63 Issue 254 - August / September 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk WIDE-FORMAT PRINT KIT PT.1 There is seemingly no stopping the runaway train that is wide-format print. With digital print technology continuing to evolve and manufacturers bringing new and innovative solutions to market at a regular rate, those looking to expand and grow in this sector are backed strongly by new machinery. Development this year has stepped up a notch, with some manufacturers opting to use the two major international print events - the FESPA Global Print Expo and drupa - as platforms to launch their latest solutions to the market. With a combined global audience in excess of 100,000, it is easy to see why they elected to do so. Here, SignLink takes a closer look at some of the latest innovations in the wide-format print market and how these new technologies and advancements could help signage companies continue to succeed. Revolutionary Technology Among the launches that have drawn significant interest in recent months is the new Acuity Triton, announced by Fujifilm on the first day of drupa. Using the manufacturer’s ‘AQUAFUZE’ patented, water-based ink technology, the Acuity Triton measures 1.6m wide. Upon launching the machine, Fujifilm says the Acuity Triton brings together two titans of the wide-format inkjet industry. The actual hardware is manufactured in Japan by Mutoh, while the AQUAFUZE ink has been developed and produced by Fujifilm. The primary aim of this collaboration is to support customers with work across a range of applications. Focusing on the AQUAFUZE technology, Fujifilm says this meets a “multitude” of market requirements by combining the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet. Stand-out points include low-energy, low temperature drying compared to traditional water-based print systems, while the manufacturer also says it provides excellent adhesion to a wide range of media without the need for a precoat primer or optimiser. Using these inks, Fujifilm adds, means all printed materials have a thin film, which is scratch-resistant and does not require a top coat. In addition, they are lowodour and compliant with a host of safety measures, while customers also benefit from jetting stability through reduced nozzle blocking due to low temperature drying. “In a saturated market, it was high time a revolutionary technology broke into this space to offer wide-format print companies NEW INNOVATIONS Following the launch of various new technologies at major industry events such as FESPA and drupa, SignLink picks out some of the latest developments and releases from the wide-format print sector ▲ HP says the new, 10L ink accessory for its HP Latex 2700 opens up opportunities for higher volume print businesses
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