79 May / June 2024 - Issue 348 www.printmonthly.co.uk low-volume work. He adds that the key to taking advantage of this fact is to invest in fewer systems and focus on higher stability. “End-users are moving lower volume bespoke printing jobs to digital printing presses which offer low volume printing that is reliable and adaptable,” Maloney says, adding: “Through the ability to print high or low volumes of content, both static and variable, inkjet digital presses can turn around work faster than ever without the need for hybrid solutions or templates. “More end-users are looking to manufacturers to offer technology that aligns with their own environmental aspirations and those of their customers. As such, end-users are moving towards devices that offer a reduction in power usage, and a low carbon footprint.” With this, he highlights Kyocera’s own commitment to sustainability. It was the first UK print vendor to make every printing product in its range carbon-neutral, and also the first to offer a fully carbon-neutral managed print service. In terms of tech, Maloney says the TASKalfa Pro 15000c uses up to 70% less power than an equivalent toner-based press, adding that Kyocera’s water-based inks are far less harmful on the environment. “Digital presses like the TASKalfa Pro 15000c are specifically designed to handle higher volumes while retaining the advantages of digital printing, such as faster turnaround speeds and personalisation using variable data,” Maloney says, continuing: “Although the initial cost of investment might seem high compared to outsourcing, end-users need to consider the return on investment and long-term benefits that a digital press offers.” Going into further detail on the TASKalfa Pro 15000c, the device is capable of printing at 150 pages per minute and as many as one million impressions a month. Users can also utilise a Fiery Controller to configure the machine to their exact requirements. In May, Kyocera will extend its range of inkjet digital presses with the TASKalfa Pro 55000c, which will feature on its stand at drupa. Maloney bills the machine as a “game changer”, with the ability to print onto uncoated and coated stock. “The output quality is exceptional whilst the running costs and environmental impact are minimised thanks to inkjet technology,” he explains. Packaging a Punch As for wider developments in this market, right at the end of January, Fujifilm released details of the 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System, a new, integrated solution for industrial production operations for printing on a wide range of labels and packaging material. The system has a drop-on-demand design to help streamline workflow with what the manufacturer describes as “fast, industry-leading” printing speeds of up to 500ft/ min. The new system uses Fujifilm’s proprietary SAMBA printhead technology, which leverages the precision of silicon MEMS processing and sputtered PZT in a parallelogram shape. In addition, the system has a native resolution of 1200dpi to cover a range of label needs, with the ability to also print individually unique QR codes and produce high-quality small fonts. Fujifilm’s 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System is available in four print widths: 10”, 13”, 17”, and 20”. The manufacturer’s 3IC document creation software can also be used with the system to create variable data content. In addition, it uses Fujifilm’s proprietary REDIJET patented ink recirculation to help optimise image quality across the print width to minimise the need for printhead refurbishment. “We’ve seen the use of inkjet continue to grow in the label and packaging markets given its ability to produce high-quality output with variable data,” says Greg Balch, vice president and general manager of the Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions group. “Our vision behind the 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System is to help fill an important gap in the market for imprinting at high DPI and with high reliability.” This round-up represents just a small section of the digital inkjet printer market, with the reality being that this sector is much wider and features plenty more exciting developments. One of the best places to learn more about these advancements, as mentioned by several of our featured manufacturers here, is drupa 2024, which runs from May 28th to June 7th at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. For those planning on heading over, Print Monthly has a special article previewing the event and picking out some of the many highlights for visitors on P56. DIGITAL INKJET PRINTING ▲ Screen will show its new Truepress JET 560HDx at Drupa 2024 ▼ Kyocera says its TASKalfa Pro 15000c uses up to 70% less power than an equivalent toner-based press
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