Each type of printing technology offers its own benefits and selling points, and this can often lead to something of a dilemma when it comes to selecting the type of kit that you want to work with. Hybrid machines offer something of a solution to those in such a quandary; they allow the user to make use of more than one technology or methodology on a single device. This not only saves them having to invest in more than one machine but also expand the capabilities of the user and use far less floor space than two devices would. With that in mind, Print Monthly caught up with several specialists within this market to find out more about their latest and most popular hybrid solutions, as well as the other benefits print service providers (PSPs) can expect from working with this type of kit. A Cost-effective Approach First up is Fujifilm, which has championed the benefits of hybrid machines for some time. Shaun Holdom, business development manager for wide-format at Fujifilm, says 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.” If you are in the market for a new hybrid machine, Holdom says there are several features and attributes to look out for. These include the ability to deliver a high-quality output and operate at higher speeds to speed up turnover. Holdom also says PSPs should consider advanced features, saying the best performing hybrid machines on the market include media transport systems such as intelligent vacuum systems with sensors and mesh conveyor belts with clips. On this, he highlights automation features that increase productivity as features that are becoming increasingly sought after. Other machine highlights should include BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Rather than having to pick between two different technologies, hybrid machines allow users to benefit from both. Print Monthly takes a closer look at some of the latest solutions available to the market 65 HYBRID MACHINES March / April 2024 - Issue 347 www.printmonthly.co.uk ◄ Fujifilm’s Acuity Prime Hybrid can print on substrates up to 2m in width at production quality from 92sq m/hr
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==