Fujifilm North America’s Graphic Systems Division has entered into the high-end wide-format hybrid market with the unveiling of the new Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED Wide Format Printer. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED handles both rigid and flexible media in one platform, delivering maximum speeds of up to 2,346 ft²/hr. (roll-to-roll) and resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The printer, which will be commercially available beginning on 2023, will be available for demonstration at the Printing United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 19-21.
“The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED wide format printer is a high-end printer for rigid and flexible media for the sign and display market, offering superb, high-quality printing in a 3.3m platform,” said Shaun Holdom, Marketing Manager of Fujifilm Ultra Products. “The printer features new Fujifilm Uvijet UH inks, designed to produce both exceptional near-photographic quality for close viewing applications including interior graphics, signage and décor, as well as the speed and durability for long-distance viewing applications including short-term and long-term exterior signage and industrial applications,” he added.
The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED also features media loading and unloading tables with a unique textured table surface designed to optimize the feeding and alignment of rigid media. A strong catch mechanism protects against accidental damage, and secure locking allows for media feed accuracy throughout every print run. Its Graphic User Interface (GUI) features the same design features found on the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 and includes additional functionality to handle rigid media production – up to six sheets simultaneously. An intelligent vacuum control system automatically turns on the correct vacuum zones needed for any print job based on the width of the media, and the vacuum motor power constantly adjusts to maintain optimal media hold down, regardless of media type and size (ensuring an accurate and high-quality print. A tailored designed airshaft allows dual-roll functionality, two media rolls of different diameters (each up to 14 inches) that can run at the same time.
Fujifilm also developed a new inkjet ink series, Uvijet UH, specifically for the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer, with six colours (CMYK, Lm, Lc) available as standard and white ink available as an option. The new ink has both Greenguard Gold and AgBB certifications. Uvijet UH has been designed to adhere to a broad range of rigid and flexible media types, delivering the same exceptional high quality of the Uvijet GS and AU inks used in the Acuity Ultra R2, while also minimizing ink usage and waste that helps to reduce running costs. “Our new blueprint for wide format printer offering, announced last year, will provide our customers with greater flexibility, ease-of-use and even better ROI,” Holdom added. “The development of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED showcases Fujifilm’s commitment to continually meet our customers’ changing needs.”