work of a print service provider can be, through the choice of media used on a specific printer.

“We want to show visitors just how significantly things have moved on in terms of the productivity that can be reached at even higher quality levels,” comments Keith Harley, Marketing Director, Fujifilm. “The variety of products we have on the stand, all controlled via our extensive range of XMF print workflow technologies, allows us to demonstrate how easy it is for a PSP to improve the efficiency of his print production process while highlighting the versatility of the platforms and the wide range of final applications that can be achieved.”

Managing colour across wide format devices is also increasingly important, and to show how easy this can be, Fujifilm will be demonstrating its recently launched colour management solution, XMF ColorPath, in action through all areas of the stand. Both workflow and colour management systems have become well established in many commercial print premises in recent years.

XMF ColorPath allows full colour control of wide format devices to ensure consistent colour output, independent of the print device, and being a hosted system means printers can save money (by eliminating the need for installing software on many machines), as it can be controlled from any web browser, with the reassurance that every device connected to the system is using the exact same system and tools for managing colour.

“We are excited to be able to welcome visitors to a very different-looking Fujifilm stand at FESPA in London,” continues Keith. “We are confident they will walk away understanding the endless array of high quality applications that are possible today, all efficiently produced and colour-matched using the technology and expertise we can offer them.”

For further information contact:

Joanna Muggeridge
AD Communications
E: jmuggeridge@adcomms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1372 464470

Arian GmbH installs first Jet Press 720 in Europe

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Europe today announces that Arian GmbH, based in Gleisdorf, Austria, is the first company in Europe to install Fujifilm’s flagship B2 sheet-fed digital inkjet press, the Jet Press 720. Installed in January 2013, the machine is now in production and set to complement an impressive array of screen and digital printing presses at the company.

Arian GmbH is a family-run business with over 220 employees that has been in operation for over 35 years. It specialises in the development and manufacturing of high quality POP, POS, outdoor advertising and self-adhesive products, including 3D design & development. With a global customer base, the company operates both screen and digital printing presses, with as much emphasis placed on finishing, delivery and logistics as on print production. The site extends to around 21,000 m², of which 5,000m² is dedicated to logistics. The company is unique in Europe in operating several five-colour screen printing machines, supplemented by an impressive array of digital printing presses.

Stephan Kollegger, Chief Executive Officer, comments: “As one of the leading companies in the world for screen and digital printing, customer satisfaction is a top priority for us, so we are committed to providing support for our customers in order to make their ideas and visions a reality.”

In line with this vision, the company prides itself on staying ahead of the game by investing in the most recent technologies to enable it to produce customised products for its customers, and the investment in the Jet Press 720 has been built on this ethos. Mr Kollegger continues: “With customer satisfaction such a high priority, we wanted to offer the same kind of service levels on jobs we were outsourcing to offset as our mainstream in house POP and POS work, but this proved impossible. Our ability to turn jobs around quickly on the Jet Press 720 now helps us fulfil this goal.”

With the investment in the Jet Press 720, Arian is now able to offer a high quality print and fulfilment service of three to five days to supplement its main POP and POS offering, bringing all print production now in house. As such, the applications being run on the Jet Press 720 so far include small format POS and posters, together with more traditional brochures and flyers that it offers as an extended service to its current customer base. Mr Kollegger adds: “We can now fulfil every type of job for our POS customers from small to ultra-large format, and as the market trend is for lower run lengths we can now produce small runs of flyers and brochures in house, so the Jet Press 720 is an excellent fit for our business.”

He continues: “The Jet Press 720 also complements the ultra high quality work we produce for some very demanding clients. When we started investigating this type of digital press last year, we concluded that the Jet Press 720 produced the best print quality, something that was critical for us as our customers expect the very best. But we were also impressed by the material handling capabilities of the machine which is one of the most important issues to address.”

Bernd Büchel, Technical Director at Arian, adds: “We anticipate the sweet spot for the Jet Press 720 to be between 200 and 500 sheets, although this may change as we put more print through the machine. We are also very keen to explore the personalisation and versioning that we can now do with the variable data XMF module recently installed, as over 80% of our work is exported and we have many multi-lingual jobs requiring versioning coming through.”

Having taken delivery of the machine in December with the installation taking place in January, Mr Kollegger only has praise for the commitment of the Fujifilm engineers throughout the installation process: “We have a long history with Fujifilm in terms of their screen inks, so we have a good relationship, but despite installing many inkjet printing presses over the last 10 years, we have never seen a company so meticulous in its installation and commissioning process. From the moment the press arrived in boxes to the day the first print run came off the machine, Fujifilm’s approach has been first class, with the installation area kept incredibly clean. There have been inevitable issues to address along the way, but the Fujifilm team has been very supportive throughout the process.”

Asked about the immediate future with the Jet Press 720, Mr Kollegger concluded: “We anticipate building up the volume of work on the machine to two shifts over the spring and summer. We are excited about what the Jet Press 720 brings to our business. We often invest in digital presses and end up using them for many more applications than first anticipated. We expect the same will happen with the Jet Press 720. We look forward to working with Fujifilm during this process.”

The Jet Press 720 is a four colour digital inkjet press capable of printing a B2 sheet in a single-pass, resulting in production speeds of up to 2,700 B2 sheets an hour. It makes use of SAMBA^TM print-head technology to achieve resolutions of 1,200dpi x 1,200dpi with four variable dot sizes, and is set to raise the bar in terms of the quality that can be achieved with a digital printing system. Significantly, by applying a primer to the printed sheet prior to imaging, the Jet Press can print onto standard offset coated and specified uncoated papers.

For further information contact:

Joanna Muggeridge
AD Communications
E: jmuggeridge@adcomms.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1372 464470