Midwest Graphics Adds Third Fujifilm Acuity Flatbed Press for Corrugated Offerings

HANOVER PARK, Ill.—December 16, 2015—Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division has shared a wide-format industry success story with long-time customer Midwest Graphics, an Indianapolis-based print provider founded in 1989.

Midwest Graphics invested in a Fujifilm Acuity HD-2504 in 2008, and then added an Acuity Advance in 2011, both of which remain active equipment on their production floor. Recently, they added a new Acuity F as the third press within its Acuity lineup to produce a growing volume of work.

The Acuity F, the newest flatbed press to join the Acuity platform, features dual work zones and registration pins as standard. This UV press is capable of producing exceptional print quality at speeds up to 1,668 sq. ft./hr., considerably more productive than the previous Acuity models. The Acuity F, typically configured with seven colors, including light inks and white, maintains all the advantages of the popular and successful Acuity series, including near-photographic image quality, versatility and ease of use; and is optimized for the efficient and high-speed production of rigid media applications.

"The speed of the Acuity F, as well as the impressive quality, has increased our throughput and improved our bottom line," commented Craig Heavener, research and development and wide-format specialist, Midwest Graphics. "The output we are getting from the Acuity F is far superior compared to our previous press, and as a result we are now able to get much better product out the door."

The Acuity F is designed for high productivity of display and signage purposes, yet Midwest Graphics has implemented this press to enhance its specialized corrugated printing offerings. The Acuity F is quickly approaching 1.5 million square feet, since its install earlier this year.

"Our Acuity F absolutely helps in sales process with new and existing customers," explained Mike LaLonde, co-owner and president, Midwest Graphics. "The sheer output from the Acuity F enables us to be very flexible and cost-competitive, and our jobs are turning much quicker. The Acuity F is an enormous advantage for us, the versatility is tremendous for us; it’s been a big help sales-wise because it’s a big help production-wise."

A platform capable of a wide range of print applications allows for efficient and high quality output. Its large bed size at 8x10’, and zoned vacuum system enables the Acuity F to handle a variety of substrates up to 2” thick.

"We experienced the Acuity F at Fujifilm’s Chicago Technology Center, and we knew this was the press for us upon quickly learning how we can put more sheets on the larger bed, allowing more through-put for corrugated and packaging workflow, and not just signage and POP-type jobs," added LaLonde.

Said Heavener, "Fujifilm is always very accommodating to us." He continued, "It was an easy decision to purchase another Acuity; specifically because of our great relationship with Fujifilm. Having Fujifilm with us years ago when we made the transition from analog to digital printing has been an important part of our success."

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.

Source: Fujifilm.