BCQ HAS MOVED FROM ROLLFED wide format inkjet printing to flatbed, buying a Fuji Acuity Advance HS flatbed press during Fespa.
Chairman Richard Knowles explains that the company had been looking for a flatbed machine for some time. “We were looking for something that not only would ramp up output speeds, but also deliver the ‘zap-between-the-eyes’ quality that some of our high-end clients have come to expect from us.
“WE SERACHED THE MARKET FOR over three months looking for the ideal product, until a visit to Fujifilm’s APTC (Advanced Print Technology Centre) in Belgium convinced us the Acuity Advance HS could be exactly what we needed.”
The machine can deliver production quality print at 40.2 sq m/hr or much higher quality at 28.4 sq m/hr. There is also an express mode for printing at 61 sq m/hr. The press joins the Jolly Big large format unit at BCQ, which is equipped with six machines from Mimaki, Canon, HP and Kodak roll fed inkjet printers as well as finishing equipment to laminate and cut boards.
THE FLATBED INVESTMENT WILL allow the company to print direct to substrate, eliminating a process step, but with the increase in production capacity perhaps also putting pressure on the finishing side. The product portfolio has to date included banners, indoor and outdoor signage and display boards.
This in turn sits alongside its well-equipped litho and digital print areas. The company added two Heidelberg XL75 presses last year. It also operates a Fuji XMF production workflow which was also installed last year. As well as the workflow and now flatbed inkjet press, BCQ has used Fuji plates since 2007.
Acuity fitted the bill for expansion of the large format operation.
