FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems

The large research and development team in Broadstairs, supported by an inkjet integration group based in Cambridge (FCEF) and the Fujifilm research centre in Japan, work together to optimise product performance, exploiting their unmatched understanding of ink chemistry, print applications, media, printheads and UV curing.

Since the launch of the first UV inkjet system, and through continuous R&D investment, Fujifilm chemists have learned a huge amount about UV inkjet design.  Combining printhead and performance specifications with in-depth application expertise, they create inks that are tailored to a specific application and optimised to work perfectly with a particular printhead.

Inks are rigorously tested in the laboratory and in production environments where prints are tested for jetting reliability, print quality, production performance and weathering to ensure they meet Fujifilm’s stringent performance and quality assurance standards.

The FUJIFILM Cambridge Engineering Facility (FCEF) is a wholly owned division of FSIS, which was set up in 2011 as a centre of excellence to provide innovative printing solutions to the digital graphics industry.  Working in partnership with the research and development team in Broadstairs, they are tasked to:

• Demonstrate innovative print systems that enable the Company to enter new market segments.
• Create digital printing test systems that enable efficient and rigorous ink development.
• Collaborate with OEMs to enable efficient and reliable digital printing technology adoption for commercial applications.
• Provide a technology interface between OEMs and Fujifilm partners.

The manufacturing facility at FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems’ Broadstairs site occupies 8000m², with an additional 4000m² of finished product warehousing space.

Fujifilm uses a sophisticated manufacturing process where the need for consistent high quality permeates the entire production process.

Inkjet ink production is carried out in a process controlled, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This recognises the equal importance of both the ink formulation and the production process, and provides controls over every aspect of manufacture to ensure consistency.

• Raw materials
  Fujifilm works in partnership with its raw material suppliers ensuring that these materials meet an agreed specification.

• Micro-V dispersion
  Colour pigments are dispersed to reduce the size of particles down to less than 200nm – far smaller than a human cell.  Fujifilm’s proprietary Micro-V dispersion process takes over 30 hours.

• Mixing
  The pigment dispersion is blended with the other components in the formulation in mixing vessels capable of producing 4 tonne batches.

• Post processing
  Post processing is the final part of the Micro-V dispersion process and is designed to equalise pigment particle distribution within the finished ink.

• Automated filling and packing
  To deal with high production volumes the filling and packing process is semi-automatic.  Inks are packaged in a variety of containers, pouches and cartridges.

FSIS has invested significantly in alternative methods of reducing its environmental footprint at its manufacturing site.

• Reducing energy use
  ‘Waste’ energy in the form of heat from production processes and compressed air generation via a bespoke new heat exchange system is used to provide 70% of the heating required for the factory.

• Reusing waste
  100% of the manufacturing packaging and production waste is recycled.

This work has played its part in FSIS being accredited to the Environmental standard ISO 14001, in addition to the Quality standard ISO 9001 and twice being awarded the Best Process Plant ‘Best Factory Award’.

At FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems the quality of our products and processes is only surpassed by the quality of our people. Our success is firmly rooted in talented people defined by their ability, know-how, innovation and commitment to customers and to each other. Add this to their enthusiasm, team working and responsibility for continuous improvement it is little wonder we are the company of choice for people to build their career in.

Interested in working for FSIS?

We have a range of opportunities and are always especially interested in hearing from highly capable people across a range of technical disciplines including chemists and development engineers.

To apply please send your CV with a covering letter to fsis.human-resources(at)fujifilm(dot)com