Fujifilm moves into digital package printing

Fujifilm’s Jet Press 720, which was launched at Drupa 2008, has been evolved to meet the needs of printed packaging applications, according to the company’s global product planning manager of digital printing business, Hideaki Kawai, speaking ahead of the Düsseldorf expo’s 2012 edition.
 
It is claimed by Fujfilm that the Jet press 720 press will revolutionize the market for short-run, high-quality printed packaging. It uses the SAMBA print head technology and water-based inks to print B2 size sheets in four-color at 1,200dpi resolution with four levels of greyscale and an improved color gamut. 
 
Fujifilm claims offset quality for the press, which is commercial on runs of less than 100 cartons upwards. The company is developing in-line converting technology, but sees the application of this press among existing carton houses that already have off-line facilities.
 
Developed in and for a changing market, which continues to see shortening product cycles and the advent of new technology, like smartphones, the Jet Press is claimed to combine speed with high quality, and an ability to handle thicker substrates as well as labels and film. At Drupa 2012, the new digital press will be running folding carton products as a live demonstration.
 
Also new for the package printing market, is Fujifilm’s Flenex DLE (direct laser engraved) platesetter, which the company claims will speed up flexo plate production by simplifying the process, and by being 100 percent VOC-free, enhance its eco-friendly credentials. It also has low energy requirements because it needs no high temperatures for plate drying.
 
Ideal for print-on-demand and repeat work, where plates are required quickly, the DLE system has significant advantages over the LAM (laser ablation mask) process, Fujifilm said. It offers a highly cured plate, manufactured using a unique polymerization reaction combined with a digitally controlled engraving process to give an accurate dot profile, sharper image reproduction and fine detail printing.
 
The Flenex DLE will be shown at Drupa with Fujifilm’s new Flenex WV-1 plate. Designed for carton, flexible packaging and label applications, it is available for UV or water-based inks.
 
Fujifilm products and services will be in Hall 8b, and at Print City in Hall 6, at Drupa 2012.

See PPW issue #2 2012 for a detailed exhibitor preview of Drupa 2012, and read our exclusive interview from issue #1 2012 with show director Manuel Mataré here

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