mean faster turnover of jobs and improved productivity, ensure these speeds can be achieved without compromising quality. “Also consider the feature of the machine. The best performing hybrid machines include media transport systems such as intelligent vacuum systems with sensors and mesh conveyor belts with clips. In addition, automation features that increase productivity are becoming increasingly sought after. “I’d also advise researching the ink performance and their performance on a machine, you can read our Under the Hood Special on P34. Versatility is Key Meanwhile, Shaun Holdom, business development manager for wide-format at Fujifilm, shares the opinion that hybrid machines offer a number of advantages to companies in the wide-format and sign-making sectors. He explains that having a hybrid machine as part of a portfolio enables businesses to increase their productivity. “Thanks to their high level of versatility, hybrid printers have enabled PSPs to branch into new markets, without investing in multiple printers that can handle a small number of applications,” Holdom says, adding: “This is particularly true since the pandemic, when some print markets significantly shrunk, while others, proving their resilience, dramatically grew. Running a single, multi-use hybrid printer is more cost effective and takes up less space on-site than operating multiple machines.” So, what should you be looking for in a hybrid machine? Holdom picks out several factors to consider when investing in new technology. “First and foremost, quality,” he says, continuing: “Hybrid machines with a high-quality output enable the business to charge a higher margin, which in turn improves their ROI. Then, you should be considering speed; while higher speeds range of rigid substrates and flexible media. In addition, it may be worth considering working with curing technology as hybrid machines with LED UV curing enable fast drying times and quicker job turnarounds.” With this, Holdom goes on to discuss the options available from Fujifilm. He begins with the Acuity Prime Hybrid, which, modelled on the Acuity Prime flatbed press, can handle rigid and flexible media. “When used as a flatbed, it can print on substrates up to 2m in width at production quality from 92sq m/hr,” Holdom says, adding: “It can also print on up to four pieces of rigid media simultaneously, and features registration pins for highly precise edge to edge printing. The roll-fed configuration can be loaded with two rolls each up to 0.9m wide.” Fujifilm also offers the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED 3.3m high-end printer, which builds on the functionalities of the Acuity Ultra R2 to offer hybrid printing across both rigid and flexible substrates. “It prints at speeds of up to 218sq m/hr (RTR) and delivers a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200dpi,” Holdom says, adding: “The printer combines ultra-high quality and a competitive return on investment for both rigid and flexible applications, all in one platform.” Productivity Benefits Elsewhere, the aptly named Hybrid Services, which exclusively distributes Mimaki kit in the UK and Ireland, has several hybrid machines in its portfolio. Andrew Gregory, sales director at Hybrid Services, says there are numerous benefits to be had from using an integrated printer and cutter device, highlighting the Mimaki CJV330-160 as one such machine. “By combining the two functions into ▲ Vivid’s Easymount Hybrid incorporates both a traditional roll-fed laminator and a flatbed applicator 50 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 252 - April / May 2024 Working with a hybrid machine like this makes investment in technology cheaper for users ▼ The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED from Fujifilm delivers a print resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi HYBRID MACHINES
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