Fujifilm donates equipment for Sonoco Institute

Students working in the Clemson University Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics can now output prototypes faster and on a wider range of materials than ever before thanks to a gift from Fujifilm. The donation includes the Acuity Select 26 digital UV flatbed press and the Illumina LED Retrofit System along with a three-year commitment that includes training and maintenance support.

‘Fujifilm is proud to donate these innovative solutions that will no doubt enrich the packaging design and graphics programs at Clemson University,’ said Steve Bennett, vice president of packaging solutions at Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division. ‘Students enrolled in the packaging design and graphics programs at Clemson are developing technical and creative abilities that will allow them to be successful professionals in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.’

The Sonoco Institute is an education and research facility for industry collaboration where packaging science and graphic communications students can discover, develop and deliver advanced solutions for tomorrow's printing and packaging value chain. The new hardware will provide them with the opportunity to learn on technologies widely used in the industry, better preparing them for their post-collegiate careers.

‘These are going to be great resources for students with emphases in both graphics and packaging at Clemson,’ said Chip Tonkin, chair of graphic communications and director of the Sonoco Institute. ‘As digital printing and flexography continue to evolve in the packaging industry, it’s critical to have resources like these for students to be effective after graduation. We are extremely grateful to Fujifilm for placing these cutting-edge technologies on campus to be used for education and research.’

The Acuity Select 26 offers versatility of printing high quality graphics on rigid, flexible and roll media. The Illumina Coldcure LED retrofit system, recently installed on the existing flexographic press residing with the graphic communications department, delivers curing via patented LED-UV technology.

Students using the new equipment will be printing their class projects and running trials to build data points around these technologies.

‘Having access to this equipment at the Sonoco Institute is advancing our prototyping capabilities for education, research and real-world application,’ said Haley Appleby, packaging science lecturer at Clemson University. ‘Students in my classes are being trained on how to operate the Acuity which makes them even more equipped to enter the packaging industry after graduation.’