LFP - Large-Format-Printing
USS Graphics sets new standards in digital wide-format printing with first Inca Onset installation in Africa
Friday 08. May 2015 - Commercial print service provider USS Graphics has become the first company in Africa to invest in an Inca Onset printer. The Onset R40i, which is currently being installed with three-quarter automation at its premises in Epping, Cape Town, will enable the company to expand its service offering and venture into new markets.
The company is one of a very few production houses in South Africa that offers what it calls campaignability – the ability to produce all elements of a campaign in one location. This includes small and large format screen, offset and digitally printed applications. With the global shift towards shorter and shorter print runs and the need for variable data, USS Graphics knew it had to adapt its fleet to reflect this market change.
“We didnt want to invest in another digital device to replace our conventional presses, but rather something that could complement it,” comments Louis Burger, managing director of USS Graphics. “The Onset and its ongoing development has been on our radar since it was launched in 2007, but we started in depth discussions with Fujifilm and other manufacturers offering high end wide-format digital printers at drupa 2012.”
So, after comprehensive testing and being satisfied that Fujifilms support base in South Africa was adequate to maintain a digital printer of this magnitude, USS Graphics placed an order for the Inca Onset R40i. Louis continues: “It was important for us to find the best device that could deliver the optimum quality vs speed ratio, and the Onset R40i proved to be the ideal choice.”
Louis is excited about the wealth of benefits that the Onset R40i will bring to the business: “Although this isnt our first digital large-format device, the Onset R40i will set new quality and productivity standards. Not only will it allow us to expand into new markets, but it will also maximise profitability on certain jobs as it eliminates the need for pre-press and make-readies, as well as certain post-press processes.”
The Onset R40i, a perfect combination of quality and productivity
The Onset R40i, which was launched at FESPA Digital last year, uses Fujifilm Dimatix Spectra print heads which deliver a 14 picolitre (pL) drop size, and has a genuine productivity of 400 m2/hour. Based on the dynamic Onset Scaleable Architecture platform, it is available with a variety of colour options (CMYK, Lm, Lc and White), with customers having the ability to modify their machine from a four-colour configuration to five, six or seven colours (up to eight ink channels – two for white ink).
The availability of the full-width array LT version of the Inca Onset R40i, which was announced in February this year, allows printers who are currently considering a mid-range digital flatbed the opportunity to invest in a future-proof, cost effective high-end alternative. As their business grows, customers can adapt other elements of the printer, such as the UV curing lamps, automation, speed modes, electronics and software, to suit their evolving production needs.
With the Onset R40i, a maximum output resolution of 1200dpi can be produced on media up to 3.14m x 1.6m in size and up to 50mm thick at the rate of up to 80 full-bed sheets per hour. A choice of uni-directional, bi-directional and super high-quality print modes can be selected depending on the specific job requirements. The Onset also supports Incas Print Run Controller software for companies requiring variable data printing capability.
Choice of automation
Compatible with Incas flexible automation system, the Onset R40i gives customers the choice to operate manually, or with semi or three-quarter automation. Thanks to the continuous feed and print when utilising the automation system, users can reduce labour costs and achieve increased productivity and efficiency.
“The Onset R40i delivers the ideal combination of speed and quality, making it the ideal investment for print service providers that produce a mix of fast turnaround retail graphics for distance viewing, but also high-quality applications that will be viewed at short distances,” concludes Tomonori Hemmi, General Manager of Fujifilm South Africas Graphics and Medical Systems Divisions. “USS Graphics is setting a new standard for any printer in South Africa that is looking to maximise profitability without compromising on quality or productivity, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure they capitalise on the wealth of opportunities the Inca Onset device offers as soon as the installation is complete.”