Fujifilm launches flexible packaging press

According to Fujifilm, digital print within the flexible packaging segment makes up less than one percent of the overall total output. It is becoming increasingly necessary as the demand for shorter and more strategic runs, faster delivery times, more SKUs and a more efficient print process continues to grow. 

The new FP790 has been developed to meet the increased demand that can only be accomplished using a high-end digital production asset. According to the company, the latest press employs environmentally friendly water-based primers and water-based inkjet technologies, which meet or exceed all regulatory requirements for flexible packaging printing. Laminating, slitting, and bag-making can be processed in the same way as existing analog printing, so no additional capital investments are required. 

The maximum substrate width is 31 inches (790mm) with a printing speed of 164 ft/min (50 m/min). Changeover can be implemented within a ‘matter of minutes’, contributing to the overall improvement of production efficiency by using the FP790 in combination with existing analog assets.

Using 1200 X 1200 DPI resolutions with CMYK colored inks, the FP790 is said to achieve more than 90 percent of the Pantone color gamut while also using two white inkjet channels for delivering high white opacity. 

‘We have been able to provide to the commercial print markets the highest image reproduction quality and productivity that surpasses even the best offset printing presses, allowing the J Press brand to achieve high market share around the world,’ said Matt Bennett, global vice president business strategy for packaging at Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphics Systems Division. 

‘To date, we have installed more than 200 J Press digital machines in the commercial and folding carton markets, continuing our market leadership worldwide. We’re excited about the added capabilities and increased efficiencies the FP790 will bring to the flexible packaging industry,’ concluded Bennett.