In the first major revamp of its Acuity range of flatbed UV printers used in POP, signage, display and photo markets, Fujifilm is launching eight new models at the upcoming FESPA expo in Amsterdam, with Fujifilm Australia offering them to the local market shortly after.
Known as the Acuity Select 20 series, they will replace the Acuity Advance series, first introduced in 2008, and feature improvements in image quality, flatbed architecture and productivity with reduced ink consumption. Four, six and eight-channel models will be available with the addition of light Cyan and light Magenta inks for improved highlight and quartertones in images. White and clear ink options are also added, while the double CMYK ‘squared’ high productivity version will deliver improved overall smoothness in production mode, thanks to a new masking system.
As with all inkjet printers sold by Fujifilm Australia directly to the market, the Acuity Select 20 series will be supplied with ColorGate Production Server 9.02 as the standard RIP/server platform.
“We are all very excited with the new Acuity Select range of flatbed UVs,” said Fujifilm Australia Graphic Systems GM Lindsay Barnes. “A great deal of R&D and thought has gone into the improvements by listening to customers, which will keep the Acuity brand at the top of the world’s most popular flatbed UV printers. As always, every printer is backed by Fujifilm Australia’s extensive service network, with factory-trained technicians.”
Two new print modes have been introduced: Production Fast and Quality Matte; adding to the existing eleven modes from Express to Fine Art. Production output varies according to which mode is selected and how many passes of the ink carriage and is up to 35sqm/hr in Express Mode on the X2 bed size.
Fujifilm manufactures its own ink, with Uvijet KI ink intended as the standard because of its high adhesion to a variety of substrates, excellent colour gamut and satin finish. Uvijet flexible KV inks (for thermoforming) are also available but without the ‘light’ colours. All ink is in convenient 2 litre pouches with the exception of white, which comes in a 1 litre size.
The new Acuity Select 20 range is expected be available in Australia after FESPA 2016 which runs from March 8 to 11 at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre, The Netherlands.