Fujifilm Shows Packaging Technology Trends at Prime Label Technology Summit

HANOVER PARK, Ill.—June 17, 2015—Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division recently hosted a Prime Label Technology Summit at its Chicago Technology Center, showcasing innovative packaging technology trends to invited attendees.

Highly successful solutions were the focus at the two-day event, allowing experienced industry professionals hands-on demonstrations of the Graphium, a UV inkjet press for labels, packaging, and specialty print; along with learning more about the Flenex series, a new, innovative flexographic plate system.

Attendees were able to get up close to the Graphium, a high-speed modular digital UV inkjet press with the option to integrate flexo and finishing stations for hybrid production and conversion in a single pass—greatly expanding the opportunities that can be converted.

Graphium represents the next generation of UV inkjet press for labels, packaging and specialty print that enables profitable printing of short-run jobs while boosting productivity and providing the ability to produce new print options previously unavailable through traditional flexo technologies. Graphium makes converting short to medium print jobs more profitable, as the press streamlines workflow, requires less setup material, reduces waste and eliminates overruns.

"Unlike trade shows, the Technology Summit gave us the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate Fujifilm processes, supplies and equipment directly with their tech support and product managers," said Jim Kiske, owner of Mulligan Printing, a St. Louis-based print provider established since 1865.

"Seeing and touching the technology while listening to the experts, in addition to the classroom presentations, exceeded my expectations," added Kiske. "I truly appreciated the relaxed learning atmosphere with no high-pressure sales tactics."

The FLENEX FW water-washable plate system also drew attention, and is able to form flat-top dots, and reproduce 200 lpi with halftone dots from one percent to 99 percent. Additional advantages include very good ink transfer, superior compatibility with UV, water-based, and solvent inks; wear resistance and the ability to consistently maintain good product quality even when printing long-run jobs. Compared to solvent processing, drying time is greatly reduced, productivity is increased, and there is a reduced impact on the environment. The innovative water wash system eliminates the need for solvents, wicking cloths, and thermal equipment.

"The water-wash plate material is amazing," noted Johnny Melton, prepress manager, Jet Printing, White Bluff, Tennessee. "I am absolutely amazed at Fujifilm’s commitment to the industry; Fujifilm has the best infrastructure in the country."

Attendees were also able to see a wide array of additional value-added solutions while collaborating with industry leaders CGS-Oris, which discussed Flex Pack label production; Esko showcased extended color gamut printing capabilities; and representatives from TLMI, the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, spoke about industry highlights. Bob Leahey, associate director, InfoTrends, shared his thoughts about what’s trending now in the market.

In addition to learning more about packaging technology, attendees were fortunate to see many other innovations, including the Acuity Series; the J Press line-up; the Inca Onset and Xerox presses housed within Fujifilm’s over 20,000 square foot facility.

“You owe it to your organization to experience a Fujifilm Technology Summit,” concluded Kiske.

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm North America, a marketing subsidiary of Fujifilm Holdings America, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries.

The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. Fujifilm Canada sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada.

About Fujifilm  Holdings
Fujifilm Holdings, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies.  In the year ended March 31, 2015, the company had global revenues of $20.8 billion, at an exchange rate of 120 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship.

Source: Fujifilm.