Fujifilm has launched a new solution for POP corrugated board printers. The solution is a combination of the Inca Onset S40i, Fujifilm’s new Uvijet OC inks and its new handling system that was previewed in January.

One of the inherent challenges for printing corrugated board is managing distorted (bowed) substrates. Depending on the severity of the distortion, various methods (skids, rollers, print height adjustment) can be been used to overcome this issue, but all affect print quality. In addition, due to the absorbent nature of the substrates typically used, there is a tendency for ink to sink in leaving an uneven matt finish. This can require prints to be over varnished to meet the quality expectations for the end customer. Fujifilm has been working to overcome these challenges with the result being the launch of a new Uvijet ink system as well as a completely different solution for handling corrugated substrates.

Building on its heritage in developing screen inks for POP corrugated board applications, and as a pioneer of UV inkjet inks and industry leader with its award winning Uvijet ink range, the company has used its extensive knowledge to develop a set of digital inks offering a range of finishes from low glare satin to high impact gloss that can be used for all types of corrugated applications. As corrugated displays are required to be cut, folded and shaped, but not necessarily directly after printing, Fujifilm’s new Uvijet OC inks allow for any required storage time, and the printed corrugated board can be manipulated weeks after printing with amazing end results.

Alongside this ink development, the company has also designed a brand new automated handling system which uses a ‘vacuum-to-vacuum’ transfer method. The system has been designed to deliver full automation.It utilises a robotic arm and camera system to distinguish the location and orientation of a stack (within 0.5mm), separate the top sheet and transfer it to the vacuum bed of the Onset without any gripping or squeezing which could leave marks on the outer edge. This enables the transportation of uneven materials (which could have up to a 20mm difference per linear metre in distribution end-to-end), to be held flat on the table with no marks affecting the printed area. This eliminates the need for an excessive gap between print heads and substrate thus maintaining sharp text and image quality on these difficult surfaces.

Once printing is complete a second automated head also utilising a vacuum system picks up the printed sheet and drops it onto a delivery stack. With both heads working simultaneously, the productivity of the Onset is increased to over 500m2/hr.

“This combination of printer, ink and handling system enables our customers in the corrugated display market to be confident that they can produce an even higher class of POP displays than ever before, as there are no longer any compromises to be made,” comments Tudor Morgan, marketing manager, Fujifilm. “We are confident that bringing this solution to market will open up new business opportunities for these printers and give the industry a new standard to work to.”