Technology | What to Watch


during the machining process and increase the accessibility of the already machined workpieces during removal. While on one material carrier material is being cut, the other side can already be reloaded. Thanks to the open system, robot loading is also possible in 24/7 operation. An automatic table change after laser cutting is also integrated. The two material carriers can be used individually or coupled, which enables the processing of large-surface materials.


FIERY Drupa saw Fiery introduce its newest AI and automation capabilities for ink management, prepress and job preparation. AI-driven features include new Fiery InkWise for ink stock management and a new intelligent job ticketing assistant. At the show, company also previewed the latest Fiery JobFlow prepress workflow software that intelligently automates job preparation steps to ensure files are print-ready with minimal manual intervention. Demonstrations showed how the system uses AI to improve image resolution, simplify preflight reports and enable easy printing by scanning a barcode, or using voice commands on the phone.


FUJIFILM


automation system has a loading option to feed material to the printer and an unloading system to unload the material from the printer to a pallet.


There are a few other announcements from Fujifilm worth noting. Firstly, it has partnered with IST Metz to launch Smartcure, an AI-based software that works out how much energy within a curing device is needed to cure ink. By minimising the current and operating temperature, Smartcure is intended to extend the lifespan of LED systems. At Drupa Fujifilm also introduced a new Dimatix Skyfire SF600 printhead, which is based on its silicon Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (Si-MEMS) technology and delivers 600dpi with drop size range of 5-25pL and nozzle layout that enables high throw distance to meet a broad range of applications.


INKTEC


The 2.5 x 1.3m flatbed Jetrix LXa5 LED UV printer was first shown at Fespa Global 2024. It runs at up to 37m2


/hr (4-pass) and uses Konica


Minolta 6pl printheads delivering up to1440 x 726dpi. It can handle media up to 100mm thick, has pneumatic pin registration, and an anti- crash system to protect printheads. Possible colour configurations are: CMYK, CMYKWW and CMYKWW plus varnish and primer.


Pre-Drupa Fujifilm announced a new inkjet ink technology called Aquafuze, which combines water-based and UV curable ink. The proprietary technology helps to reduce clogging of the inkjet printhead and the ink adheres to a wide variety of substrates without pre-coat primers and optimisers. Following on from this Drupa saw a technical preview of the 1.6m wide Acuity Triton printer which uses the new ink. The hardware though is manufactured in Japan by Mutoh (see Mutoh below for information on its version).


KONGSBERG PCS Kongsberg PCS used Drupa to show-off its latest advances in automation with the new 7-axis, rail-mounted Robotic Material Handler system, having introduced the Kongsberg Ultimate digital cutting platform at the end of last year and having revealed an automated feeder and stacker to increase productivity.


MIMAKI


The UCJV330-160 was first shown in the UK at Sign and Digital UK this spring, along with the TxF300-75.


28m2


The UCJV330-160 LED UV roll-to-roll integrated printer/cutter runs at /h for a 4-colour configuration or 18m2


/h with white and/or clear


inks. The solution is built to print on various substrates and offers 2.5D print to create unique textured surfaces. The TxF300-75 direct-to- film printer operates on a maximum printing width of 80cm and runs at 6.5m2


/h.


Demonstrated together for the first time at the Mimaki Experience Centre in Amsterdam during Fespa Global 2024 was a UV print-and-cut solution comprising the new JFX600-2531 large-format flatbed UV printer and the CFX-2531 flatbed cutter.


Other Fujifilm printer newcomers include the Acuity Ultra Hybrid Pro, with print speeds in excess of 600m2/hr. It can be integrated with a new automation system designed to handle rigid materials, allowing a single operator to run the machine for a full pallet-to-pallet process. The


16 | August/September 2024 The JFX600-2531 follows the launch of the JFX600-2513 in 2021 and


offers the same levels of productivity, maximum resolution of 1,200dpi, and 2.5D printing function, but it has a bigger bed size of 3.1m. Mimaki has also optimised the ‘Toggle Print Function’ for the JFX600-2531, which


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