FUJIFILM SCORES BIG AT DRUPA 2024

Drupa, often hailed as the pinnacle event for the print industry, returned after an eight-year hiatus, drawing exhibitors and visitors from around the globe.

Fujifilm showcased its innovative solutions and garnered significant attention. Their presence at Drupa 2024 was marked by new product unveilings, strategic insights, and an emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation.

Why Drupa is the Pinnacle Event

Hidetoshi Kino, General Manager of the Graphic Communication Division at Fujifilm, emphasized Drupa’s unique value: “Each manufacturer exhibits information about their new products at Drupa. In addition, information about products still in development is also exhibited, so the value of Drupa is being able to see the future of the printing industry.”

That same sentiment was echoed by Kevin Jenner, European Marketing

Manager at FUJIFILM Corporation

WFIJ System Business Headquarters, who noted, “It’s the global focal point for print and in Europe certainly dominates our thinking years out from the actual date. I think print companies hold back investment knowing that suppliers bring their big new releases to this show.”

Drupa’s role as a global event is crucial, providing Fujifilm and other exhibitors with a platform to reach an international audience. Kino highlighted, “At Drupa, we can provide information about all of our solutions in a consistent manner to people all over the world, with the actual machines in front of them. I think this was an opportunity for customers all over the world to see our solutions that can provide valuable printed materials from inkjet, toner, WFIJ, and analog printing at the lowest possible cost, with a focus on XMF workflow.”

Innovative Solutions and Future Vision

Fujifilm’s vision for the future of print was prominently displayed at the booth. Kino detailed their advancements: “I think it’s a solution development for inkjet roll printing technology. Roll printing technology can reduce costs by automating processes. The JPress 1160CFG can achieve high-quality printing without slowing down the speed thanks to paper stabilizer technology.”

Additionally, the FP790 showcased Fujifilm’s ability to print short runs of flexible packaging, a previously challenging task.

Jenner elaborated on the wide-format segment: “We have an ongoing aim to bring print solutions to market based on a portfolio of systems covering roll, rigid, and hybrid. All machines have/will have a solid industrial build quality with long life high performing printheads and find the sweet spot between speed, quality, and price.”

Standout Innovations and Future Focus

One of the standout innovations at Drupa was Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE ink technology. Kino noted, “Various manufacturers have been trying to develop water-based UV technology for many years but have not been able to achieve it. It is an ink technology that covers all aspects, including productivity, quality, environmental friendliness, and safety.” This breakthrough is poised to significantly impact the future of print technology.

Jenner also highlighted the theme of sustainability at Drupa, noting, “The emerging theme was sustainability –audibly less noise, less printing, less heavy machinery in action, less use of media.”

Addressing Industry Challenges

Fujifilm is addressing the top challenges for printers through a comprehensive approach. Kino explained, “The challenge for printers is to continually provide added value to printed materials. Our product lineup provides solutions that provide added value to clients and printers and reduce printer costs while taking a bird’s-eye view of the entire printing flow.”

In the wide format sector, Jenner pointed out Fujifilm’s focus on productivity and automation: “Our biggest wide format customers in the world are looking for higher productivity so we introduced a single pass system for sign and display in collaboration with Barberan–the HS Series. At the mid productivity level it’s about automation of hybrid machinery where manpower can no longer keep up.”

Fujifilm’s experience at Drupa 2024 highlighted their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and addressing the evolving needs of the print industry. Their new solutions and technologies not only demonstrated their leadership but also set the stage for future advancements in print.