Fujifilm is a step closer to launching an inkjet press for flexible packaging, striking a deal with Hybrid Software to develop a DFE for its JetPress FP790 mid width press.
That press was announced two years ago and will be shown at Interpack in May running at 1200dpi using an aqueous ink at 50m/min. The specification includes CMYK and two white stations to produce the necessary opacity on clear PET and BOPP films. It has an image width of 753mm on a 790mm web width.
Fujifilm is saying that the Smart DFE developed for the press is “the first of its kind to be developed by a software company for use in the packaging market”. However, Esko has partnered with HP on the DFE for the Indigo models for flexible packaging and Hybrid announced a deal to develop a Smart DFE for packaging with Agfa, though this was not intended for an inkjet flexible packaging press.
The Fujifilm DFE will be open architecture and will have access to Hybrid’s packaging design and production workflow applications. The integration will be seamless to minimise set up times and allow the press to fit an Industry 4.0 workflow architecture, ie lights out production.
This is not Fujifilm’s first flexible packaging inkjet press. That was the 540W, but it uses UV inks which restricted its adoption to packaging printers in Japan. The FP790 addresses the needs of converters in the US and Europe where water based inks are required.
The software development was led from the US where Mike Agness, EVP at Hybrid Software, says: “The combination of our extensive knowledge and understanding of Rip to-print production workflows for the packaging sector, and Fujifilm’s expertise in colour management and print production has been a perfect match in the development of the innovative technologies that lie at the heart of the new JetPress FP790.”
Manuel Schrutt, head of packaging at Fujifilm Graphic Systems EMEA, adds that the new DFE “will deliver maximum production efficiencies and the highest quality output required to meet the ever growing demands of the flexible packaging market now and into the future”.
He joined Fujifilm just over a year ago after five years with Landa, latterly as general manager for Europe, and a seven-year spell with HP before that.
