in the market for a new inkjet digital press, Rising says that for a long time, printers have had to juggle between quality and flexibility on the one hand, versus productivity and cost-effectiveness on the other. However, he says inkjet allows PSPs to have all this with one solution. “Inkjet technology has the productivity to enable the transfer of litho to digital, with the right economics; quality that matches offset; and the media flexibility across standard offset coated and uncoated media,” Rising says. “Canon’s latest inkjet solutions allow PSPs to adapt to change with alternative business models and innovative production print solutions that boost productivity and flexibility to optimise processes, add value to applications, and allow access to new markets while contributing to improved sustainability.” A Dominant Force Another leading manufacturer in this segment is Fujifilm. Taro Aoki, head of digital press solutions at Fujifilm EMEA, picks out two recent machines in particular – the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 and Jet Press 750S High Speed. First announced back in 2021, the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 is Fujifilm’s first digital flexible packaging press. Following successful beta trials in Europe, the US, and Japan, it will be commercially available in late 2023. Key features of the printer include productivity levels of up to 50m/minute, no matter the number of colours, as well as high machine uptime and the ability to change printing jobs and design adjustments within a matter of minutes. The device also has 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution printheads and runs water-based primers and inkjet technologies, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for users. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm Jet Press 750S High Speed was developed more than ten years after the first iteration of Fujifilm’s flagship B2 inkjet press. Designed with market demands in mind, the manufacturer says the device is more versatile and flexible so that it can be used for a greater number of print jobs. The machine features a new High Value mode, which offers a third production option. High Value mode sits in between the existing Jet Press High Quality and High Performance modes, printing at the same resolution as High Quality mode – 1200 x 1200 dpi native resolution – but without the need for the rapid coagulation primer (RCP). “Inkjet printing technology has become a dominant force in printing, with significant increases in speed and quality now the norm,” Aoki says, adding: “The focus has now shifted to other ways of maximising return on investment: print companies should look for a machine that suits their specific requirements rather than neces- ▲ Canon recently launched the new varioPRINT iX-series sheetfed inkjet press 58 July / August 2023 - Issue 343 FOCUS ON / DIGITAL INKJET PRESSES sarily having every whistle and bell. They may also wish to maximise flexibility, with reliable machines that can be used in multiple applications. “Inkjet printing enables PSPs to deliver customised, personalised prints at faster delivery times to their customers. Inkjet machines are capable of printing on a wide range of substrates, including corrugated cardboard, labels, plastics, textiles, and more – and the technology has the potential to offer increased productivity and profitability. “Commercial inkjet can be used to print unmatched high-quality output, suitable for luxury, high-end goods. Meanwhile, wide-format inkjet is used for applications including printing banners, posters, trade show artwork, wallpaper, murals, truck livery, and window graphics.” Versatile Printing Elsewhere and Screen Europe has committed to developing new solutions in inkjet digital. Hiromi Kitagawa, marketing manager at Screen Europe, says inkjet digital print technology offers seamless scalability and adaptability, making it easy to expand and enter new printing markets. “Inkjet digital printing offers versatility, allowing businesses to print on a wide range of substrates with customisable designs and variable data capabilities,” Kitagawa explains, adding: “Inkjet presses can provide high productivity levels on short-run production with a more efficient inventory management which is increasing in demand in the market. “The shift towards digital printing is accelerating, driven by parallel forces: order volume reduction and a decline in run length. This makes inkjet the technology of choice as it can address the critical Inkjet printing technology has become a dominant force in printing, with significant increases in speed and quality now the norm Canon has completed more than 1,000 installations of its ColorStream series across Europe 1,000 ▼ The Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 offers productivity levels of up to 50m/ minute
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==